The Teamsters Union, officially known as the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT), has yet to endorse a candidate for the 2024 presidential election. Traditionally a supporter of Democratic candidates, including President Joe Biden in 2020, the union’s leadership is taking a more deliberate approach this election cycle.
Teamsters President Sean O’Brien has indicated that the union will likely wait until after both the Democratic and Republican conventions before making an endorsement. This cautious approach reflects internal discussions and a desire to engage rank-and-file members in the decision-making process. The union has also opened its doors to candidates from both parties, as well as independents, for the first time, allowing them to present their platforms directly to the membership.
While President Biden has received praise from the union for his pro-labor policies, such as supporting the PRO Act and protecting union pensions, there are still ongoing concerns within the union. The leadership wants to ensure that the candidate they endorse will continue to prioritize labor issues.
The decision to host candidates like former President Donald Trump has sparked some internal debate, but it underscores the union’s commitment to thoroughly evaluating all options.
The National Black Caucus of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, a significant group within the union, has independently endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the 2024 presidential election. This endorsement from the caucus highlights their support for Harris, separate from the broader union’s decision, which is still pending.
The Black Caucus plays a crucial role in representing the interests of African American members within the Teamsters, though exact membership numbers are not publicly disclosed. Their endorsement reflects the caucus’s confidence in Harris’s ability to address the needs and concerns of Black workers and the broader working-class community.
As the election campaign progresses, the Teamsters Union, including its various caucuses, will continue to play a vital role in shaping the political landscape. The union’s eventual endorsement will be a key moment in the election, given its significant influence among working-class voters across the country.
