The International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) has taken a significant stance in the 2024 presidential election by choosing not to endorse any candidate.
This decision affects Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, as they look for support from major unions. The IAFF’s non-endorsement comes after extensive internal discussions and reflects a growing hesitancy among key labor groups to back the Harris-Walz ticket.
Breitbart reported that this non-endorsement is a blow to the Harris campaign, especially as the Teamsters union has also declined to offer their support.
The decision was announced by IAFF President Edward Kelly following an executive board meeting. According to Kelly, the vote was extremely close, with the margin of the decision coming in at just 1.2 percent.
He emphasized the seriousness of the deliberations, stating that the IAFF took great care to gather its members' views over the past year.
Historically, the IAFF has been politically active, advocating for policies that support firefighters and their families.
The union has a longstanding history of aligning with candidates who champion worker rights and public safety measures. In 2020, the IAFF endorsed President Joe Biden, a show of support that underscored the union's commitment to Democratic candidates.
However, the 2024 election has proven more complex. Kelly acknowledged that the IAFF will continue its work to improve the lives of firefighters regardless of its decision to remain neutral in the upcoming election. "This decision, which we took very seriously, is the best way to preserve and strengthen our unity," he said.
The IAFF’s decision to withhold an endorsement came shortly after a speech by Sen. JD Vance at their August event. Vance's remarks received a mixed reaction from the audience, but he did not shy away from praising the contributions of firefighters.
"God bless you guys, and thanks for what you do," Vance said during his speech. He highlighted the critical role firefighters play in protecting homes and lives across the country.
Vance also mentioned that the Trump-Vance ticket had secured the endorsement of the New York City Fire Marshals Benevolent Association. This moment of recognition for Vance at the event has sparked discussions within the IAFF about the broader political landscape.
The IAFF's decision aligns with a broader trend of labor unions showing reluctance to back the Harris-Walz campaign.
The Teamsters, another influential union, has also withheld their endorsement. Polls indicate that a majority of Teamsters members favor Donald Trump over Kamala Harris, citing dissatisfaction with her policies.
William Martin, a spokesperson for Vance, commented on the Teamsters' position, attributing their support for Trump to concerns about inflation, energy costs, and immigration. "Rank-and-file workers know it, and that is why they will ignore their union bosses and vote for the Trump-Vance ticket on November 5," Martin stated.
Another factor contributing to the IAFF's decision was Vance's performance in a recent debate against Tim Walz. Vance received favorable reviews, even from some members of the mainstream media, for his handling of key issues. His debate success has further complicated the Harris-Walz campaign's efforts to win over critical union support.
The IAFF’s decision to stay neutral highlights the complex political dynamics at play in the 2024 election.
Both the Harris-Walz and Trump-Vance campaigns are aggressively courting the support of labor unions, which remain a powerful force in American politics.
As both campaigns vie for the support of rank-and-file workers, the IAFF’s non-endorsement leaves a crucial question: where will firefighter support go in November?
