The Teamsters Union’s decision not to endorse a candidate in the 2024 presidential election marks a significant departure from its historical role in backing candidates.
For the first time since 1996, the union has opted to remain neutral, citing the inability of either candidate—Kamala Harris or Donald Trump—to make firm commitments on key labor issues. Teamsters General President Sean O’Brien explained that neither candidate could offer sufficient pledges to protect the union’s interests, such as honoring the right to strike and avoiding interference in critical union campaigns.
Fox’s Neil Cavuto: “No endorsement also means you can have it both ways, and you’re not taking a stand.”@Teamsters President Sean O’Brien: “No, we’re not looking to have it both ways at all. I take a stand every day. We call balls and strikes. You know, there’s some great… pic.twitter.com/jeUmCzCMs6
— Curtis Houck (@CurtisHouck) September 18, 2024
This decision is especially striking given the Teamsters’ longstanding support for Democratic candidates, including their endorsement of President Biden in 2020.
Speculation grew that the union might back Trump this cycle, especially after O’Brien engaged with prominent Republicans like Sen. Josh Hawley and attended the Republican National Convention. However, Trump’s remarks about firing striking workers, which O’Brien condemned as “economic terrorism,” likely derailed any potential support from the union.
Internal polling revealed that a significant portion of Teamsters members favor Trump over Harris, with over 59% voting to endorse Trump in a union-commissioned survey, compared to 34% for Harris.
Despite this, O’Brien decided against a formal endorsement, highlighting that the union’s leadership is focused on policies rather than party affiliations. Trump’s campaign seized on the internal polling numbers, framing the lack of endorsement as evidence of growing grassroots support among union members.
I’m confused
For the first time in 30+ years the Teamsters Union will not be endorsing a Presidential candidate
They said they didn’t have “majority support” among their members for 1 or the other
I’m sorry but doesn’t 58% count as a majority?
The members want Trump
The… pic.twitter.com/XfFbMe7DYC
— DC_Draino (@DC_Draino) September 18, 2024
This neutrality, while a blow to both campaigns, underscores the increasingly complex relationship between labor unions and political parties. The Republican Party continues to struggle with union leadership, as shown by polling that indicates most Americans believe Democrats better represent union interests.
However, significant portions of union members remain open to Republican candidates like Trump, especially in key swing states where their votes could be pivotal.
