Additional Coverage:
- Local Teamsters groups announce Harris endorsements after national union declines to do so (nbcnews.com)
Teamsters Union Endorses Kamala Harris
Despite the national Teamsters union declining to endorse a presidential candidate in 2024, local units are rallying behind Vice President Kamala Harris.
Approximately 20 local Teamsters unions, representing 1 million workers, have endorsed Harris, including in battleground states like Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. This support comes despite the union’s previous endorsements of Democratic candidates.
The decision to break with tradition and not endorse a candidate was made due to the belief that neither candidate made sufficient commitments to protecting workers’ interests.
However, individual Teamsters units are offering their support, with endorsements from Michigan and Wisconsin Teamsters. The Michigan unit’s decision was unanimous, while the Wisconsin unit acknowledged some member support for Trump.
The endorsements by local Teamsters units are a setback for Harris, but the Teamsters’ official non-endorsement has not prevented them from expressing their support.
Former Teamsters president James P. Hoffa stated that the 2024 election is "too important" for the union to remain neutral, endorsing Harris as the candidate who has consistently supported working families and unions.
The impact of these endorsements on Harris’ chances of winning the election remains unclear, as internal Teamsters polls have shown mixed support for Trump and Biden. Trump has praised the non-endorsement, highlighting the weight the Teamsters carry.