IAFF Presidential Election Endorsement

Brothers and Sisters,

As your General President, I’ve made it a top priority to ensure that our IAFF is completely transparent as we consider decisions that affect you and your families. Your IAFF Executive Board has fulfilled that commitment to you as we have considered the upcoming United States presidential election and whether to endorse either of the candidates.

That’s why the IAFF has taken such unprecedented measures in recent months to hear from you. In addition to inviting all members to take a survey and hosting in-person and virtual town halls, we’ve conducted focus groups and welcomed both vice presidential nominees, Tim Walz and JD Vance, to our Convention in August.

As has been consistent for the 106-year history of our great union, one truth remains: we are fire fighters and emergency medical workers, and we will always have each other’s backs. It is the thread that binds us together and is the bond we rely upon to navigate turbulent times. Disagreements and honest disputes are part of life, and, like a family, they are certainly part of being a member of a union. Both General Secretary-Treasurer Líma and I, as well as each of our District Vice Presidents, worked tirelessly to hear from as many of you as possible. We are elected to serve you and that includes listening and doing our best to understand all points of view.

In the end, after debate and deliberation, the IAFF Executive Board voted to not endorse a candidate in the 2024 election.

To ensure that each member’s voice was heard, the provision of the IAFF Constitution and By-Laws that allows for a “per-capita” vote was enacted. With an extremely close margin of just 1.2%, the Executive Board voted to not make an endorsement. The Executive Board vote further solidifies our mission, requiring us to stand shoulder-to-shoulder to improve the lives and livelihoods of each of our 351,535 members.

Your vote is your voice. Don’t waste it. We encourage you to get out and vote in this election.

Be You. Be Strong. Be Fire Fighters.

Sincerely,

Edward A. Kelly
General President