Teamsters in Rust Belt Shift Support to Trump After Biden Exits

In the wake of President Joe Biden's exit from the presidential race in late July, Teamsters Union workers across the Rust Belt have shifted their support to former President Donald Trump. This change is particularly notable in key states such as Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, where dissatisfaction with Vice President Kamala Harris appears to have influenced union members' voting preferences. Surveys indicate a significant increase in Trump's support among Teamsters, with Michigan showing a jump from 58% backing Biden to 62% for Trump after Biden's departure. In Wisconsin, the shift is even more pronounced, with support for Trump rising from 15% to 57%, while Harris garners only 40.5%. Pennsylvania has also seen a dramatic change, with Trump now receiving over 65% of Teamsters' support, compared to just 31% for Harris. Ohio, a state Trump won in previous elections, has also flipped, with more than 67% of Teamsters now backing him. Nationally, nearly 60% of Teamsters have expressed their intention to vote for Trump, while only about 31% support Harris. This shift in allegiance marks a significant departure from the traditional Democratic support among union workers, highlighting a growing discontent with the current Democratic leadership. Despite the overwhelming support for Trump among the rank and file, the Teamsters Union leadership has opted not to endorse any candidate, which could hinder Harris's campaign. This decision reflects a broader trend of disillusionment within the union, potentially impacting the election outcomes in these critical battleground states.