Teamsters leader endorses Republican senator in Florida race

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 2 Nov, 20:38 · Archive

Sean O'Brien, president of the 1.3 million-member Teamsters union, endorsed Republican Sen. Ashley Moody in Florida's Senate race.

Sean O'Brien, General President of the Teamsters union, endorsed Republican Sen. Ashley Moody in Florida's Senate race over the weekend, announcing the decision on Sunday. The 123-year-old union has approximately 1.3 million members. O'Brien, who describes himself as a 'lifelong Democrat', said he was 'very proud' to have cast a ballot for Moody, marking a significant break from the union movement's traditional alignment with Democratic candidates.

O'Brien praised Moody's work with the Teamsters on workers' pensions, job protection and union apprenticeship programmes. He said the union looks forward to working with Moody on the Senate HELP Committee to pass what he called the Faster Labor Contracts Act to protect American workers.

Moody said in a statement that she was proud to have O'Brien's endorsement and committed to fighting for hardworking Americans and strengthening good-paying jobs. O'Brien has previously stepped outside traditional Democratic circles; he spoke at the 2024 Republican National Convention after saying the Democratic Party had declined his request to speak at their convention. He stated at the time that he represents 1.3 million workers regardless of political criticism from either side.

How it is being reported

• ‘Lifelong Democrat’ Teamsters President Sean O’Brien stuns with major Republican endorsement as election nears"Just voted in the State of Florida for the first time, and very proud to have cast a ballot for Sen. Ashley Moody," Teamsters General President Sean O'Brien announced -- despite being a "lifelong Democrat."New York Post · 2 Nov, 20:24
• Union boss stuns with major Republican endorsement as election nearsTeamsters president endorsed Senate Republican Ashley Moody in the Florida Senate race, marking a major break from traditional union Democratic ties.Fox News · 2 Nov, 16:11

In this story: Sean O'Brien · Ashley Moody · Teamsters · Florida

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