Since August, members of the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) have been actively campaigning in Pennsylvania to support Vice President Kamala Harris's presidential campaign. Pennsylvania is considered a key battleground state, and NJEA members showcased their organizational capabilities during the weekend of September 21 by achieving the second-highest number of door knocks nationwide for Harris. This accomplishment underscores the union's influence in elections and its capacity to amplify educators' voices.
Patricia Kebrdle, chair of the NJEA’s Congressional Contact Committee, stressed the significance of these efforts: "Elections are important, our members are working hard to get our endorsed candidates in office. NJEA members have been door-knocking in Pennsylvania to support Vice President Harris and get a fellow educator, Gov. Waltz, elected I November! NJEA members from all over the state have come to door knock."
Christina Dare, chair of NJEA’s Government Relations Committee, highlighted NJEA’s dedication to collaboration: "Patricia Kebrdle and I, along with so many of our fellow NJEA members, saw a need to connect with our neighbors in the swing state of Pennsylvania. I am so proud of NJEA members who have stepped up and showed up to make our voices heard. In the words of Vice President Harris, ‘We are not going back!’ We will continue to show up and fight until the election is won."
In addition to supporting Harris and her running mate Gov. Walz, NJEA members are also backing Sue Altman in New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District. This district is among the most competitive races nationwide. Members have been engaging in various activities such as door-knocking, hosting events, writing postcards, and making phone calls for Altman. A win in this district could be pivotal in shifting control of the House of Representatives this November.
NJEA Officers released a statement reaffirming their commitment: "NJEA members continue to mobilize to ensure that our endorsed candidates, from Kamala Harris down, are successful in their campaigns. As the election draws closer, NJEA remains committed to rallying members for more canvassing opportunities, showing that the power of educators extends beyond the classroom and into the halls of government."
Looking ahead to future elections, NJEA has endorsed Sean Spiller for New Jersey's gubernatorial primary set for June 2025. The union's organizing strength is expected to provide Spiller with an advantage over his competitors.
