A veteran firefighter expressed frustration after the Minnesota Professional Fire Fighters (MPFF) union endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president, calling the move unrepresentative of the majority of Minnesota firefighters.
The firefighter, who is a member of the union and spoke to Alpha News on the condition of anonymity, has served at various Twin Cities firehouses for many years. He criticized the union’s decision as out of touch with the views of rank-and-file firefighters, some of whom spoke to Alpha News and confirmed these sentiments.
“The MPFF endorsement was a shocker,” the firefighter said. “I didn’t know until I saw the press release on social media. It pisses me off, frankly. The majority of others I’ve talked with can’t believe they would endorse her and just say, ‘why?'”
The firefighter expressed disappointment that MPFF’s endorsement appeared to be based on the board members’ personal opinions rather than reflecting the majority view.
“I believe it was made by the board based upon their personal views, beliefs, and emotions, not representing the people they are elected to represent,” he added. MPFF did not respond to a request for comment on how the endorsement decision was made.
In a statement, MPFF President Scott Vadnais praised the Harris-Walz ticket for advocating for health care, mental health services, and adequate resources for fire departments. MPFF’s endorsement came after the International Association of Fire Fighters declined to endorse either Harris or former President Donald Trump. That marked the second time a major union that backed President Joe Biden in 2020 declined to endorse Harris.
Vadnais appeared in various campaign videos promoting Walz’s reelection in 2022.
Economic concerns and union alignment
Pointing to issues such as inflation and the rising cost of living, the firefighter told Alpha News that these concerns have not been adequately addressed.
“Calls for service in St. Paul have skyrocketed over the past few years. Homelessness has never been so prevalent, and the Democratic Party has been the common reason,” he said.
He also noted that while fire unions have historically supported Democratic candidates, the current political climate has led many firefighters to question whether such support aligns with their interests.
“I think fire unions are starting to wake up and realize that’s not necessarily the case,” he said. “But they don’t want to alienate and endorse the competition, especially when a mayor or entire city councils are liberal.”
The firefighter also expressed doubt over the influence of the MPFF’s endorsement, stating that it holds little sway among firefighters.
“Unless you’re a professional firefighter, you don’t even know what the MPFF is. Their endorsement means nothing and has no sway but makes all of us look guilty by association,” he said, adding that he has never and will never donate to a union PAC fund.
Jenna Gloeb
Jenna Gloeb is an Edward R. Murrow Award-winning journalist, media producer, public speaker, and screenwriter. Most recently, she worked as a reporter and on-air host for CCX Media. Jenna is a Minnesota native and resides in the Twin Cities with her husband, son, daughter, and two dogs.
