We support our Publishers and Content Creators. You can view this story on their website by CLICKING HERE.

Vice President Kamala Harris suffered another setback in a swing state as the Michigan Firefighters union failed to deliver a hoped-for endorsement.

“After 10 days of discussion, the Michigan firefighters union ultimately decided to stick with the International Association of Fire Fighters nonendorsement on Oct. 3. That original decision blindsided Harris campaign officials who thought they were close to clinching the coveted support,” Politico reported.

The firefighter union board recently told members in a letter that they believe Harris is the best pick for president but there will be no official endorsement, despite the hopes of Harris campaign officials.

“We are following the IAFF recommendation on the presidential election,” Matt Sahr, head of the Michigan firefighters union, told Politico. “However, we have made it clear to our members that our executive board believes Harris is the best choice for supporting our labor issues.”

“During an internal virtual call last week, IAFF General President Edward Kelly asked state firefighter unions to not issue any of their own presidential endorsements, according to three people familiar with the call who were granted anonymity to discuss the matter,” according to Politico. “Kelly said other battleground states rolling out their own endorsements could ultimately hurt Harris, given Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Arizona could all come out against Harris in response.”

Wisconsin and Pennsylvania firefighters’ unions have decided not to issue their endorsement while the California firefighters’ union broke with the national union and endorsed the Democratic nominee.

“Kamala Harris represents firefighters’ best opportunity to elect a leader who is going to support the work they do and to prioritize their well-being and the well-being of their families,” California Professional Firefighters President Brian Rice said.

“We respect that all voters, including our own members, will take other issues into consideration when they vote,” he added. “As compelling as those reasons may be for some of our members, it’s CPF’s responsibility to recommend what’s best for the bottom line of firefighters’ well-being and the public safety services we deliver.”

Back in Michigan, some union members have not wanted to wade into the endorsement drama, noting that many of the rank-and-file are supportive of Republicans and would be backing former President Donald Trump.

The International Association of Firefighters and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters endorsed Joe Biden in the 2020 race and their choice to not back Harris in 2024 does not bode well for the campaign or Democrats in general.

“I think that part of the problem that Democrats are having with some of the white male, blue-collar voters is not within the union itself,” former UAW spokesman Brian Rothenberg said, according to the Associated Press. “It’s those folks that are children or relatives of union members that just aren’t doing as well.”

Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-FL), a former firefighter, believes firefighter unions not endorsing Harris is a “big deal.”

“I think the majority of the membership wanted to endorse President Trump,” Gimenez, the only retired IAFF member in Congress, told the New York Post.

Social media users agreed that the lack of union endorsements spells “big trouble” for Harris.

Frieda Powers
Latest posts by Frieda Powers (see all)

We have no tolerance for comments containing violence, racism, profanity, vulgarity, doxing, or discourteous behavior. If a comment is spam, instead of replying to it please click the ∨ icon below and to the right of that comment. Thank you for partnering with us to maintain fruitful conversation.