Teamsters Reformer Wins Presidency as Hoffa-Backed Foe Concedes

Reform candidate Sean O’Brien declared victory in the race to become the International Brotherhood of Teamsters’ next president, after his James P. Hoffa-backed opponent conceded on Friday.

O’Brien, head of the Teamsters local chapter in Boston, held a 2 to 1 lead over rival Steve Vairma, with more than 90 percent of ballots counted. The official tally won’t be certified until next month.

From the outset, O’Brien had made his candidacy a referendum on Hoffa, the Teamsters’ current president, saying the union should take a harder stance in contract negotiations. He has also vowed to mount an aggressive push ...