Pennsylvania Republican House candidates tout union ties in must-win race | Real Time Headlines

Pennsylvania Republican House candidate Rob Bresnahan talks about being a third-generation union contractor in a television ad for his campaign. His pamphlet claimed he created high-paying union jobs.

Those union ties are a key part of Bresnahan’s pitch to voters as he hopes to unseat incumbent Democratic Rep. Matt Cartwright.

It’s not surprising that a candidate from Northeastern Pennsylvania is touting their union ties. But for a Republican to do that is very surprising.

“Just because I have an ‘R’ next to my name doesn’t mean I don’t support collective bargaining,” Bresnahan said recently at a local bar, before checking off part of his resume: Chairman of the Joint Apprenticeship Training Council, Help Trains electrical apprentices and workers, as well as health and annuity trustees, ensuring union members receive health and retirement benefits.

“I’ve always been able to come up with my own thoughts on, what’s best for the organization at this time?” said Bresnahan, who, while not a member of the union himself, has a history of working closely with them.

Bresnahan’s pitch to union workers comes as Republicans include former president donald trump and Vice Presidential Candidate Senator J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) is looking to win over individual union members, even as union leaders remain committed to Democrats.

Union support is crucial in Pennsylvania, where union members make up 14.1 percent of the state, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This makes them a must-win team Must win The state not only controls the White House, but also the Senate and House of Representatives, according to election forecaster Cook Political Report.

NBC News polling data shows union households have increasingly supported Republicans in both presidential and congressional races over the past decade. Most union families still prefer Democrats, but in a close race like Bresnahan’s — which the Cook Political Report rates as close — a few thousand votes can make a difference.

Cartwright has held her seat in the House of Representatives for more than a decade, even as the district has become increasingly conservative.

2020, Cartwright win re-election He received 52% of the vote in his constituency. But according to NBC data, Trump won the presidential election with 51% of the vote. Two years ago, Cartwright Won only 51% of the vote.

According to data, Pennsylvania’s 8th Congressional District is 72% white and will have a median household income of $61,140 by 2023. U.S. Census Bureau.

At the Sheet Metal Workers Local 44 union hall in Wilkes-Barre in early October, local union leaders frequently referred to Cartwright as a “friend.” They praised Cartwright for championing pro-union policies and helping bring millions in federal funds to the district, thanks in part to his role on the powerful Appropriations Committee.

“He supports us,” said Keshia Williams, a certified nursing assistant and SEIU member. “He’s been with us picketing for nursing home workers and hospital workers. He’s brought a lot to our community, our local community.”

Cartwright said his loyalty to the union runs deeper than the election.

“In Northeastern Pennsylvania, it goes beyond that. It’s about our heritage. It’s about our ancestry,” Cartwright said. “The ancestors of all the people here not only worked in the mines, but also benefited from the efforts of organized labor.”

Cartwright has the support of many unions in the area, including local union chapters truck driver, SEIU and AFL-CIO.

Bresnahan relied less on primary support and more on appeal to individual union members, such as those who had worked with him through union membership. National Electrical Contractors Associationa group has one long term partnership In partnership with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW).

While Bresnahan doesn’t fully support major pro-labor legislation like the PRO Act, he said his positions on other issues like immigration resonate with union members.

“Border security is very important to a lot of people, especially union members who work every day,” Bresnahan told CNBC. “They do their best. They’re the best at what they do, but “They feel they’re second only to the approximately 10, 12, 15 million illegal immigrants who are in this country illegally.”

Bresnahan ran for office for the first time this year after a stint working at his family’s business, Kuharchik Construction. Served as financial officer at the age of 19. He subsequently took over as CEO.

Bresnahan criticized by opponents sell his company A Canadian private equity firm. Bresnahan countered that he was still the owner of the company, a move that ultimately created more jobs.

But those nuances made no difference to local union worker Travis Buchanan, who said he had voted for Cartwright in the past and believed Cartwright was good for the union. But he sees Bresnahan as good for unions and other issues such as immigration and inflation.

“We’re taking steps to make sure that all of us are taking into account all of our desires and needs, not just what’s happening in our workforce,” he said. “If we can find a candidate who has both of those things, That’s great. That’s what I saw in Rob.”

Some union members are also increasingly aware that Democrats are not doing as much for them as they could be. Sean O’Brien, president of the Teamsters Association, said in a podcast that Democrats “have screwed us over the last 40 years.”

truck driver refuse to recognize This year’s presidential candidate, O’Brien has both spoken at the Republican National Convention.

firefighters union Also voted After becoming one of the first candidates to endorse Biden in 2020, he opposed giving the nod to either candidate.

However, Cartwright said Democrats’ pro-union policies ultimately show his party is best for workers.

“Most union members understand that it’s the Democrats who are protecting the interests of the little guy,” he said. “And Republicans are always trying to weaken union rights.”