The International Association of Firefighters has declined to endorse the Harris-Walz ticket this election cycle, marking a departure from its 2020 endorsement of Biden.
In a move that could reverberate through the upcoming 2024 elections, the IAFF announced that it would not be endorsing any presidential candidate according to Breitbart. This decision contrasts starkly with their previous endorsement of President Biden in the 2020 elections.
Edward Kelly, President of the IAFF, declared the non-endorsement on a recent Thursday, echoing the narrow decision determined by the executive board, with a mere 1.2 percent margin.
Over the past year, the union had been actively soliciting feedback from its members to gauge their presidential preferences and key policy stances, aiming to align their endorsement more closely with the will of their firefighter membership.
The non-endorsement reflects a significant shift in the union's historical political support, spotlighting the complexities of union politics in a polarized climate.
The decision was described by Kelly as a way to "preserve and strengthen our unity," underscoring the importance of solidarity within the firefighters' ranks. Kelly emphasized, "We are better able to advocate for our members and make progress on the issues that matter to them if we, as a union, are standing shoulder-to-shoulder."
This paradigm shift within the IAFF coincided with a speech by Senator JD Vance at an IAFF convention in August, during which he received a mixed response of applause and boos.
Vance addressed the divided reception with a lighthearted acknowledgment, stating, "Semper fi, guys. Sounds like we’ve got some fans and some haters." Despite the polarized response, Vance expressed deep respect for the firefighters' dedication and courage.
Following this event, Vance revealed that the New York City Fire Marshals Benevolent Association had expressed their support for the Trump-Vance ticket, illustrating the fragmented political loyalties within different factions of the firefighting community. "I, of course, want to thank them for their support, and I want to humbly ask all of you to join them," Vance added during his address.
Simultaneously, another significant union, the Teamsters, declared their refusal to endorse Kamala Harris, citing concerns with policies perceived as detrimental to American workers.
Polls revealed that while 60 percent of Teamsters members supported Trump, only 34 percent backed Harris. The IAFF’s decision, paired with this crucial stance from the Teamsters, might suggest a broader shift in union support away from the current administration.
William Martin, a spokesperson for Vance, commented on the Teamsters’ stance, highlighting economic issues under Harris's policies such as "crippling inflation, high gas and electricity prices, and fewer jobs for American workers" as key factors driving their discontent.
The departure of the IAFF from endorsing the Harris-Walz ticket may echo larger trends in worker dissatisfaction and broader political ramifications.
Kelly's and Vance’s addresses to the IAFF served not only as an informational exchange but also highlighted the sharp divisions that may influence union members in their vote come November. The controversy and debate within such unions signal a potentially pivotal role in shaping the results of the 2024 presidential race.
In conclusion, the IAFF's non-endorsement alongside the Teamsters' similar position marks a significant shift in labor's traditional political alliances.
These decisions could substantially influence the worker vote and, ultimately, the election outcome, illustrating the crucial impact of union endorsements and the volatile nature of political support within major American labor unions.