Countdown To Election Day 2024!

When it comes to election recommendations, the only driver for SMART-TD is whether the candidate is WITH US or AGAINST US. We only look at transportation and labor issues.

We do our homework on every candidate and evaluate their voting record to determine if a candidate is on our side. Political party has zero bearing on SMART-TD’s endorsements.

All of the candidates we have endorsed have proven they stand with us. As we get closer to election day, we are highlighting some of the most important legislators who have earned our support! 

Mike Braun (R) and Tammy Baldwin (D): Endorsed by SMART-TD

Sen. Mike Braun (R) Indiana

Candidate For Governor Of Indiana

Cosponsor: Rail Employee Equity and Fairness Act

Senator Braun crossed party lines to vote for paid sick leave for railroaders. After the bill failed, he took action, holding a press conference with Senator Bernie Sanders and SMART-TD President Jeremy Ferguson to demand that Class I railroads provide sick leave or face public hearings. His advocacy led to multiple Class I’s offering paid sick leave to our members for the first time.

Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D) Wisconsin

Seeking Reelection

Lead Sponsor: Reliable Rail Service Act

Lead Sponsor: SAFE TRAINS Act

Senator Baldwin has been with SMART-TD on many legislative actions this union has pushed for. In the past two years alone, Baldwin has been the lead sponsor for multiple bills that hold the railroads accountable and promote safety in our members’ workplaces!

Don Bacon (R) and Ruben Gallego (D): Endorsed by SMART-TD

Rep. Don Bacon (R) Nebraska – 2

Seeking Reelection

Cosponsor: Multiple 2-Person Crew And Rail Safety Bills

Rep. Bacon, a former General in the United States Air Force, has been with SMART-TD longer than he has been a member of Congress. He has gone to bat, voting for and cosponsoring legislation benefiting our Bus and Rail members multiple times during his four terms in the House of Representatives. Bacon has been an advocate for this union, and on November 5, we need to rally behind him.

Rep. Ruben Gallego (D) Arizona – 3

US Senate Candidate

Cosponsor: Multiple 2-Person Crew And Rail Safety Bills

Rep. Gallego, a Marine Corporal who served in Iraq, has consistently advocated for 2-Person Crew bills throughout his four terms in the House Of Representatives. He is now running to serve Arizona as their next U.S. Senator. On November 5, SMART-TD is asking for our members’ support to move this friend of rail labor into the United States Senate!

Brian Fitzpatrick (R) and Chris Deluzio (D): Endorsed by SMART-TD

Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R) Pennsylvania – 1

Seeking Reelection

Cosponsor: Railroad Safety Enhancement Act Of 2024

Rep. Fitzpatrick consistently advocates for workers in every critical legislative debate involving the transportation industry. He champions the interests of SMART-TD members nationwide, making him a valuable ally.

Rep. Chris Deluzio (D) Pennsylvania – 17

Seeking Reelection

Cosponsor: Railroad Safety Enhancement Act Of 2024

Since taking his role on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Rep. Deluzio has defended SMART-TD members’ interests at every opportunity.

Sherrod Brown (D) and Josh Hawley (R): Endorsed by SMART-TD

Senator Josh Hawley (R) Missouri

Seeking Reelection

Cosponsor: Railway Safety Act of 2023

Cosponsor: Railroad Employee Equality and Fairness Act (REEF Act)

Senator Hawley voted with our interests, including the vote to provide paid sick leave to all rail employees.

Senator Sherrod Brown (D) Ohio

Seeking Reelection

Lead Sponsor: Railway Safety Act of 2023

Cosponsor: Railroad Employee Equality and Fairness Act (REEF Act)

Senator Brown voted with our interests, including the vote to provide paid sick leave to all rail employees.

Troy Nehls (R) and Colin Allred (D): Endorsed by SMART-TD

Representative Troy Nehls (R) Texas – 22

Seeking Reelection

Primary Sponsor: US House Rail Safety Act, H.R. 8996

As Chairman of the House Subcommittee of Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials, Nehls held the only house hearing on rail safety since the East Palestine, OH railroad disaster.

Representative Colin Allred (D) Texas – 32

US Senate Candidate

Cosponsor: US House Rail Safety Act, H.R. 8996

Rep. Allred has been a long-time supporter of our issues. He has proven his willingness to take a stand against the corporate greed of the railroad industry and side with rail labor.