The Teamsters' decision not to endorse Kamala Harris or Donald Trump in 2024 grabbed attention fast.
With over a million members, their move left the Trump campaign with an edge. The Teamsters became the only one among the top ten unions not backing Harris.
"The Teamsters have a lot of influence," Trump said, highlighting the significance of their choice.
Harris' camp tried to downplay it. They pointed to endorsements from local Teamsters groups and members.
In Savannah, Georgia, Harris' team spotlighted Teamsters Joint Council 75, covering Georgia, Florida, and Alabama, backing her.
Harris' campaign proudly shared that local Teamsters unions representing 1.5 million active and retired members had endorsed her. Especially in battleground states like Georgia, Michigan, and Pennsylvania.
But a Teamsters survey from July to September showed Trump leading Harris in these key states.
In Arizona, Trump led Harris 57.3% to 38.7%. In Georgia, it was 56.3% for Trump, 40.7% for Harris. Similar numbers showed up in Michigan, Nevada, and Pennsylvania.
The Teamsters polling also showed Trump’s support growing once Harris replaced Biden on the ticket. Before Biden dropped out, he had a slight lead over Trump.
But after Biden’s exit, Trump surged, especially with rank-and-file members, solidifying his lead.
Teamsters President Sean O'Brien explained the union’s neutrality. Neither Trump nor Harris made strong enough commitments to union priorities.
"We couldn’t secure promises on key union campaigns or the right to strike," O’Brien noted.
Harris' team stressed her pro-union record. They contrasted her stance with Trump, claiming he wanted striking workers fired while she had stood on the picket lines.
When asked if the Teamsters might endorse later, Harris shifted to attacking Trump for broken promises during his presidency.