The plan was to wait until after the November midterm elections. That was the plan. Instead, the Senate moved fast on Wednesday night. They confirmed Keith Sonderling as the new Secretary of Labor. The vote happened at 11 p.m. right before the chamber went dark for six weeks. RedState reported that the Senate Republican majority pulled through the confirmation vote. It was a strict party-line split. Sonderling won 47 to 41. Twelve senators simply were not there for the final count. Six Republicans and six Democrats missed the vote entirely, according to Daily Signal.
This move changes everything for American workers and business owners. Sonderling has been the Acting Secretary since April, as New York Post noted. He stepped up after Lori Chavez-DeRemer left her post. Her exit followed multiple allegations that she abused the power of her position. Sonderling had no part in that investigation. He is a strong advocate for the president's labor agenda. He worked tirelessly to implement the Trump administration's rules during his first term. Now, he takes the mantle as the full Secretary of Labor.
U.S. Senate CONFIRMS Keith Sonderling to be Secretary of Labor, 47-41. pic.twitter.com/KiqK3mKSQQ
— CSPAN (@cspan) October 1, 2026
Here is the thing that matters most to you. Sonderling is not like the secretaries before him. He distinguishes himself by being pro-business and pro-independent professional initiatives. He helped craft the 2020 Trump Independent Contractor rule. That rule protected the role of independent contractors. It allowed them to keep their status, freedom, and flexibility. The Biden administration killed that rule in 2021. They instituted their own version instead. After Trump won the 2024 election, Sonderling worked to stop the enforcement of the new Biden rule.
He is now helping to craft a 2026 rule that follows the old framework. This new rule incorporates changes to the Fair Labor Standards Act. President Donald Trump spoke highly of this choice. In a June Truth Social post, he stated that Keith has demonstrated unwavering commitment to achieving solid outcomes for the Hardworking People of our Country throughout his career, and he is certain he will excel in this new position. That is the backing he brings to the job. Under his leadership, the department has already focused on deregulation. On the very day of his confirmation, the department announced $43 million in grants. Seven states will use this money for training in shipbuilding and nuclear energy.
I am honored to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the 31st Secretary of Labor.@POTUS is the greatest President for the American Worker, and I’m grateful for his trust and confidence in me to lead @USDOL.
America’s workers and job creators are the greatest in the world. I will… https://t.co/XUcD5GWb6a
— Secretary Keith Sonderling (@Sonderling47) October 1, 2026
Not everyone is happy about this outcome. Democrats opposed the confirmation. They cited administration policies they disagree with. They cited how certain Department of Education grant programs were handled at Labor. Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana supported the move. He said it was clear Sonderling was qualified. He remarked that he believes Sonderling will safeguard employees, assist businesses in generating additional employment, and aid workers in adapting to AI-driven shifts within the workforce. The opposition is fierce but the vote is done. Until January 3, the 119th Congress will reconvene for the lame-duck session.
The real test is what happens next. Sonderling served as a senior advisor in the first term. He later served on the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. As an adjunct professor, he even instructed on the laws the department enforces. He knows the rules better than anyone. The 2026 rule is the next big step. It aims to fix the problems of the past decade. The Senate is gone until after the election.