Sen. Markwayne Mullin predicted the federal shutdown could end shortly after Tuesday’s elections, suggesting Democrats will reopen the government once key gubernatorial and mayoral races conclude. He claimed party leaders view the shutdown as political leverage but are preparing an “exit ramp” to avoid backlash from voters and weakening polls.

Mullin argued that Democrats plan to wait until midweek to appear resolute before announcing a deal, possibly by Thursday. He framed the situation as politically driven, noting major contests in New York, New Jersey, Virginia, and California.

At the same time, Teamsters President Sean O’Brien joined Vice President JD Vance and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy outside the White House to demand an end to the shutdown. O’Brien said the standoff is damaging working families and vital industries, calling for a clean funding measure to reopen the government and resume talks.