Brothers and Sisters,

As we approach the upcoming elections, I want to take a moment to share our endorsement process and the rationale behind our decisions. We are dedicated to ensuring that our endorsements reflect our commitment to labor and the values of our union. We have fire fighter issues...period. Our issues are not tied to a party but to our commitment to the issues our members direct us to accomplish, and the defense of the rights we have fought to protect.

Endorsement Process:

1. Candidate Vetting: We utilize candidate questionnaires to assess their positions and commitments to labor.

2. Interviews:  When necessary, we conduct interviews to gain deeper insights into candidates' platforms.

3. Expert Consultation: We work closely with our lobbyist, Melissa McKinley, who provides valuable information and guidance on candidates' stances and makes recommendations as needed.  

4. Strategic Insights:  I have met with strategists from both the Republican and Democratic parties to understand their approaches to gaining majorities in each chamber. This insight helps us navigate the political landscape effectively.

5. Candidate Accountability:  It’s important to note that some candidates have refused to engage with our questionnaires, raising concerns about their transparency and willingness to support our members.

 The recent decision regarding the governor's race was influenced by the withdrawal of Mike Duggan. To remain relevant and impactful, we must actively participate in this election cycle. After careful consideration of the candidates, we found Jocelyn Benson to be the most supportive of labor. She has consistently reinforced her commitment to our staffing bill and has demonstrated genuine dedication to the working families of Michigan.  

Why We Do Not Support Certain Republican Candidates for Governor:

 - John James: His strong support for right-to-work legislation poses a direct threat to all of labor. If elected, he aims to return Michigan to a right-to-work state, undermining collective bargaining rights. Additionally, his low lifetime voting score from the AFL-CIO highlights his opposition to crucial labor protections and federal collective bargaining rights. He has been unresponsive to locals that have reached out to him in his role in Congress and his interactions with our members was unacceptable when meeting in Washington.

 - Perry Johnson: His platform aligns primarily with traditional anti-union sentiments. Johnson has publicly targeted organized labor, framing unions as corrupt "special interest groups." Such rhetoric not only undermines our mission but also threatens to reduce tax revenues, negatively impacting our local communities and, consequently, our membership.

 - Mike Cox: Despite coming from a UAW household, Cox actively supports the re-enactment of right-to-work laws, which would allow workers to opt out of union membership and dues. His lack of support for the wages, benefits, and safety measures that our union advocates raise serious concerns about his commitment to labor.

 Why We Do Not Support Certain Democrat Candidates for Governor:

 - Chris Swanson: Despite his commitment to supporting labor, he has not committed to anti-PSO, supports a system that trains and operates Sheriff Deputies in the role of paramedics.

 In conclusion, our endorsement decisions are made with careful consideration of each candidate's commitment to labor and the well-being of our members. We believe that supporting candidates who align with our values is essential for protecting our rights and advancing our collective goals.

Click here to see our list of endorsed candidates

Thank you for your continued support and engagement.

In solidarity,
Matthew Sahr, President
Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union