#United States #Rhode Island #Teamsters Local 251 #East Providence #Daniel McKee

Rhode Island Teamsters Endorse Governor Daniel McKee

On July 16, 2026, Teamsters Local 251 made a significant announcement in support of Rhode Island's current Governor, Daniel McKee, for the upcoming re-election campaign. The union's endorsement underscores McKee's unwavering commitment to the interests of workers throughout the state.

In a statement made by Matt Taibi, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 251, the choice to endorse McKee was described as an obvious one for labor representatives. Taibi emphasized the importance of candidates who uphold workers' rights and middle-class values. “We support candidates who we know will keep their word to us, and when it comes to that standard, the choice in this race couldn’t be more obvious. Rhode Islanders need to know that if they care about workers' rights, middle-class prosperity, and electing leaders who will listen to workers instead of billionaires, there's only one good option, and that's Governor McKee,” he stated passionately.

A Strong Advocate for Labor

Since taking office in 2021, Daniel McKee has earned a reputation as one of the most pro-Teamsters governors in the United States. His administration has seen the implementation of numerous worker-friendly policies, including legislation that outright bans mandatory attendance at anti-union meetings and prevents excessively harsh production quotas in warehouses. These legislative moves aim to protect the daily lives of hardworking individuals and improve labor conditions within the state.

Furthermore, McKee has taken significant steps toward ensuring fair compensation for workers by establishing the first-ever statewide prevailing wage for school bus workers. Denice Handley, a school bus attendant and Local 251 shop steward, commented on the importance of recognizing those who play a crucial role in student transportation: “Governor McKee understands something simple. When you respect the people who get our children to and from school every day, you create better, safer student transportation systems.”

Endorsed Candidates

In addition to supporting McKee, Teamsters Local 251 has shown its endorsement for several other candidates, including Sabina Matos for Lieutenant Governor and Jack Reed for U.S. Senate. The union representatives are also backing Gabe Amo and Seth Magaziner for congressional seats, Gregg Amore for Secretary of State, and James A. Diossa for General Treasurer, demonstrating a unified front in supporting pro-labor candidates across various positions.

Teamsters Local 251 boasts a membership of over 6,200 workers spanning multiple industries throughout Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts. Their endorsement of McKee highlights the integral role of labor unions in shaping political landscapes and advocating for workers’ rights at all levels of government.

As the primary elections approach in September, the focus will be on ensuring that workers' voices are heard, with Teamsters Local 251 leading the charge in endorsing a candidate who aligns with their values and priorities. Governor McKee’s dedication to the labor movements and his proactive legislative measures make him a prominent figure in this electoral contest. The endorsement result indicates a strong morale among union members as they rally behind a leader ready to advocate for their interests and uphold their rights in the workforce.

For more information about Teamsters Local 251 and their endorsed candidates, visit teamsters251.org.