Sean O’Brien, the general president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, has endorsed Republican Sen. Roger Marshall of Kansas in his reelection bid, a move that could influence the balance of power in the Senate.
O’Brien stated that Sen. Marshall has consistently demonstrated support for labor, particularly through his work on the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. "Sen. Marshall has proven time and time again that he is a friend of labor," O’Brien said in a statement. "As a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, Sen. Marshall has been eager to partner with us on legislation that protects workers, even when it requires breaking rank with his own party."
Teamsters Local 696, based in Topeka, Kansas, also announced its support for Marshall, who is seeking his second term in the Senate. "We are proud to endorse the candidate in this race who continues to be a voice for the middle-class workers of our great state, and that candidate is Sen. Marshall," said Local 696 President Mike Scribner. "Kansas Teamsters need someone in Washington who is willing to fight on their behalf. Throughout his tenure, Sen. Marshall has shown that he is the person for the job."
O’Brien has become a notable figure within Republican circles, having spoken at the Republican National Convention in 2024. He has also cultivated political alliances, including with Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., and supported the nomination of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin.
Marshall's legislative record includes support for pro-labor bills such as the Faster Labor Contracts Act and the Warehouse Worker Protection Act, as well as his own Railway Safety Act. He also championed the Overtime Wages Relief Act, which aimed to eliminate federal income tax on overtime wages.
Marshall is running against Democratic nominee Adam Hamilton in Kansas, a state that has historically favored Republicans. Cook Political Report rates the race as "likely Republican." Despite Marshall’s incumbency and the state’s political leanings, Hamilton has emerged as a strong fundraiser, nearly matching Marshall's campaign finance totals. Hamilton has raised over $4.1 million, while Marshall has secured more than $6.2 million.
Kansas has not elected a Democrat to the Senate since the 1930s, when former Sen. George McGill served one term before being unseated by a Republican.