Twenty-three of NYSUT’s endorsed candidates triumphed in primary races across the state on Tuesday, showing once again that voters value public education, working families and the labor movement.
“These victories tell us that genuine support for students, educators and public schools is a powerful strategy,” said NYSUT President Melinda Person. “NYSUT-backed candidates win because they are the best choices for their communities, and we will continue to champion them in full force through the general election this fall.”
NYSUT-endorsed candidates receive grassroots support from NYSUT members, including phone banking, door knocking and literature distribution. The union also makes financial contributions from voluntary donations through VOTE-COPE, the union's non-partisan political action committee.
Highlights
CD22: State Senator John Mannion was victorious in the competitive congressional district in Central New York. Mannion, the former president of the West Genesee Teachers Association, has continued to beat back challengers through his political rise as a fierce advocate for working-class families and strong public schools. He is a graduate of the union’s Member Organizing Institute and Pipeline Project.
SD6: Nassau County Legislator Siela Bynoe won despite heavy opposition from pro-charter school groups. She has promised to press for public school funding, more services for special needs children, the expansion of after-school programming and career training opportunities.
AD18: NYSUT member Noah Burroughs won on Long Island, running a campaign grounded in his deep knowledge of the community and by focusing on pushing positive change. A Hempstead village trustee and a 20-year educator, Burroughs will prioritize increased funding for public schools and state aid for Nassau Community College.
AD35: Community organizer and civic rights advocate Larinda Hooks triumphed in Queens by promising to support public schools, the community school model and affordable healthcare. She is a former PTA president and wants to ensure students are supported throughout their education, from early childhood programs to low-cost after-school opportunities.
AD137: Assembly member Demond Meeks prevailed in Rochester, focusing on his long record of bringing the community together. He was an 1199 SEIU organizer and an active member of the Rochester Chapter of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists and has spent his time in the Assembly advocating for quality education, fair wages, workers’ rights and social justice.