Teamsters Local 251 Backs Daniel McKee for Rhode Island Governor

Secretary-Treasurer Matt Taibi emphasized that the organization prioritizes candidates who consistently honor their commitments to the workforce. He positioned McKee as a distinct alternative to interests favoring billionaires, arguing that the governor remains the sole candidate genuinely aligned with the needs of the middle class and the protection of workers' rights.

McKee’s legislative history since 2021 has secured him a reputation as a staunch ally of the Teamsters. His administration successfully enacted a ban on mandatory attendance at anti-union meetings, imposed new restrictions on warehouse production quotas, and established the state's first prevailing wage for school bus employees. These measures have resonated deeply with frontline workers, including school bus attendant and shop steward Denise Handley, who noted that the governor’s policies directly contribute to safer and more respectful student transportation environments.

Alongside the gubernatorial endorsement, the local union announced support for a slate of Democratic candidates, including Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos, U.S. Senator Jack Reed, and Congressional representatives Gabe Amo and Seth Magaziner. The union also backed Secretary of State Gregg Amore and General Treasurer James A. Diossa for their respective offices.