The AGMA Board of Governors has voted to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz for President and Vice President of the United States in the 2024 election.
The United States faces a pivotal moment in its history, and the outcome of this election will have profound consequences for workers, unions, artists, and the performing arts community. AGMA leadership, along with a growing number of unions, firmly believes that the Harris-Walz ticket represents a commitment to advancing the rights and well-being of working people and championing the importance of the Arts in our society.
“Together, Kamala Harris and Tim Walz are THE choice for people who treasure the Arts and artists and believe in workers’ rights and the value of unions to society,” said AGMA President Ned Hanlon. “As public servants, both have repeatedly demonstrated their commitment to a vision that aligns with the pro-artist and pro-worker values that AGMA fights to uphold, and we believe their leadership will help to ensure a future where workers, unions, and the arts thrive. This November, we must proactively choose the welfare of the Arts, the artists, and all working people, and that choice must be for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz.”
Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz both have a strong track record of championing the rights of workers and their families. Vice President Harris has consistently invested in good-paying union jobs, secured pensions and social security benefits, and advocated for workers' rights, demonstrating steadfast dedication to labor organizing and empowerment. She has also been a vocal advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights, including protecting access to gender-affirming healthcare, and defending a person's bodily autonomy and right to choose. Similarly, Governor Walz has enacted some of the most progressive, pro-worker legislation in the country, such as guaranteed paid family and medical leave, paid sick days, the banning of non-compete clauses, protections against anti-union meetings, and enhanced workplace safety and collective bargaining rights. Both Harris and Walz have consistently shown a clear and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of working families, advancing labor rights, and protecting personal freedoms, including the rights of ALL individuals.
AGMA made its first-ever presidential endorsement in 2020, endorsing the Biden Administration due to its commitment to workers, unions, and the arts. In 2021, AGMA conducted a non-binding referendum vote among all AGMA members in good standing to understand whether the majority of AGMA's membership wants AGMA to make political endorsements in future elections that might have a significant impact on workers, unions, artists, or the arts. The majority of AGMA members who participated in the vote expressed their support for AGMA making political endorsements.