PORTLAND, Ore. KOIN — Lori Chavez-DeRemer, who recently lost her re-election bid for Oregon’s 5th Congressional District, is reportedly being considered as the next Labor Secretary under Donald Trump’s administration.
Politico first reported the news, and KOIN 6 News has confirmed Chavez-DeRemer has the backing of Teamsters President Sean O’Brien. Teamsters spokesperson Kara Deniz stated, I can confirm O’Brien’s support for the Oregon Republican to lead the Labor Department. Additionally, other GOP leaders are lobbying Trump and his transition team on her behalf.
Chavez-DeRemer conceded the election on November 14 to Democrat Janelle Bynum, expressing pride in her campaign despite the loss. Although this isn’t the outcome we had hoped for, I am proud of what we accomplished together, she said.
Before her one term in Congress, Chavez-DeRemer, 56, served as a councilor, council president, and two-term mayor of Happy Valley. Her Congressional biography highlights her personal story, including supporting her husband, Dr. Shawn DeRemer, through medical school and later co-founding an anesthesia management company and several medical clinics in the Pacific Northwest.
Chavez-DeRemer’s failed re-election campaign was supported by more than a dozen labor unions, including local Teamsters. UFCW 555, which represents workers involved in the August Kroger picket, endorsed both Chavez-DeRemer and Bynum, emphasizing that either candidate would effectively represent workers’ interests.
Experts note that having both Chavez-DeRemer and Bynum active in Washington could benefit Oregon. “Labor unions like Janelle Bynum and they like Lori Chavez-DeRemer. If they both end up in D.C., that’s a win-win,” said Jeff Eager, KOIN political analyst.
Chavez-DeRemer’s support for Trump, which may have contributed to her election loss, could now work in her favor. She has praised the president-elect for connecting with working-class Americans and emphasized the GOP’s role as the party for American workers.
Analysts suggest her appointment as Labor Secretary could mark a significant pro-union shift under a Republican administration and signal a historic moment for Oregon. “In terms of an actual secretary of an entire department… I’m not aware of that happening anytime recently,” Eager added.
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