The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, which has traditionally backed Democrat politicians, is increasingly directing its support toward Republicans ahead of next year's midterm elections.
For the first time in nearly 30 years, the Teamsters, representing 1.3 million members, did not endorse the Democratic Party's presidential candidate last year.
'Our members are working people whose interests cut across party lines.'
President Sean O'Brien claimed the union's decision not to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris was due to her failure to answer all of his members' questions during a roundtable discussion and her alleged arrogant remark that she would win "with you or without you," referring to the union.
Leading up to Harris' failed race against President Donald Trump last year, O'Brien openly declared that the Democratic Party had abandoned working-class Americans.
"I'll be honest with you, I'm a Democrat, but they have f**ked us over for the last 40 years," he remarked at the time.
While the union did not endorse either presidential candidate, O'Brien spoke last year at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.
RELATED: Union boss slams Harris for boasting she'd win election 'with or without' endorsement
Following the presidential race, the Teamsters have continued to place more financial support behind Republican candidates, Politico reported.
The Teamsters' political action committee — Democrat, Republican, Independent Voter Education — reportedly donated $112,000 to Republicans, including $5,000 to the National Republican Congressional Committee and $50,000 to the Republican Attorneys General Association.
When asked for comment, Teamsters spokesperson Kara Deniz directed Blaze News to her previous statements made to Politico.
"Our members are working people whose interests cut across party lines," Deniz told the outlet. "And there's no value in living in a bubble … where you only talk to certain people to the exclusion of others."
Republican candidates who received Teamster contributions included Reps. Rob Bresnahan (Pa.), Mike Kelly (Pa.), Nicole Malliotakis (N.Y.), and Chris Smith (N.J.). The Teamsters also donated to several Republican senators, including Deb Fischer (Neb.), Lisa Murkowski (Alaska), Jon Husted (Ohio), and Dave McCormick (Pa.).
NRCC spokesperson Mike Marinella told Politico, "Hardworking 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."
"Democrats have abandoned them for their deeply out-of-touch, radical policies. We're bringing these voters home, and they will be key in growing our House majority," Marinella said.
While the Teamsters' contributions to Republicans have significantly increased, the union still gives more donations to Democrats. The DRIVE PAC reportedly dished out $200,000 to the Democratic Attorneys General Association and $100,000 to the Democratic Governors Association during the second quarter.
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Now-former Rep. Mark Green (R) of Tennessee officially retired over the weekend, and several candidates have already thrown their hats into the race to replace him.
Green initially announced his retirement in June, saying he would be pursuing an opportunity in the private sector which was "too exciting to pass up." Green said he would officially retire after the House passed President Donald Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which was signed into law on July 4.
With the deep-red seat now in play, several Republicans have set their sights on Tennessee's 7th congressional district.
"It's with a heavy heart that I say farewell," Green said, concluding his 40-year career in public service. "To my constituents across Tennessee’s 7th District — thank you. The trust you put in me is humbling. I will look back fondly on my years of serving as your voice in Washington."
As a result, the House Republican majority narrowed to 219 seats, while Democrats continue to hold 212. Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee (R) and the Tennessee Secretary of State's Office promptly announced they will be holding a special election with a primary in October and a general election in December.
RELATED: How Rep. Mark Green's abrupt resignation will affect House Republicans' slim majority
It's with a heavy heart that I say farewell.
To my constituents across Tennessee’s 7th District—thank you. The trust you put in me is humbling. I will look back fondly on my years of serving as your voice in Washington. pic.twitter.com/fwjVMCRtpQ
— Rep. Mark Green (@RepMarkGreen) July 4, 2025
With the deep-red seat now in play, several Republicans have set their sights on Tennessee's 7th congressional district.
RELATED: George Santos bids a 'fabulous' farewell, surrenders for prison sentence
Some Tennessee state representatives have launched campaigns to replace Green, including Republicans Jody Barrett of Dickson County and Lee Reeves of Franklin County. Stewart Parks, a Nashville resident who was convicted of and later pardoned for January 6-related charges, is also running.
Other candidates include several U.S. Army veterans, like Springfield resident Jon Thorp, Montgomery County Commissioner Jason Knight, and Matt Van Epps, a former commissioner of the Tennessee Department of General Services who resigned to run.
Although the National Republican Congressional Committee has not yet thrown its support behind any candidate, Green endorsed Van Epps to replace him.
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The National Republican Congressional Committee announced which House Democrats it is targeting next election cycle to expand the GOP majority.
The NRCC has set its sights on 26 "prime pickup opportunities" in light of the GOP's sweeping victory in November 2024. After taking back the White House, the Senate, and keeping the House, Republicans are eager to expand their power on Capitol Hill.
'Vulnerable House Democrats have been hard at work demonstrating they are painfully out of touch with hardworking Americans.'
House Democrats will be hit hard in swing states and even in deep-blue states. The NRCC is targeting five Democrats from California, including Reps. Josh Harder, Adam Gray, George Whitesides, Derek Tran, and Dave Min. Democratic Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez from the neighboring blue state of Washington is also on the NRCC's list.
The NRCC is also targeting New York Reps. Tom Suozzi, Laura Gillen, and Josh Riley. Democratic Rep. Jared Golden of Maine, who was the sole Democrat in the House to vote in favor of the GOP-led funding bill on Tuesday, was named as a target.
The NRCC is also keeping an eye on the Midwest, with Democratic Reps. Kristen McDonald Rivet of Michigan, Marcy Kaptur of Ohio, Emilia Sykes of Ohio, and Frank Mrvan of Indiana on its list.
The swing-state Democrats from Nevada are on the NRCC's radar, including Reps. Dina Titus, Susie Lee, and Steven Horsford. Democratic Rep. Don Davis from fellow swing state North Carolina is also one of the NRCC's target seats.
After making significant gains with Hispanics, the NRCC is also targeting Democrats with significant Latino populations like Rep. Henry Cuellar of Texas, Rep. Vicente Gonzalez of Texas, Rep. Nellie Pou of New Jersey, and Rep. Gabe Vasquez of New Mexico.
Although the South is usually a safe bet for Republicans, the NRCC is vying for a few pickup opportunities below the Mason-Dixon line, including Democratic Reps. Eugene Vindman of Virginia, Darren Soto of Florida, and Jared Moskowitz of Florida.
"House Republicans are in the majority and on offense,” NRCC Chairman Richard Hudson said. “Meanwhile, vulnerable House Democrats have been hard at work demonstrating they are painfully out of touch with hardworking Americans. Republicans are taking the fight straight to these House Democrats in their districts, and we will unseat them next fall.”
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