Michigan's firefighters union has not endorsed the 2024 presidential election, dealing another blow to Vice President Kamala Harris.
The snub comes after the International Fire Protection Association announced on Oct. 3 that it would no longer support Harris, 59, or former President Donald Trump, 78, on Nov. 5.
“We are following the recommendations of the International Federation for Presidential Elections,” said Matt Searle, president of the Michigan Professional Firefighters Union. he told Politico on Tuesday..
“However, we have made it clear to members that the board believes Ms. Harris is the best choice to support labor issues,” he added.
Harris campaign officials reportedly felt the MPFFU could break with the IAFF's decision not to support the vice president in the crucial battleground state, where 15 electors will vote in November. .
The decision not to endorse appears to stem from disagreements between union leadership and rank-and-file members, the latter of whom are likely to support Trump.
According to Politico, IAFF Secretary General Edward Kelly is concerned that unions in key battleground states such as Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Arizona may respond by supporting Trump at the state level. He asked the fire unions in the area not to break with their nationwide disapproval.
Mr. Kelly's warning appears to have been heeded by Michigan and Pennsylvania, which have also decided not to endorse his 2024 presidential candidate.
However, the California Fire Union formally endorsed Harris on Monday.
Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-Fla.), a former firefighter and the only retired IAFF member in Congress, told the Post earlier this month that the union's break with Harris was “a big deal. '', pointing out that the union has traditionally supported the fire department. Democratic Party candidate.
“I think the majority of our members wanted to support President Trump,” Jimenez added.
In September, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, which has also long supported Democrats, refused to endorse the president, against the wishes of its pro-Trump members.
