Midwest Teamsters unions support Harris; Trump claims majority support him

Although the national Teamsters union has declined to endorse either presidential candidate, a growing number of branches in Midwest swing states have backed Vice President Kamala Harris.

Michigan Teamsters Joint Council 43, which represents roughly 245,000 workers across the state, threw its support behind Harris on Wednesday.

“The Harris-Walz ticket offers a comprehensive vision for America-one that not only prioritizes economic fairness but also stands steadfastly by our nation’s workers,” President Kevin Moore said in a release. “I urge all my Teamster members and fellow citizens to lend their support to this outstanding campaign.”

Milwaukee-based Teamsters Joint Council 39, which has three local union affiliates representing roughly 15,000 workers across Wisconsin, also endorsed Harris earlier this week.

“As Vice President of the most pro-union administration ever, Kamala Harris worked with the Teamsters and other union workers to pass the historic Butch Lewis Act which has saved the pensions of over a million retirees to date,” President Bill Carroll said. “As President, Kamala Harris will build on those efforts and work with Congress to pass the PRO Act, ending some of the most egregious union busting tactics once and for all.”

The flurry of endorsements comes after the national Teamsters union officially declined to endorse any presidential candidate, the first time in nearly 30 years.

“The General Executive Board of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters on Wednesday elected not to endorse any candidate for U.S. President,” the organization said in a press release this week. “With all major candidates for the presidency, the union was left with few commitments on top Teamsters issues from either former President Donald Trump or Vice President Kamala Harris—and found no definitive support among members for either party’s nominee.”

Former president Donald Trump has claimed most Teamsters members support him, citing the results of a national phone poll the organization released on social media Wednesday.

Conducted from Sept. 9 to 15, the survey showed 58% of Teamster respondents support Trump, while 31% support Harris.

"While the Teamsters Executive Board is making no formal endorsement, the hardworking members of the Teamsters have been loud and clear— they want President Trump back in the White House!” Trump campaign press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a release. “These hardworking men and women are the backbone of America and President Trump will strongly stand up for them when he’s back in the White House."