DETROIT — The United Auto Workers has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris in this year’s presidential race, the union announced Wednesday.
Harris will be in Detroit next Wednesday.
“Her historic candidacy builds on the Biden-Harris administration’s proven track record of standing with the UAW and delivering major gains for the working class,” the UAW said.
“On Wednesday, August 7, the Harris for President campaign will come to Detroit to rally with UAW members, Michigan voters, and thousands of working class people who are fighting for a better future,” it added, promising a “mass rally.” “Vice President Harris will also meet directly with UAW members and leaders to hear about the issues that matter to Michigan workers.”
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The UAW noted Harris’ support for the union dates back to 2019, when she walked a picket line as a US senator.
During the UAW’s Stand Up Strike targeting Ford, General Motors and Stellantis last year, President Biden walked the picket line.
The UAW’s statement when Biden dropped out of the presidential race mentioned both the Harris and Biden appearances on the picket line.
In the Harris endorsement, UAW President Shawn Fain said 1 million former and past union members will be mobilized to beat former President Donald Trump.
Trump has publicly courted the UAW’s nearly 400,000 members. His vice-presidential candidate, Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, speaks often of the need to reindustrialize America.
“We stand at a crossroads in this country,” Fain said. “We can put a billionaire back in office who stands against everything our union stands for, or we can elect Kamala Harris who will stand shoulder to shoulder with us in our war on corporate greed.”
Harris is expected to pick her vice presidential candidate by Aug. 7, the day of the Detroit rally.
Among the candidates, reports say, is Michigan Sen. Gary Peters.