Summary
The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) announced that it will not endorse any presidential candidate for the upcoming election, a decision that poses a challenge for Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign. The union’s leadership voted narrowly against an endorsement, citing the importance of maintaining unity among its members.
This decision comes as a significant setback for Harris, especially given the IAFF’s previous support for Joe Biden in 2020. The union represents over 350,000 firefighters and emergency responders across the U.S. and Canada, and its endorsement is seen as critical for garnering support from organized labor, particularly in key swing states. The IAFF’s recent decision follows a similar move by the Teamsters union, which also chose not to endorse a candidate this election cycle. Harris’s campaign has been actively courting labor support, emphasizing her commitment to pro-union policies, but the lack of endorsements from major unions may complicate her efforts to connect with working-class voters.
Impact on Harris’s Campaign
The IAFF’s choice to abstain from endorsing a candidate is particularly impactful as it reflects a broader trend of labor organizations being cautious in their endorsements. Despite previous endorsements from other unions like the AFL-CIO and the United Auto Workers, the IAFF’s decision highlights potential divisions within the labor movement regarding support for female candidates in high-profile roles.
Responses from Campaigns
In response to the IAFF’s decision, the Trump campaign characterized it as a further indication of Harris’s struggling campaign. Meanwhile, Harris’s team continues to focus on labor issues, framing Trump as a threat to American workers, particularly in the auto industry, as she prepares for rallies and public appearances aimed at rallying support among union members.
US firefighters union says it won't endorse Harris or Trump
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