Lori Chavez-DeRemer Sworn in as U.S. Secretary of Labor, Bridging GOP Politics and Labor Advocacy

On March 11, 2025, Lori Chavez-DeRemer was sworn in as the 30th U.S. Secretary of Labor, following a bipartisan Senate confirmation vote of 67-32. A Republican from Oregon, Chavez-DeRemer brings a unique blend of political experience and union advocacy to the Department of Labor.

Chavez-DeRemer's confirmation marks a notable intersection of Republican politics and labor support. As the daughter of a Teamster, she has demonstrated a pro-labor stance, including co-sponsoring the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act during her congressional term. Her appointment received endorsements from prominent labor unions, such as the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.

Before her cabinet appointment, Chavez-DeRemer served as the U.S. Representative for Oregon's 5th Congressional District from 2023 to 2025. She was the first Republican woman and one of the first Latinas elected to Congress from Oregon. During her term, she served on the House Committees on Agriculture; Education and the Workforce; and Transportation and Infrastructure. Prior to her congressional service, she was the mayor of Happy Valley, Oregon, from 2011 to 2018.

President Donald Trump announced Chavez-DeRemer's nomination for Secretary of Labor on November 22, 2024. The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee held a confirmation hearing on February 19, 2025, and approved her nomination on February 27, 2025, with a 14-9 vote. The full Senate confirmed her nomination on March 10, 2025, with a 67-32 vote. Seventeen Democrats joined most Republicans in support, while three Republicans—Senators Rand Paul (R-KY), Mitch McConnell (R-KY), and Ted Budd (R-NC)—voted against her.

Chavez-DeRemer's labor relations stance is multifaceted. While she co-sponsored the PRO Act, aimed at strengthening collective bargaining rights, during her congressional term, she distanced herself from some provisions during her confirmation hearing, indicating support for state "right to work" laws, which allow employees to refuse union membership.

The Department of Labor, with nearly 16,000 employees and a proposed budget of $13.9 billion for fiscal year 2025, is responsible for enforcing federal labor laws, regulating workplace safety standards, and reporting on employment statistics.

Chavez-DeRemer's confirmation reflects a complex interplay between union support and Republican politics, highlighting a shift in traditional party alignments concerning labor issues. Her leadership is expected to influence the Department of Labor's approach to unionization, worker rights, and employer regulations, potentially affecting labor relations nationwide.

As Chavez-DeRemer assumes her role, stakeholders from both labor and business communities will be closely monitoring how her unique background and policy positions translate into action within the Department of Labor.