The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, a powerful union with 1.3 million members, has announced that it will not endorse a candidate in the presidential race for the first time in nearly three decades. This decision comes following meetings with both Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, where neither candidate made significant commitments to the union’s priorities. The Teamsters have a strong presence in battleground states and could play a crucial role in the election.
The absence of an endorsement is seen as a blow to the Democratic Party, which has traditionally received the union’s approval. While internal divisions have arisen within the union over this decision, some members are supporting a Trump endorsement while others are urging for a Harris endorsement.
Despite the lack of endorsement, Democratic strategists do not believe it will have a significant impact on Harris’ campaign financing, as she has received substantial donations totaling $615 million. The union typically waits to endorse until after both political conventions have taken place, and this year is no exception to that tradition.
The Teamsters have endorsed the Democratic ticket in every presidential election since 1996. However, the union has been building closer ties with the Republican Party in recent years, causing a rift within the membership. This shift in approach is seen as an effort by Teamsters President Sean O’Brien to consider the diverse political leanings of the union’s members. O’Brien’s efforts have drawn both praise and criticism, as he navigates the union’s relationship with both major political parties.
Source
Photo credit www.pressherald.com