Lori Chavez-DeRemer: The little-known Trump nominee who may need to rely on Dems to cross finish line

Former Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer, R-Ore., has been chosen by President Donald Trump to lead the Department of Labor, but her nomination has sparked some concerns among Republicans in the Senate due to her pro-union stances. At the same time, she has garnered interest from pro-labor Democrats, creating a potential bipartisan divide during her confirmation process.

Chavez-DeRemer’s support for the Protecting the Right to Organize Act (PRO Act) has raised eyebrows among Republicans, as the legislation is seen as controversial and opposed by many in the GOP. The PRO Act aims to eliminate state-level laws that prohibit employers and unions from requiring workers to pay union dues as a condition of their employment. This has led Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., to call for further clarification from Chavez-DeRemer on her position regarding the PRO Act.

During her upcoming hearing in front of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP), Chavez-DeRemer will have to address these concerns, particularly from members like Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., who has already stated his intention to vote against her nomination due to her support for the PRO Act. This places her in a challenging position, as she may need Democratic support to secure confirmation if Paul follows through on his decision.

Despite facing opposition from some Republicans, Chavez-DeRemer has found an ally in Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., who is in favor of her nomination. Mullin, along with Teamsters President Sean O’Brien, played a role in her selection for the Cabinet role. He emphasized the importance of union members in Trump’s winning 2024 election coalition and highlighted Chavez-DeRemer’s appeal among labor unions.

While some Republicans may oppose her nomination, Mullin believes that Chavez-DeRemer’s support among labor groups could help her garner bipartisan support in the Senate. He suggested that Democrats may find it difficult to vote against her, given her pro-labor stance. However, the outcome of her confirmation remains uncertain, as she will need to secure a favorable recommendation from the HELP committee and gather at least 60 votes in the full Senate to move forward.

Despite the challenges ahead, Chavez-DeRemer remains optimistic about her confirmation prospects. With her appeal among labor groups and potential bipartisan support, she may be able to overcome opposition from some Republicans and secure confirmation as the next Secretary of Labor. As the confirmation process unfolds, all eyes will be on Chavez-DeRemer as she navigates the political landscape and seeks to lead the Department of Labor.