Firefighters across the United States are feeling uncertain about the political direction as the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) announced it will not make any presidential endorsements for the 2024 election. This decision, confirmed on Thursday, marks a significant shift from its previous support of Democratic candidates, particularly as the union was the first to back President Biden's presidential candidacy during the 2020 election.
The IAFF, representing over 350,000 career firefighters and emergency responders, made its choice public just two weeks after the International Brotherhood of Teamsters also opted out of endorsing any candidate. The IAFF's Executive Board decided, by a narrow margin of 1.2%, not to back Vice President Kamala Harris or former President Donald Trump. The statement from IAFF General President Edward Kelly explained, "The IAFF Executive Board determined we are...better able to advocate for our members and make progress on the issues...if we, as a union, are standing shoulder to shoulder." This decision indicates the desire for unity within the organization, allowing them to focus on issues affecting their members without taking sides in the political arena.
The union's choice could have ripple effects, especially as it’s believed many members had affinities toward aligning with Trump, marking quite the turnaround from earlier elections. Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-Fla.), himself a retired IAFF member, highlighted this sentiment by stating, "I think the majority of the membership wanted to endorse President Trump. So, I think this was a good day for President Trump." There’s growing concern among Democratic supporters as Trump's policies might resonate more with firefighters and emergency responders.
Harris, who recently replaced Biden at the top of the Democratic ticket, had actively sought support from the IAFF and other unions, recognizing their influence as she campaigns to win over working-class voters. Prior to this decision, both vice presidential candidates spoke at the IAFF’s August convention, yet their efforts didn't yield the desired endorsement. The union previously supported major Democratic nominations since the mid-1980s.
The IAFF’s snub is particularly contentious considering the union’s history with ambitious endorsements. It eagerly pushed Biden’s candidacy at the start of his campaign, signaling long-standing ties and commitments to labor issues—a stark contradiction to the current political atmosphere. Kelly maintained the integrity of their decision process, insisting they have been proactive by engaging members and gathering views about the candidates and the policies they support.
The timing of this non-endorsement is also noteworthy as the Democrats gear up for what seems to be another fiercely contested election year. Harris’s campaign has relied heavily on union support, as she has captured most of the endorsements from major labor organizations, including the United Auto Workers and the AFL-CIO. Yet, with the Teamsters and IAFF's recent neutral stance, there’s palpable tension as the prospect of turning traditional labor votes poses challenges as working-class sentiments shift.
While Harris is working to bolster her connections with unions, it's apparent Trump's appeal among various union members may not be waning. For him, this non-endorsement is seen as validation of his stance and support for blue-collar workers throughout his candidature. His campaign seized on this, labeling the IAFF decision as "another devastating blow to Kamala Harris’ failing campaign."
Notably, union politics have diverged recently, not only with labor unions declining endorsements but also with last-minute appeals becoming more selective and personalized as candidates court support. Both campaigns had made direct appeals to the IAFF membership just weeks before the announcement, attempting to relay messages of support and partnership. Trump's team highlighted his earlier complaints about the IAFF, claiming, “The Dues Sucking firefighters leadership will always support Democrats, even though the membership wants me.”
The split serves as reminder of the complex dynamics labor groups face, balancing their need to back candidates who align with their interests against changing sentiments among members. Historically, the firefighters' union has joined arms to endorse Democratic nominees, but this 2024 election is shaping to be different. The IAFF’s decision encapsulates the growing fragmentation within the labor movement, as fierce competition wears on along with rising inflation and economic challenges affecting the firefighters and their families.
The decision not to endorse echoes discontent, implying potential disagreements brewing within the union itself as members weigh their options. The burnout from political affiliation is apparent not just within IAFF, but resonates throughout the labor community as they fortify stances over which candidates support the average working American.
Harris has touted her above-average union support as she campaigns, aiming to leverage her platform to resonate with the organized labor base, which poses as particularly important for candidates vying for swing states across the Midwest. Her loss of both IAFF and Teamsters' support at such pivotal junctures signals uncertain waters as voters tread this year toward the ballots.
Currently, the IAFF is set to continue advocating for the interests of its members, emphasizing issues arising as they navigate the heated political climate without endorsing either candidate. Both major parties now face scrutiny as traditional labor support may flicker under uncertainty, seeing how other unions respond and perhaps shift their views as campaign races heat up.
Looking forward, this trend calls for introspection within the unions as they gauge their strategies and platforms leading to the 2024 election. Harris and her campaign team may have to recalibrate their messages and outreach, making strategic changes to capture back any lost union motivation. Meanwhile, Trump appears ready to seize upon this apparent fracture, strengthening his positioning as labor-friendly without formal endorsements, appealing to sentiments of safety and traditional values hurting from rising costs—specifically for workers across the board.
