Bend, Ore. — Former Oregon Republican Congresswoman Lori Chavez-DeRemer is scheduled to appear before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee on Wednesday, February 12, for her confirmation hearing as the next U.S. Secretary of Labor. The hearing is set to begin at 7 a.m. PST.
Chavez-DeRemer, nominated by President Donald Trump last November, would oversee the Department of Labor if confirmed, with responsibilities spanning workers’ rights, wages, health and safety regulations, and union protections. Her nomination is seen as a significant moment for both the labor movement and the Republican Party.
Chavez-DeRemer, who represented Oregon’s 5th Congressional District, lost her bid for reelection in 2024 to Democrat Janelle Bynum in a contentious and costly race. Despite her defeat, Chavez-DeRemer attracted considerable labor support during her campaign. Notably, she was one of only three Republican members of the House to co-sponsor a version of the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, legislation aimed at expanding labor protections and facilitating unionization efforts across the country.
The election between Chavez-DeRemer and Bynum was one of the closest in Oregon’s history, with Bynum initially taking the lead on election night. The race remained too close to call for several days, ultimately adding to its national attention and making it one of the most expensive campaigns in the state’s history.
Should she be confirmed as labor secretary, Chavez-DeRemer would take on a critical role at a time when labor issues are a focal point of national discourse. Her position would grant her influence over the policies that impact millions of workers in areas such as wages, workplace safety, and employer-employee relations, including the rights of workers to organize.
Political analysts are keeping a close eye on Chavez-DeRemer’s nomination, with some suggesting that the hearing could serve as a launching pad for her future political ambitions. Jim Moore, a political science professor at Pacific University, told local news outlet KGW in November that her confirmation could offer significant opportunities for her career. “If Chavez-DeRemer plays this right, she could come back and be the first Republican in Oregon in a while to have a chance to win a governorship or, when Ron Wyden or Jeff Merkley retires, to win a Senate seat. If she doesn’t, this is the cap of her political career,” Moore said.
As the confirmation hearing approaches, attention will turn to how Chavez-DeRemer addresses questions related to her vision for labor policy, especially in light of her past support for labor-friendly legislation in the House. The outcome of her hearing could shape not only her political future but also the direction of the Department of Labor during the upcoming presidential administration.
