The United Auto Workers (UAW) union officially endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for US president on Wednesday, marking a significant development in her campaign, particularly in the key swing state of Michigan. UAW President Shawn Fain announced the endorsement, highlighting Harris’s track record of supporting the working class and her stance against corporate greed.
The UAW, which represents 370,000 members, has strong roots in Michigan, a state crucial for any presidential candidate. The union’s executive board voted to support Harris, following their earlier endorsement of President Joe Biden’s reelection bid in January. However, Biden withdrew from the race on July 21, prompting the UAW to shift its backing to Harris.
Fain praised Harris for her past efforts, including her fight against corporate price-gouging and her support for fair trade deals. He also noted her solidarity with workers, recalling her presence on the picket line during the 2019 auto workers’ strike. Harris is set to rally with UAW members in Detroit on August 7.
The endorsement from the UAW, a historically Democratic-leaning union, could provide Harris with crucial support in the labor sector. While other unions, like the Teamsters, have yet to make endorsements, the UAW’s backing underscores Harris’s growing appeal among working-class voters.