Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz are currently touring the Midwest to rally voters, with a strong emphasis on supporting labor unions and promoting pro-worker policies. This effort comes after President Biden’s unexpected exit from the 2024 presidential race, leaving Harris as the Democratic frontrunner.

Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a campaign rally at Detroit Metropolitan Airport in Romulus, Michigan, on August 7, 2024. 
Jeff Kowalsky/AFP/Getty Images

Harris has worked hard to reassure union leaders that she will continue Biden’s pro-labor agenda. She has already secured key endorsements, such as from the United Auto Workers (UAW) and a significant hospitality union. Walz, her running mate, brings added credibility to their campaign, given his strong union background and progressive achievements as Minnesota’s governor, including legislation on infrastructure, climate, and paid leave.

The Harris-Walz campaign aims to energize the labor base, particularly in manufacturing-heavy battleground states. However, despite strong endorsements from union leadership, there is noticeable skepticism among rank-and-file union members. This divide was highlighted when some workers expressed dissatisfaction with the current administration’s economic policies on social media.

As the campaign progresses, Harris and Walz plan to engage more directly with union members, hoping to bridge the gap between leadership endorsements and worker support. This approach is crucial, especially in light of the slim margins that decided the last election. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, a major union, remains undecided on whether to endorse Harris, adding another layer of uncertainty to the campaign’s union outreach efforts.

Harris and Walz continue to position themselves as champions of the working class, emphasizing their shared middle-class roots and commitment to policies that benefit everyday Americans. With their focus on labor rights and economic justice, they hope to galvanize union voters and secure a victory in November.