Key Senator Secures Major Union Backing, Champions Critical Industry Reforms

Man in suit speaking, looking to his right.

Sen. Josh Hawley secures SMART union endorsement, challenging traditional labor-party alignments in Missouri’s Senate race.

At a Glance

Sen. Josh Hawley receives endorsement from SMART union, typically aligned with Democrats
Endorsement based on Hawley’s commitment to rail safety and worker protection
Hawley’s policy positions diverge from standard Republican economic agenda
Move signifies growing GOP focus on labor issues and economic nationalism
Hawley leads Democratic challenger Lucas Kunce by 11 points in polls

SMART Union Backs Hawley, Citing Rail Safety Commitment

In a surprising turn of events, Missouri Republican Senator Josh Hawley has secured the endorsement of the Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation Workers (SMART) union. This endorsement, traditionally reserved for Democratic candidates, underscores a significant shift in the political landscape and highlights Hawley’s dedication to rail safety and worker protection.

Greg Hynes, the legislative director of SMART’s transportation division, praised Hawley’s efforts in a letter dated September 13. The endorsement comes as a notable development, considering SMART has previously backed President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

Privileged to have the support of the Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers Union – it’s an honor to stand with you https://t.co/QeSnlMxDta

— Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO) September 18, 2024

Hawley’s Divergence from Traditional GOP Economic Policies

Senator Hawley’s policy positions set him apart from the standard Republican economic agenda. He supports a $15 minimum wage for large corporations, advocates for capping insulin costs at $35, and opposes the Citizens United Supreme Court decision that favors corporate interests in political spending. These stances align more closely with labor-friendly policies typically associated with Democrats.

At the National Conservatism Conference, Hawley criticized his own party for supporting corporate tax cuts and trade policies that harm American jobs. He emphasized the need to prioritize the working man, signaling a shift towards economic nationalism within the Republican Party.

Labor Support in a Changing Political Landscape

The SMART union’s endorsement of Hawley reflects an ongoing conservative effort to court labor, a traditionally left-leaning voting bloc. This move is part of a broader trend of economic nationalism gaining traction among Republicans, with an increasing focus on domestic manufacturing and labor issues.

Despite this shift, the GOP still faces challenges in securing the union vote. In the last presidential election, Trump lost the union vote to Biden. However, endorsements like SMART’s for Hawley suggest that labor support may be up for grabs in future elections.

Bipartisan Support for Rail Safety

Hawley, along with Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, has supported railway safety legislation requiring freight trains to have at least two-person crews, a key concern for the SMART union. This bipartisan effort, known as the Railway Safety Act of 2023, aims to counter the negative impacts of Precision Scheduled Railroading (PSR) on safety.

SMART-TD President Jeremy Ferguson has expressed support for this bipartisan initiative, highlighting the union’s willingness to back legislators who prioritize transportation worker safety and community well-being, regardless of party affiliation.

Looking Ahead: Implications for Missouri’s Senate Race

As Hawley faces reelection, he currently leads his Democratic challenger, Lucas Kunce, by 11 points in the RealClearPolitics Average. Missouri’s solid red status, combined with Hawley’s labor-friendly policies and union endorsements, positions him strongly for the upcoming election.

While critics on the left label Hawley as a “faux populist” and he faces opposition from the business-friendly right, his approach seems to be resonating with a significant portion of Missouri voters. As the political landscape continues to evolve, Hawley’s success in courting labor support may serve as a model for other Republicans looking to expand their base beyond traditional conservative constituencies.