A historically significant political re-alignment that underscored the recent Presidential race is resurfacing in local races in DFW.
The Irving Fire Fighters Association, part of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) labor union, and Families for Irving, a political group known for its family values-focused policy preferences, endorsed City Council Member John Bloch (D-1) for re-election.
“I am honored to have the endorsements of both Families for Irving and the Irving Fire Fighters Association. The Fire endorsement particularly speaks to the partnership I’ve built with the firefighters through advocacy, action, and attention to their needs,” Bloch told The Dallas Express.
Later, he added, “To me, the two endorsements are actually very similar. Both organizations are dedicated to the common good: goods that are not diminished by being shared. Civic order, Justice, and an environment free from pollution and litter: these are all examples of goods that can be shared by everybody.”
“When a city is a safe and healthy environment for families, everybody reaps the benefits. When a city is adequately protected from hazards to their home and health, everybody benefits,” said Bloch.
Brian Becker, president of Irving Fire Fighters, said in a press release announcing the endorsement, “Some ask why firefighters are involved in politics. As long as elected officials and their appointees oversee our fire department, we want to ensure we’re at the table as well when important public safety decisions are made.”
“We also believe we should understand all of the issues important to the voters we work for: attracting businesses for prosperous economic development opportunities, safe neighborhoods, and well-maintained streets,” Becker added.
There is some precedent for this on a national level. On the 2024 campaign trail, Vice Presidential Candidate JD Vance attended the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) conference and vowed to protect collective bargaining.
“You may have noticed that Donald Trump is not exactly like Mitt Romney or some of the Republicans of the past,” Vance said.
Although the IAFF did not offer Trump/Vance (or anyone) an endorsement, after a close vote, several New York City Fire Department members appeared in uniform on stage with Trump during his Madison Square Garden rally just before the election.
This came just two months after Trump aligned himself with The Danbury Institute, an organization committed to the “eradication” of abortion.
Prominent figures ranging from evangelist Franklin Graham to Teamsters’ President Sean O’Brien spoke at the 2024 RNC.
Although labor unions and family values organizations are frequently involved in every level of elections, it is unusual (especially on the national level) for the two to be on the same side. Historically, electoral coalitions typically see management associations such as the Chamber of Commerce, rather than labor, aligned with family values organizations. In contrast, labor is often aligned with left-oriented interest groups.
Irving’s city council races are officially nonpartisan.
Election day will be on May 3. Bloch will face opponent Tony Grimes, a former school board member.
This is a rematch for Bloch and Grimes, who previously ran against each other in 2022.