The New Jersey Education Association’s political action committee (NJEA PAC) has endorsed Rep. Mikie Sherrill for governor and 67 legislative candidates for the upcoming general election on November 4. The list of endorsed candidates includes both Republicans and Democrats, such as Speaker Craig J. Coughlin.
NJEA officers President Steve Beatty, Vice President Petal Robertson, and Secretary-Treasurer Tina Dare released a statement regarding the endorsements. “We are excited that our members have endorsed Mikie Sherrill for governor. She’s a strong leader who believes in public education and stands with working families. She understands that unions helped build America’s middle class and believes that workers have a right to join together to win higher salaries and safer working conditions.
“Her service in the Navy and her record in Congress show that she has the intelligence, integrity and independence that voters want and New Jersey needs. At a time when our nation is at a crossroads, she is ready to stand up for New Jersey and show America that there is a better way than what we see in Washington, D.C.
“Mikie Sherrill understands that a pension is a promise. Unlike Jack Ciattarelli, she will keep that promise by fully funding public employee pensions so that educators can have the economic security they have earned and the dignity they deserve. She knows the promise of a secure pension is one important way to attract and retain dedicated professionals who will keep our public schools the best in the nation for years to come.
“She is also willing to listen. She respects educators and will make sure our members have a place at the table and a real voice when education policy is made. While Jack Ciattarelli refused to look our members in the eyes, she showed up and engaged in real conversation about the future of our public schools and our state. Her obvious compassion and commitment to our shared values made NJEA members’ decision to endorse her an easy one. Mikie Sherrill is a clear choice to lead New Jersey, and we are eager to work side by side with our members to help her win in November.”
The statement also addressed Speaker Coughlin’s endorsement: “NJEA members are also very proud to endorse Speaker Coughlin for re-election. His leadership has been instrumental in passing pro-public education and pro-public employee policies that benefit our members, the students we serve and the communities where we live. Along with all our endorsed legislative candidates, we know that he will continue that progress for New Jersey.
“Our members have high standards for earning NJEA’s endorsement, and our members’ endorsement comes with a promise of support on the ground from now through Nov. 4. Our members are excited to work hard in the coming weeks to elect Rep. Sherrill, Speaker Coughlin and all our other endorsed candidates. Together, they will work to guarantee that New Jersey families can continue to send their children to the nation’s best public schools. They will also ensure that union members are treated with dignity and respect and compensated for the excellent work we do every day.”
The endorsements were determined based on candidates’ positions on issues important to NJEA members, such as support for public education and labor rights.
The full list of NJEA PAC-endorsed candidates includes Rep. Mikie Sherrill for governor and legislative candidates from various districts across New Jersey, representing both major parties.
