The New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) has expressed its approval of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz being selected as Kamala Harris' vice-presidential candidate for the 2024 election. NJEA President Sean M. Spiller, Vice President Steve Beatty, and Secretary-Treasurer Petal Robertson released a statement celebrating this decision.
“We are so excited about Kamala Harris’ selection of Minnesota Governor and former high school social studies teacher Tim Walz as her vice presidential running mate. As a high school teacher, coach and union member, he understands firsthand what students and families need to succeed in America. He knows that public schools are the backbone of our society and he believes that unions make our middle class stronger."
The NJEA leadership emphasized the role of educators as community leaders who chose their careers out of deep concern for the country's future. The statement continued: “Educators are born leaders. We are leaders in our classrooms and leaders in our communities. We chose this career because we care deeply about the future of our country. And when we step up to run for office, that same passion drives us."
Highlighting Governor Walz's contributions, they noted his efforts to ensure children in Minnesota have access to food, women have access to healthcare, and workers have paid medical leave and family leave: "Gov. Walz is an exceptional example of how educator leaders can make a difference. From making sure that children in Minnesota are fed, to making sure that women have access to healthcare to making sure that workers have access to paid medical leave and paid family leave, he’s carried his values from the classroom to the state house and soon to the White House as a partner with the next President of the United States, Kamala Harris."
Concluding their message with a call to action for supporters, they stated: “We have 90 more days before the election and we are going to use every one of them helping the Harris-Walz team win.”
