Union boss stuns with major Republican endorsement as election nears

Teamsters General President Sean O’Brien endorsed Florida Republican Senator Ashley Moody shortly before polls opened nationwide, breaking with the pattern of national union leaders tending to support Democrats. He said Moody had helped protect workers’ pensions, support good-paying jobs and fund union apprenticeships, and said the union wanted to work with her on labour legislation.

O’Brien leads a 123-year-old union with about 1.3 million members and describes himself as a lifelong Democrat; he also spoke at the 2024 Republican National Convention. Moody, a former Florida attorney general, welcomed his support, while Democratic Senate nominee Angie Nixon said she would stand with Teamsters members. O’Brien also faced criticism over voting in Florida, which appeared to mark a move from his hometown of Boston.