The International Brotherhood of Teamsters opted not to endorse a presidential candidate during their General Executive Board meeting on Wednesday, indicating a divide among their membership and insufficient commitments from either candidate on labor issues.

This decision could be seen as a setback for Vice President Kamala Harris, as the Teamsters have consistently backed Democrats in recent elections, including endorsements for Joe Biden in 2020 and Hillary Clinton in 2016. The union has a history of supporting Democratic candidates since the year 2000.

Both Harris and former President Donald Trump actively sought the endorsement of the 1.3-million-member union, crucial in battleground states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin. These states are vital for securing Electoral College votes in the upcoming election.

However, negotiations between the union’s leadership and both candidates did not yield the policy commitments the Teamsters were looking for. General President Sean M. O’Brien highlighted that neither candidate could make serious pledges to prioritize labor interests over corporate priorities.

In his statement, O’Brien stated, “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.” He further emphasized the union’s demands for assurances regarding non-interference in critical union matters and the protection of members’ right to strike.

Amid these political discussions, O’Brien encouraged the union’s diverse membership to participate actively in the electoral process, stating, “We have a duty to represent and respect every one of them.” He urged all members to engage with the political landscape, noting that this year, no presidential candidate met the Teamsters’ endorsement criteria.

In a concurrent electronic poll, rank-and-file Teamsters showed a preference for Trump over Harris, with 59.6% supporting the Republican candidate compared to 34% for the Democrat. The Trump campaign seized upon these results to claim substantial grassroots support, despite the lack of a formal endorsement.

The outcome of the poll represents a notable shift in member sentiment, contrasting sharply with a previous poll that indicated members would favor Biden over Trump. This shift suggests an evolving dynamic within the union, which has historically leaned Democratic.

O’Brien’s participation in the Republican National Convention this summer marked a historical first for a Teamsters president, as he took the stage without giving an official endorsement to Trump. The political landscape appears to be changing, reflecting the union’s complex relationship with both major parties.

As the election approaches, the Teamsters’ decisions and shifting allegiances will likely resonate across the political spectrum, influencing voter turnout and engagement in key states.