In a surprising move, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, one of the largest and most influential unions in the United States, announced on Wednesday that it will not be endorsing any presidential candidate in this year's election. The decision comes as a blow to both major candidates as the union traditionally wields substantial influence in endorsing Democratic candidates.

With a membership of 1.3 million workers, the Teamsters union has historically thrown its weight behind Democratic presidential candidates. The last Republican candidate to secure the union's endorsement was then-Vice President George H. W. Bush in 1988. However, a recent internal poll conducted by the union revealed a nearly two-to-one preference for former President Donald Trump over Vice President Kamala Harris among its members.

Teamsters President Sean O'Brien, who took on the role in 2022, expressed disappointment in the lack of serious commitments to the union's interests from both major candidates. O'Brien emphasized that the union represents a diverse body of members, including Democrats, Republicans, and Independents, and therefore the decision was made not to endorse any candidate this year.

The Teamsters' choice not to endorse a candidate could have significant implications for both Trump and Harris. Trump had actively courted the union, even inviting O'Brien to his Mar-a-Lago estate and earning praise from O'Brien during his speech at the Republican National Convention. On the other hand, Harris sought to shore up support among non-college educated voters, a demographic in which Trump has made gains.

The announcement by the Teamsters comes after the union held meetings with both Trump and Harris before making its decision. It is worth noting that other major unions, such as the AFL-CIO and the United Auto Workers, had already endorsed President Joe Biden, whose campaign was supported by Harris once she became the Democratic nominee.

The Teamsters' choice not to endorse a candidate reflects their disappointment with the lack of commitment shown by both major parties towards the interests of working people. While the Harris campaign emphasized her long-standing support for organized labor, the Trump campaign seized on the fact that the Teamsters did not endorse a candidate and stated that the union wants the former president back in the White House.

This decision by the Teamsters marks a departure from their traditional support for Democratic candidates and highlights the shifting dynamics within this election cycle. It represents a blow to the Harris campaign, which has the backing of other powerful unions, as well as to President Biden, who prides himself on being a pro-union president.

The Teamsters' announcement also raises questions about the support of blue-collar union workers, who have traditionally been a stronghold of the Democratic party. Trump's ability to connect with voters without a college degree has caused some erosion in the Democrats' union advantage, and the Teamsters' decision further underscores this trend.

The Teamsters' internal poll showed a preference for Trump among its members, but it is important to note that the methodology of this survey is unclear. The union cited the lack of "majority support" for Harris and the absence of "universal support" for Trump as contributing factors to their decision not to endorse. However, several local Teamsters chapters and the Teamsters National Black Caucus have endorsed Harris on their own in recent weeks.

While the Teamsters' decision not to endorse a candidate may disappoint Biden and Harris, it should be seen as a rallying point for local union leaders to organize and support Harris. As the election approaches, both campaigns will have to work harder to secure the votes and support of the influential Teamsters union and its diverse membership.