In a historic decision, the\u00a0Teamsters’ General Executive Board announced that the union will not be endorsing a presidential candidate in the 2024 election, following a surprising surge in support for former President\u00a0Donald Trump\u00a0among its membership. This marks the first time since 1996 that the influential labor union, one of the largest in the U.S., has opted not to back a candidate for the presidency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The decision comes after internal polling revealed significant support for Trump, contrasting with the union’s past endorsements of Democratic candidates. The move reflects the diverse political views within the union’s 1.3 million members and its commitment to focusing on issues rather than party lines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Earlier Wednesday, the Teamsters released its presidential endorsement polling data following a meeting between Teamsters General President\u00a0Sean O’Brien\u00a0and Vice President\u00a0Kamala Harris. O’Brien emphasized the union’s commitment to a transparent endorsement process driven by its members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe are delivering on that promise to our members,\u201d O’Brien said in a press release Wednesday. \u201cOur final decision around a possible Presidential endorsement will not be made lightly, but you can be sure it will be driven directly by our diverse membership.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Polling data shared by the union’s verified X account revealed positive results for the Trump campaign after President Joe Biden decided not to forgo reelection. A town hall straw poll initially showed President Joe Biden edging out Trump, 44.3% to 36.3%, before the incumbent president dropped out of the race. However, more recent electronic member polling, conducted from July 24 through Sept. 15, showed Trump leading with 59.6% of Teamsters’ support compared to Harris’ 34%. Additionally, a research phone poll conducted independently by Lake Research Partners from Sept. 9 to Sept. 15 showed Trump ahead with 58% support compared to Harris’ 31%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The polling followed the major party conventions and the Sept. 10 presidential debate, which pundits widely viewed as a win for Harris. Despite her favorable debate reviews, Trump remains the preferred candidate among the overwhelming majority of Teamster respondents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
O’Brien’s meeting with Harris came at a critical time, as the union had yet to endorse a candidate for the\u00a02024 presidential election.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Speaking about his conversation with Harris, O’Brien emphasized the union’s focus on issues important to its members and noted the political diversity within the Teamsters. \u201cWe don’t just represent registered Democrats. We represent registered Republicans and independents,\u201d he said, adding that Harris acknowledged the union’s political diversity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While many unions quickly endorsed the Democratic ticket, the Teamsters held out, with O\u2019Brien making it clear that the union\u2019s endorsement would depend on politicians’ actions rather than their party affiliation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n