California Firefighters’ Union Presidential Endorsement
California Firefighters’ Union Breaks with National Chapter to Endorse Harris
Topic:
Politics
by MPeriod
Posted 2 months ago
In a significant move, the California Professional Firefighters (CPF) union announced its endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris for the 2024 presidential election, despite the national firefighters' union choosing not to endorse any candidate. The state’s union represents 35,000 emergency responders, municipal firefighters, and Cal Fire employees, marking a sharp departure from the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), which declined to make an endorsement following a memberwide poll.
Firefighters’ Concerns Over Wildfire Aid
CPF President Brian Rice emphasized the critical stakes for California’s firefighters and residents, particularly when it comes to the ongoing threat of wildfires. In his endorsement statement, Rice warned against the election of a president who might withhold federal wildfire aid due to the state’s political positions, a reference to former President Donald Trump. Trump has repeatedly threatened to withhold federal funding for California’s wildfires unless the state’s leadership aligns with his water and land management policies. Most recently, Trump echoed these threats at a rally in Southern California, criticizing Governor Gavin Newsom.
Rice made clear that disaster relief and emergency declarations should not be politicized:
"National state of emergency declarations should be about assisting the public whose lives and homes are endangered by wildfires, floods, and earthquakes, not partisan politics."
Protecting Workers’ Rights
Beyond concerns over disaster relief, the CPF highlighted workers’ rights as a central reason for endorsing Harris. Rice described the upcoming election as a "battle for the heart and soul of working America," underscoring the union’s belief that Harris would be a stronger advocate for firefighters and their right to organize.
"Kamala Harris represents firefighters’ best opportunity to elect a leader who is going to support the work they do and prioritize their well-being and the well-being of their families," Rice said.
National Union Declines to Endorse
The national chapter, IAFF, broke with its previous support for Democratic candidates by choosing not to endorse in the 2024 race. IAFF was the first union to endorse President Joe Biden in the 2020 election, but a recent poll of its membership revealed a sharp divide. Approximately 56% of members identified as Republicans, and 41% expressed a desire for the union to consider broader issues beyond firefighting, such as gun rights and foreign policy.
The union’s decision to remain neutral was seen as a snub to Harris, particularly after the IAFF's strong backing of Biden. The division within the union reflects broader challenges among labor organizations, as some grapple with balancing traditional worker-focused policies against other political concerns raised by their members.
Importance of California’s Firefighters
California’s firefighters play an essential role in managing the state’s increasingly destructive wildfire seasons, and their endorsement could have an impact beyond state borders. The California Professional Firefighters union is one of the largest and most influential firefighter groups in the country, and its decision to back Harris may influence other union members, particularly in Western swing states that look to California as a model for wildfire prevention and response.
Firefighters are one of the most trusted professions in America, according to an August YouGov poll, which showed their unions garner significant public support. This widespread respect could make the CPF endorsement valuable in the larger political landscape, particularly as voters weigh candidates' responses to climate-related disasters.
Divided Union Membership
Although the endorsement reflects the views of the CPF leadership, Rice acknowledged that not all members may agree with the decision. He recognized that individual firefighters may consider a range of issues when casting their vote:
“We respect that all voters, including our own members, will take other issues into consideration when they vote. As compelling as those reasons may be for some of our members, it’s CPF’s responsibility to recommend what’s best for the bottom line of firefighters’ well-being and the public safety services we deliver.”
Harris’s Union Support
Harris continues to garner endorsements from major labor organizations, with the California firefighters' endorsement adding to her substantial backing from national labor unions. However, not all blue-collar unions have followed suit. A number of key unions, including the United Mine Workers of America and the Teamsters, have decided to withhold their endorsements for the 2024 election, reflecting a broader shift in labor politics as members push for unions to address diverse issues beyond the workplace.
Despite this, Harris has managed to secure support from regional chapters of major unions, with the West Coast Teamsters recently breaking with their national leadership to endorse her candidacy as well.
Conclusion: The CPF’s Endorsement and Its Impact
The California firefighters' decision to back Kamala Harris signals a critical moment in the 2024 presidential race, especially given the union’s large membership and influence in the West. While the national union opted for neutrality, CPF’s endorsement underscores the importance of addressing wildfire aid, workers’ rights, and broader labor concerns in a state that faces immense challenges due to climate change.
As the election approaches, the endorsement could help sway undecided voters, particularly in regions where firefighters are seen as heroes and essential workers in the fight against natural disasters. By positioning Harris as the candidate who will best support firefighters and protect their rights, CPF hopes to influence not only its members but the public as a whole.
