Vice President Kamala Harris has swiftly garnered the support of the nation’s most influential labor unions, adding significant organizing power to her campaign as she seeks to counter former President Donald Trump’s inroads with working-class voters—an essential demographic that could determine the outcome of the upcoming election.
Since taking the helm of the Democratic ticket, Harris has reassured top labor leaders that she will continue to champion the pro-union agenda established by President Joe Biden. This approach is part of a broader strategy to maintain the backing of a labor movement that has enjoyed an unprecedented close relationship with the White House in recent years.
Harris Builds on Biden’s Pro-Union Legacy
The near-universal alliance of major labor organizations, with few exceptions such as the Teamsters and the International Association of Firefighters, reflects the deep ties Biden forged during his extensive political career. Now, Harris is relying on these connections to mobilize union members across key battleground states like Michigan and Pennsylvania.
“It’s hard to win the ‘Blue Wall’ without a robust voter mobilization effort amongst the unions themselves,” noted Chuck Rocha, a Democratic strategist with strong ties to the labor movement. “And to do that, you have to have bona fides, and you have to have a proven track record.”
Rallying Support in the Rust Belt
In her first weeks as the Democratic candidate, Harris made concerted efforts to bolster her labor credentials. She engaged in extensive outreach to union leaders, securing key endorsements and mending relationships, such as a rift with United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain. Harris also chose to speak at a convention of the American Federation of Teachers, echoing Biden’s message that the strength of the U.S. lies in its unions.
On Wednesday, Harris will further cement her labor support by holding a rally in Detroit alongside the UAW and her new running mate, Tim Walz. Walz’s selection as vice presidential candidate was strongly influenced by union support, and his presence on the ticket is seen as a strategic move to appeal to industrial trade unions.
The Role of Unions in the 2024 Election
Harris is currently polling neck and neck with Trump across most swing states, reflecting an improvement over Biden’s numbers. However, concerns remain that the gains Harris has made among minorities and younger voters could be offset by potential losses in the older, whiter regions where Biden’s blue-collar appeal was strongest.
The Harris campaign is also planning another significant union-centric push around Labor Day, a period when labor organizations traditionally ramp up their political efforts. The success of this outreach will be critical in energizing union rank-and-file members and ensuring their turnout on Election Day.
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