Teamsters Shift Historic Support, Donate Over $100K to GOP Midterm Candidates

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, traditionally a Democratic-aligned labor union, has notably shifted its political support toward Republican candidates in recent election cycles. Under President Sean O'Brien, the union's political action committee, D.R.I.V.E., donated significant funds to Republican groups and candidates, including $5,000 to the National Republican Congressional Committee and $50,000 to the Republican Attorneys General Association, while still contributing smaller amounts to Democrats. This shift follows O'Brien's criticism of Democrats, whom he accuses of neglecting working-class Americans and prioritizing big money and social justice issues over labor concerns. O'Brien's outreach includes speaking at the 2024 Republican National Convention and hosting Republican figures, signaling a strategic move to broaden the union's political alliances. The union's contributions have mainly supported Republicans in key battleground districts, and the recipients of these donations have largely won their elections. This evolving alignment underscores a broader trend of labor unions recognizing the political diversity among their members and represents a warning to Democrats about their eroding labor support amid President Trump's efforts to reposition the GOP as a working-class party.