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Rep. Carlos Gimenez, R-Fla., a former Miami Fire Chief with decades of firefighting experience, is set to make a significant appearance at the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) conference in Boston on Thursday. His primary role will be introducing Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, to the conference attendees, but he also aims to persuade the IAFF members to back the Trump-Vance ticket in the upcoming election.
Gimenez, who began his career with the Miami Fire Department in 1975 and eventually became the city’s fire chief, argues that former President Trump is better suited to address the nation’s challenges compared to the current administration. He described the Biden-Harris administration’s handling of issues as a disaster, suggesting that Kamala Harris’s proposed solutions are akin to “having the arsonist tell you how to put out the fire.”
The IAFF, known for its past support of Democratic candidates, has yet to endorse either presidential candidate for this election cycle. Gimenez is using this opportunity to push for a shift in support, emphasizing that while the union has historically leaned Democratic, this year offers a chance for a change. He hopes to convince the IAFF to break from tradition and support the Republican ticket.
While the IAFF has not yet made a formal endorsement, Gimenez’s intervention is expected to make an impact. The conference also highlights a broader trend of labor unions facing scrutiny and pressure as they navigate their endorsements in the current political climate. Despite his political roles as commissioner, mayor, and congressman, Gimenez insists that his identity as a firefighter profoundly influences his perspective and advocacy.