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Politics

13 Republicans Who Broke With Trump to Advance Union-Backed Bill — And Who They Are

Editor

Thirteen House Republicans reportedly crossed the aisle Wednesday to join Democrats in advancing a bill aimed at overturning President Donald Trump’s executive order cracking down on federal worker unions. The 222–200 vote allows debate and a final House vote to proceed — an unusual bipartisan rebuke of a core Trump reform.

Here are the 13 GOP lawmakers who sided with Democrats, and who they are:

  1. Jeff Van Drew (New Jersey)
    A former Democrat who famously switched parties in 2019 over impeachment, Van Drew represents a blue-leaning district. Known for moderate positions and strong union ties in South Jersey, he often breaks with the GOP on labor issues.

  2. Nicole Malliotakis (New York)
    Representing Staten Island and parts of Brooklyn, Malliotakis holds one of the bluest Republican seats in America. She has positioned herself as a pragmatic conservative willing to buck party leadership on union matters.

  3. Nick LaLota (New York)
    A Navy veteran and former local official from Long Island, LaLota faces a competitive district. He has occasionally aligned with labor groups in his state and previously signed the discharge petition.

  4. Brian Fitzpatrick (Pennsylvania)
    A former FBI agent representing a swing district outside Philadelphia, Fitzpatrick is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress. His moderate record includes frequent divergence from conservative orthodoxy.

  5. Rob Bresnahan (Pennsylvania)
    Representing another competitive eastern Pennsylvania district, Bresnahan ran as a centrist Republican emphasizing labor outreach and bipartisan appeal.

  6. Don Bacon (Nebraska)
    A retired Air Force brigadier general, Bacon represents an Omaha-area swing district. He often positions himself as a dealmaker and was one of the first Republicans to sign the petition.

  7. Mike Lawler (New York)
    Representing a Biden-won Hudson Valley district, Lawler is considered one of the GOP’s most vulnerable incumbents. His voting record reflects a careful balancing act between conservatives and union-heavy constituencies.

  8. Tom Kean Jr. (New Jersey)
    Son of a popular former governor, Kean represents a suburban district with strong labor influence. His moderate reputation has made him a frequent crossover vote.

  9. Ryan Mackenzie (Pennsylvania)
    A Lehigh Valley member with a background in state government, Mackenzie represents a region with substantial union presence and shifting political demographics.

  10. Zach Nunn (Iowa)
    An Air Force veteran and former state senator, Nunn represents a battleground Iowa district and has occasionally broken with the GOP to appeal to independent voters.

    See also

  11. Chris Smith (New Jersey)
    The longest-serving Republican in the House, Smith is well-known for his independent streak and frequent bipartisan votes, particularly on labor, veterans, and federal workforce issues.

  12. Pete Stauber (Minnesota)
    A former police officer from the Iron Range, Stauber’s district includes heavy union influence from mining communities, shaping his labor-friendly tendencies.

  13. Mike Turner (Ohio)
    Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, Turner represents Dayton, a region with a large federal workforce. He has shown willingness to break with the GOP when local jobs are at stake.

The Protect America’s Workforce Act now heads into a crucial procedural vote Thursday. If it advances, the House will vote on final passage — before the measure moves to the Senate and ultimately to President Trump’s desk, where it faces almost certain opposition.

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