The Senate confirmed President Donald Trump’s pick, Keith Sonderling, as labor secretary Wednesday night, formally installing him atop the powerful department.
Sonderling won confirmation 47–41, concluding months of acting leadership following former Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer’s departure from the Trump administration.
The final vote occurred at 9:29 p.m., shortly before senators departed Washington ahead of November’s crucial midterm elections.
Twelve senators did not vote, according to the official Senate roll call documenting Sonderling’s confirmation.
Earlier Wednesday, Republicans invoked cloture on Sonderling’s nomination by a 53–47 vote, allowing the confirmation process to move forward.
The afternoon cloture vote included every Republican supporting advancement while Democrats and independents unanimously voted against proceeding.
Sonderling had already been running the Labor Department since April after Chavez-DeRemer left President Trump’s Cabinet.
Trump designated Sonderling acting secretary April 20 before formally nominating him for the permanent Cabinet position June 29.
The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee advanced his nomination July 30 by a narrow 12–11 vote.
Committee Chairman Bill Cassidy, R-La., strongly endorsed Sonderling’s qualifications and predicted effective leadership at the department.
“It is clear Mr. Sonderling is qualified,” Cassidy said while supporting the nomination during committee consideration.
“As Secretary, I’m confident that he will protect workers, help businesses create more jobs,” Cassidy continued.
Cassidy also said Sonderling would “help workers navigate AI-driven changes in the workforce.”
Trump offered similarly enthusiastic praise when announcing Sonderling as his permanent choice during the summer.
“It is my Great Honor” to nominate Sonderling, Trump wrote while announcing his decision on Truth Social.
Trump described Sonderling as the “outstanding Acting United States Secretary of Labor” and highlighted his extensive federal experience.
“Throughout his career, Keith has proven his dedication to delivering strong results for the Hardworking People of our Country,” Trump said.
“I know he will do an incredible job in his new role,” the president added.
Sonderling entered the Cabinet position with substantial experience involving employment law, federal regulation and Labor Department operations.
He was confirmed as Trump’s deputy labor secretary in March 2025 by a 53–46 Senate vote.
As deputy secretary, Sonderling oversaw daily department operations including strategic planning, budgeting, technology, financial management and human resources.
He previously served inside Trump’s first administration at the Labor Department’s Wage and Hour Division.
Sonderling also served as a Republican commissioner on the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission following Senate confirmation in 2020.
Before entering government, Sonderling practiced labor and employment law in Florida, representing employers across workplace disputes and regulatory matters.
Sonderling has since helped advance administration policies emphasizing deregulation, apprenticeship opportunities, domestic manufacturing and alternative pathways beyond four-year college degrees.
His department has also pursued changes affecting independent contractors, an issue carrying significant consequences for trucking and other industries.
Business organizations welcomed Sonderling’s confirmation, praising his regulatory experience and approach toward employers, contractors and workforce development.
The American Trucking Associations strongly supported Sonderling, particularly highlighting his approach toward independent-contractor regulations affecting hundreds of thousands of truckers.
The organization said workers deserve “steady, thoughtful leadership” from the Labor Department as industries confront rapidly changing workforce demands.
ATA official Henry Hanscom praised Sonderling’s “deep workforce expertise, strong policy judgment, and proven agency-management experience.”
“We congratulate him on this well-deserved promotion,” Hanscom said following Wednesday night’s Senate vote.
The confirmation also gives Trump another Senate-approved Cabinet official after Chavez-DeRemer’s abrupt departure created months of leadership uncertainty.
Sonderling’s promotion represents continuity because he has effectively directed the department’s operations throughout much of 2026 already.
His elevation from deputy secretary to acting secretary and now permanent secretary completes a rapid climb within Trump’s second administration.
Wednesday’s vote also came during the Senate’s final stretch of business before lawmakers returned home for midterm campaigning.
Republicans delivered the votes necessary to confirm Trump’s nominee despite unified opposition from participating Democrats and independents.
The result leaves Sonderling officially responsible for implementing federal labor policy during the remainder of Trump’s second presidential term.
After five months running the department temporarily, Sonderling now holds the job with the Senate’s formal constitutional approval.
This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
