The International Brotherhood of Teamsters has announced a historic decision not to endorse any candidate for the presidency, a move that diverges from long-standing union practice and sets them apart from other prominent labor organizations.
The Teamsters’ executive board revealed this decision following extensive nationwide member polling and year-long roundtable discussions with all major presidential candidates. The findings showed limited commitments on crucial Teamster issues from both former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, and a lack of solid support from the membership for either party’s nominee.
This announcement follows a roundtable meeting held just two days earlier with Vice President Harris, during which a poll indicated that nearly 60% of members preferred to endorse Trump. An internal poll conducted by phone showed 58% support for Trump, compared to only 31% backing Harris.
The Teamsters, representing over 1 million members nationwide, have taken a stance that contrasts with major labor groups like the United Auto Workers and the AFL-CIO, which have endorsed Harris.
A spokesperson for Harris criticized Trump, stating, “While he believes that striking workers should be fired, Harris has a proven track record of standing in solidarity with organized labor.” They reiterated her commitment to advocate for the Teamsters rank-and-file should she be elected president.
In response, the Trump campaign emphasized the union’s internal polling, asserting that the majority of Teamsters rank-and-file want Trump back in the White House, even though the Executive Board is not making a formal endorsement.
Teamsters President Sean O’Brien emphasized that this year’s endorsement process was unprecedented, featuring hundreds of meetings across local chapters to gather member opinions through innovative methods, such as barcode voting with smartphones.
Union workers remain a pivotal voting block for both Democrats and Republicans, particularly in key swing states like Pennsylvania and Michigan, where they constitute a significant portion of the electorate.
Historically, the Teamsters had endorsed every Democratic presidential nominee since Bill Clinton, but O’Brien made headlines when he became the first Teamsters president to address the Republican National Convention, stating, “We are focused on what candidates can do to support American workers, regardless of party affiliation.”
While traditionally Democrats have garnered the support of union households, Trump made significant inroads in 2016, impacting key states that shape the electoral landscape. Recent polling indicates a shift in member preferences, with 44% favoring Biden earlier in the year, yet 36% supporting Trump—with Harris trailing behind.
Despite the lack of a formal endorsement from the national leadership, some local branches and the Teamsters National Black Caucus have signaled their support for Harris.
