Teamster Announce Decision
It seemed like a seismic shift was in the making when the Teamsters Union released early poll results showing Donald Trump leading Kamala Harris by over 25 points in their endorsement poll. For a brief moment, the idea that one of the largest unions in the country might back a Republican presidential candidate had the political world buzzing. Yet, just as quickly as it emerged, that possibility faded away when the union leadership announced they would endorse neither Trump nor Harris.
The electronic and phone polls indicated a strong preference among Teamsters members for Trump, a margin as wide as 27 points in one poll. Despite this, the union leadership decided that the support wasn’t strong enough to warrant an official endorsement.
Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien acknowledged the outcome but cited that neither candidate made firm commitments on key union issues such as workers' rights to strike and resisting interference in union campaigns. This hesitation ultimately led to the union’s decision to stay neutral in the 2024 presidential race.
The Teamsters have endorsed every single Democratic Presidential Nominee since Bill Clinton.
Kamala met with Teamsters 2 days ago.
They decided today not to endorse her after internal polling showed 60% of members wanted Trump.
Brutal blow to Kamala. pic.twitter.com/CDkgFRzXSN
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) September 18, 2024
What’s particularly intriguing about this situation is the broader implications for the Democratic Party. The Teamsters have long been a reliable ally for Democrats, as unions have traditionally supported their campaigns since the era of FDR. However, this incident may indicate growing dissatisfaction among union members, not just with Kamala Harris, but with the Democratic Party as a whole.
The suggestion that the Democrats are losing their grip on the working class is becoming harder to ignore. As other core Democratic voter blocs like Hispanics and African Americans show signs of shifting allegiances, it’s worth asking: are unions next?
RedState’s Ward Clark pointed out that the Democrats may be neglecting their traditional base, either out of strategy or sheer miscalculation. The Teamsters poll, while not resulting in a Trump endorsement, certainly fuels the narrative that the Democrats are losing ground where they once stood firm.
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
O’Brien’s final statement was telling. He emphasized transparency, inclusivity, and respect for all union members—Democrats, Republicans, and Independents. But the failure to back either candidate may be more about political self-preservation than genuine neutrality. Union leadership likely fears the backlash from Democrats, who continue to champion the idea of unity while grappling with internal divisions.
Despite not securing the endorsement, Trump’s lead in the polls with union members shows an undeniable trend. The working class, once a Democratic stronghold, is becoming more open to Republican messages. Whether the GOP capitalizes on this opening remains to be seen, but the door is definitely cracked. With the 2024 election around the corner, both parties will be eyeing these shifts closely, hoping to win over disillusioned voters.