Teamsters union drops endorsement bombshell in major blow to Kamala Harris

Washington DC - The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, one of the largest and most influential US labor unions, declined Wednesday to make a presidential endorsement, breaking with a quarter-century tradition of backing Democratic White House hopefuls.

In a major blow to Kamala Harris (r.), Teamsters general president Sean O'Brien said the union would not be endorsing a candidate in the 2024 race.
In a major blow to Kamala Harris (r.), Teamsters general president Sean O'Brien said the union would not be endorsing a candidate in the 2024 race.  © Collage: CHIP SOMODEVILLA & Kevin Dietsch / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP

"Unfortunately, neither major candidate was able to make serious commitments to our union to ensure the interests of working people are always put before Big Business," Teamsters general president Sean O'Brien said in a statement.

The move is a blow to Vice President Kamala Harris, this year's Democratic nominee who has positioned herself as a fierce defender of American labor.

Members of the Teamsters National Black Caucus, better known as the TNBC, voted unanimously to endorse Harris in August.

Joke of the Day for November 14, 2024: The best jokes to get your funny on
Joke of the Day Joke of the Day for November 14, 2024: The best jokes to get your funny on

Despite this, President Sean O'Brien of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters has been dragging his feet for weeks in giving a presidential endorsement.

In July, O'Brien spoke at the July RNC in a much-criticized move.

Cover photo: Collage: CHIP SOMODEVILLA & Kevin Dietsch / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP

More on Labor Unions: