Texas’ largest Teamsters union endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris before her Houston rally Friday.
Local 988, based in Houston, conducted a poll of its over 8,000 members prior to the endorsement, as described in a letter first obtained by The Hill. The letter referred to the current administration’s protection of union pensions and Harris’ promise to sign the PRO Act if elected — a bill expanding workers’ right to organize and collectively bargain.
The Hill also acquired a statement from Local 988 President Robert Mele.
“There’s no doubt that politics can get bitter, complicated, and confusing,” Mele said. “But Kamala Harris and Tim Walz have a proven track record of supporting workers throughout their careers.”
“As organizing continues to gain momentum, the Teamsters need elected officials who will fight for us, not against us. Kamala Harris is that candidate,” he added.
Kamala Harris, Colin Allred hold Houston rally Friday.
News of the Texas union’s endorsement comes hours before Vice President Kamala Harris is set to appear in Houston alongside Senate hopeful Colin Allred. The unusual late-campaign rally comes less than 11 days before Election Day on Nov. 5.
The Friday rally will focus on the loss of reproductive freedom — a central issue in both candidates’ campaigns.
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International Teamsters union withholds presidential endorsement for first time in nearly 30 years
For the first time since 1996 — and only the third since 1960 — the International Brotherhood of Teamsters has not endorsed a presidential candidate for the 2024 election.
Unions have historically allied with Democratic politicians, and Teamsters have endorsed every major Democratic presidential candidate for the past two decades.
Despite most other major unions endorsing Harris, internal polling from Teamsters reveals fewer members support Harris than those who supported current President Joe Biden. This has led some experts to wonder if race and gender influence how union members view Harris.
Read more:Why the Teamsters didn’t endorse Kamala Harris or Donald Trump
— USA TODAY contributed to this report.
