The International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) has announced that they will not be endorsing a presidential candidate for the upcoming 2024 election. This decision was made by the IAFF Executive Board with a narrow margin of 1.2% in favor of not endorsing any candidate.
In a statement released by IAFF President Edward A. Kelly, it was emphasized that the organization's priority is to maintain and strengthen unity among its members. Kelly stated that over the past year, the IAFF had engaged extensively with its members to understand their views on candidates and policy issues important to them.
The Executive Board concluded that by refraining from endorsing a specific candidate, the IAFF can better advocate for its members and address key issues collectively. This decision was made after careful consideration and is seen as a strategic move to preserve and enhance unity within the union.
During the IAFF convention held in Boston, both the Democratic and Republican vice presidential nominees, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Ohio Sen. JD Vance, respectively, addressed the attendees. Vance faced some backlash from the audience, particularly when he highlighted his alignment with former President Donald Trump as the 'most pro-worker Republican ticket in history.'
It is worth noting that the IAFF had endorsed President Joe Biden in the lead-up to the 2020 election. However, for the 2024 election cycle, the organization has opted to maintain neutrality to focus on advancing the interests of its members and promoting unity within the union.
