In a notable pivot in political alliances, the Teamsters union, traditionally a stalwart backer of Democratic candidates, is extending its support to Republican candidates in the approaching midterm elections. Sean O’Brien, the Teamsters General President, has orchestrated contributions to several GOP contenders, signaling a potential long-term realignment of the union’s political strategy.

For the second consecutive year, the Teamsters’ political wing, D.R.I.V.E (Democrat, Republican, Independent Voter Education), contributed $5,000 to the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC). This move comes after nearly two decades of the union predominantly supporting Democrats. Additionally, the union allocated a total of $62,000 to nearly two dozen Republican congressional candidates across pivotal battleground districts, including Rob Bresnahan in Pennsylvania, Pete Stauber in Minnesota, and Nicole Malliotakis in New York.

The contributions don't stop with Congress. This June, the Teamsters also donated $50,000 to the Republican Attorneys General Association, further underscoring their expanded bipartisan engagement.

Kara Deniz, a spokesperson for the Teamsters, emphasized the union’s inclusive approach, stating, “Our members are working people whose interests cut across party lines. And there's no value in living in a bubble ... where you only talk to certain people to the exclusion of others.”

Despite these shifts, the Teamsters continue to support Democratic initiatives and candidates, evidenced by a $15,000 donation to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee in April. However, the increasing contributions to the GOP highlight a significant strategy shift that began more pronouncedly in 2024 when O’Brien addressed the Republican National Convention.

The union's approach reflects broader trends within its membership and the changing political landscape, as some union members show greater openness to Republican candidates. O’Brien’s recent engagements, including hosting Vivek Ramaswamy on his podcast and discussing union issues with Bari Weiss, further demonstrate his outreach efforts beyond traditional union audiences.

Republicans have welcomed this support, viewing it as a sign of shifting allegiances among working-class voters. NRCC spokesperson Mike Marinella commented, “Hard-working men and women across the country are rallying behind Republicans up and down the ballot because we fight for their jobs, their families, and their future.”

As the midterms approach, the Democrats face the challenge of retaining their historically strong labor support, which appears to be fracturing. With President Donald Trump leading efforts to recast the GOP as a champion of the working class, the political landscape continues to evolve, with unions like the Teamsters playing a pivotal role in shaping future electoral outcomes.