Firefighters union that typically supports Democrats refuses to support Harris

The International Association of Firefighters announced Thursday that it will not support this year’s presidential election after throwing its support behind President Joe Biden four years ago. The move was seen as a blow to Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign.

The IAFF has generally supported Democrats, but union President Edward Kelly said the decision was made not to divide the membership.

“As we have throughout our 106-year history, the IAFF will continue its work to improve the lives of firefighters and their families,” Kelly wrote. “The IAFF Board of Directors has determined that we are better able to defend the interests of our members and make progress on the issues that matter to them if, as a union, we stand shoulder to shoulder. This decision, which we have taken very seriously, is the best way to preserve and strengthen our unity.

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The union offered its support to Biden in 2020 early in the primary process, when Harris was still a candidate for the Democratic nomination. The group also did not support anyone in 2016, after supporting Barack Obama in 2008 and 2012, John Kerry in 2004 and Al Gore in 2000.

The firefighters union’s announcement comes weeks after the Teamsters announced they would not support any candidate in the presidential election. The Teamsters have supported Democratic presidential candidates since 1996.

In August, the United Auto Workers announced it would support Harris. In September, the Fraternal Order of Police threw its support behind former President Donald Trump.

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