As the U.S. elections approach, Vice President Kamala Harris is intensifying efforts to secure the backing of male voters, particularly those within labor unions. Senior labor officials report that male volunteers are crucial for canvassing efforts, including phone calls and door-to-door visits to mobilize Democratic supporters.
Historically, labor unions have leaned toward Democratic candidates, with Harris and President Joe Biden advocating strongly for workers’ rights and supporting unions during contract negotiations. However, former President Donald Trump has made significant inroads with union workers in recent years, making the dynamics of male voter support increasingly critical in this tight race.
If elected, Harris would not only make history as the first female president but also as the second Black president of the United States. Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO, which represents over 12 million union members, noted that while enthusiasm for Harris is generally strong, sexism may be undermining her support in certain unions. “Let’s be honest, there are individuals who dismiss a female candidate at face value, perceiving her as less presidential,” she stated, contrasting this with the lack of similar scrutiny faced by Trump.
Connecting with male voters presents a challenge, leading the AFL-CIO to try new strategies, such as visiting men at their workplaces, where discussions about their concerns are more likely to occur. This issue is particularly prevalent in predominantly male and white building trades unions, such as those for electricians and pipefitters.
In contrast, larger service unions, which have more diverse memberships, are experiencing a growing gender gap. While male support has waned, female support for Democratic candidates, including Harris, has surged.
Polling data indicates a national trend that could significantly influence the election: Harris is gaining traction with women, especially white women, while Trump is performing better among men compared to his 2020 results. James Maravelias, head of the Delaware AFL-CIO, expressed concern that some male members may choose not to vote at all due to both Harris’ liberal social policies and entrenched male chauvinism.
Labor volunteers in the Philadelphia area have reported that some households view Harris and the Democratic Party as strong advocates for union rights, while others feel disillusioned and find common ground with Trump.
In response to a lack of anticipated volunteer support, an AFL-CIO door-knocking campaign in Philadelphia shifted its focus to known Harris supporters. Despite these challenges, Maggie Mullooly, a spokesperson for the Philadelphia chapter, emphasized that the mobilization efforts have been vigorous, with volunteers already knocking on over 160,000 doors and aiming for 220,000 more before Election Day.
While major unions, such as the United Auto Workers, have endorsed Harris, the situation varies at the grassroots level across different industries and regions. In Racine, Wisconsin, support remains robust, with Richard Glowacki, chair of UAW Local 180, noting an “unreal” demand for yard signs promoting Harris.
However, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, representing a diverse range of workers, opted not to endorse any candidate after polling revealed Trump leading Harris by a significant margin among its members. A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll indicated that Harris leads Trump among union members, but the gap is notable.
Harris’ campaign spokesperson highlighted that losses in support among non-college-educated males could potentially be offset by gains from non-college-educated women, while the Trump campaign did not provide immediate comments on the situation.
Union voters are crucial in battleground states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, where they comprise about one-fifth of the electorate. These states are pivotal for Democrats and are known as the “Blue Wall.”
Harris, who also has South Asian heritage, has dismissed concerns regarding sexism affecting her presidential aspirations, asserting that the country is “absolutely” ready for a female president.
Jimmy Williams, president of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, reported that while male support may be declining, it is more than compensated for by enthusiastic female voters within the union, highlighting a shift in dynamics as the election approaches.
