In the upcoming presidential race, Democratic nominee Kamala Harris and Republican nominee Donald Trump are in a close competition for the White House. Union voters play a crucial role in this election, particularly in swing states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Nevada.
Historically, union leaders have endorsed Democratic candidates, but the support of rank-and-file union members has fluctuated over the years. In 2016, only an 8 percentage point difference separated union household voters supporting Hillary Clinton over Trump, which was a significant decline from previous elections.
Key issues that influence union voters include candidates’ records on supporting workers and organized labor. For example, the Biden administration has been more favorable towards labor rights compared to the Trump administration. Biden’s policies regarding federal workers, union elections, and OSHA regulations have been more pro-labor.
In contrast, Trump’s policies have restricted labor rights and workplace safety regulations, leading to concerns among union voters. Biden has actively promoted worker safety measures, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has garnered support from union voters.
With the 2024 election approaching, the stance of candidates on issues important to union members, such as worker rights and safety, will be pivotal in determining how union households vote. Both the Harris and Trump campaigns are focused on appealing to union voters, recognizing the importance of their support in key swing states. It remains to be seen how union voters will impact the outcome of the election.
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