The Teamsters union, representing 1.3 million members, is backing Republican candidates in the upcoming 2026 election cycle, despite a significant portion of its membership expressing support for Democratic candidates. This decision has sparked internal tensions within the union, particularly following President Sean O’Brien’s controversial appearance at the Republican National Convention (RNC) in 2024, where he became the first union president to speak at the event.

O’Brien’s actions have drawn criticism from within the union, with members like John Palmer, an elected vice-president on the Teamsters executive board, expressing frustration. Palmer stated, “The Republicans have done nothing but take a gun to our head at every turn,” questioning the logic behind attempting to change Republican behavior.

Internal Divisions Over Endorsements

The national union notably refrained from endorsing a presidential candidate in 2024 for the first time since 1996, citing a majority of members supporting Donald Trump, despite local councils endorsing Kamala Harris. O’Brien has made personal contributions to Republican campaigns, including a $1,000 donation to Scott Brown’s Senate campaign in New Hampshire and another $1,000 to Markwayne Mullin, who is now the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

These endorsements have not been universally accepted within the union. For instance, Teamsters Local 633 in New Hampshire endorsed Brown’s Democratic opponent, Chris Pappas, in April 2025. Similarly, the Pennsylvania Conference of Teamsters voted to endorse Democratic candidate Paige Cognetti for Congress, while the Teamsters’ political action committee later endorsed Republican Rob Bresnahan, highlighting the conflicting positions within the union.

Shifting Political Landscape

O’Brien’s leadership has seen a notable shift in the union’s political affiliations, moving towards supporting more Republican candidates, even as the Trump administration has been criticized for undermining labor rights. This shift is evident in the union’s recent endorsements, including support for Max Miller, a Republican congressman facing domestic abuse allegations, and Chris Swanson for governor of Michigan, who lost in the Democratic primary.

Despite these endorsements, O’Brien’s leadership faced challenges earlier this year, with an attempted challenge that ultimately failed to secure enough delegate support. He was re-elected unopposed for another five-year term, indicating a level of stability in his leadership despite the ongoing internal conflicts.

As the 2026 election approaches, the Teamsters union’s decision to back Republican candidates, juxtaposed with the preferences of its membership, raises questions about the future direction of the union and its political strategy. The ongoing tensions may influence the union’s effectiveness in advocating for its members’ interests in a politically divided landscape.

For further details, visit The Guardian.