Trump Appoints Daniel Bonham as Assistant Labor Secretary

Former Oregon state senator Daniel Bonham has been nominated by the Trump administration for the role of Assistant Secretary for Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs at the U.S. Department of Labor. This position comes at a time when the department is led by another Oregon Republican, Lori Chavez-DeRemer, a former U.S. Representative.

Bonham, a member of the Republican Party, announced his resignation from the Oregon Senate on September 15, 2025, with an effective date of October 5, 2025. During his resignation announcement, he expressed gratitude for the trust his community placed in him, stating, “I never set out to be a politician — I just wanted to serve my community.” He added, “I’m excited about my future, but I’ll miss the day-to-day work alongside my colleagues in Salem.”

Nomination and Role Details

A notice dated October 2 on the U.S. Senate’s Executive Calendar confirmed that Bonham has received a “privileged nomination” for this position. He is set to take over the role previously held by Liz Watson, a labor attorney who resigned when Donald Trump took office. This nomination allows for a streamlined confirmation process, meaning Bonham may not need to undergo the usual committee hearing unless requested by a senator.

Bonham’s political career includes service in the Oregon House of Representatives from 2017 until 2023, followed by his election to the Oregon Senate. Notably, he participated in a significant six-week walkout aimed at blocking legislation related to abortion, gender-affirming care, and gun control, actions that highlighted his commitment to his party’s agenda.

Looking Ahead

While Bonham has not provided detailed comments about his future role, he has been vocal in his support of Chavez-DeRemer. He endorsed her during her campaign for re-election to Congress in 2024 and praised her local impact and achievements during a Senate floor courtesy in March 2023.

The Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs at the Labor Department serves as a liaison to Congress, handling tasks such as reviewing legislation, coordinating hearings, and responding to congressional inquiries. This role will place Bonham at the intersection of labor policy and congressional relations, giving him a significant platform to influence national labor discussions.

As he prepares for this new chapter, Bonham has remained engaged with political discourse. On September 30, 2025, he expressed concerns about Democratic spending proposals on social media, indicating his intent to remain active in political commentary.

As the U.S. Department of Labor navigates complex legislative landscapes, Bonham’s experience in state politics may prove valuable in addressing the challenges ahead.