NPC Headliner: Teamsters Presidential Debate

Two candidates vying to lead the 1.4 million member Teamsters union faced off in a debate at the National Press Club on Sept. 1, 2021. 

The election of the new general president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters marks the beginning of a new era for the powerful union. Teamsters President James P. Hoffa, 80, will step down in March after leading the organization for 23 years. His father, Jimmy Hoffa, led the organization from 1957 until 1971.

Two longtime labor leaders are seeking the post. Teamsters International Vice President-East Sean M. O'Brien, representing the Teamsters United slate, is a fourth-generation Teamster, and president of the Local 25 and secretary-treasurer of Joint Council 10, both in Boston. International Vice President-at-Large Steve Vairma, representing the Teamsters Power slate, served as secretary-treasurer of the Local 455 in Denver since 1996 and as president of the Joint Council 3, which represents members in eight states.