Powerful union leader backs Republican in key Senate showdown

FIRST ON FOX: One of the top union leaders in the country has waded into a key Senate contest, backing the Republican incumbent in a race that could determine the balance of power in the upper chamber.

Teamsters General President Sean O’Brien is backing Sen.

Roger Marshall, R-Kan., in his bid for reelection as Republicans look to solidify their grip in the upper chamber, and push back against the headwinds that browbeat the party in power during a midterm election cycle.

"Sen.

Marshall has proven time and time again that he is a friend of labor," O’Brien said in a statement first obtained by Fox News Digital.

"As a member of the U.S.

Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, Sen.

Marshall has been eager to partner with us on legislation that protects workers, even when it requires breaking rank with his own party." EXCLUSIVE: TRUMP-BACKED CHALLENGER GAINS LABOR UNION SUPPORT IN KEY RACE FOR HOUSE CONTROL "We look forward to continuing to work together with Sen.

Marshall to fight for the rights of hardworking Americans," he continued.

O’Brien’s green light to Marshall comes as Teamsters Local 696, the Topeka, Kansas-based chapter of the Teamsters also threw its support behind the lawmaker, who is seeking a second term in the Senate.

"We are proud to endorse the candidate in this race who continues to be a voice for the middle-class workers of our great state, and that candidate is Sen.

Marshall," Local 696 President Mike Scribner said in a statement.

"Kansas Teamsters need someone in Washington who is willing to fight on their behalf," he continued.

"Throughout his tenure, Sen.