Despite divisive rhetoric taking hold at the national level, most New Yorkers proved at the polls that they want common-ground solutions, not chaos. In several hotly contested congressional races across New York, NYSUT-backed candidates emerged victorious on election night.
Among them was former educator and NYSUT member John Mannion. Mannion, who taught AP Biology and Chemistry at West Genesee Central School District and the Syracuse City School District for three decades, had previously served as a New York State Senator before deciding to run for Congress in the 22nd congressional district.
Part of NYSUT's Pipeline Project, Mannion is among many NYSUT members to seek and hold elected office across the state and is the first NYSUT member to be elected to a national office.
"From his time in union leadership at West Genesee to his work in Albany as a state senator, John has proven he will fight tirelessly to uplift educators, students and communities. As a teacher and NYSUT member, we know John will be the powerful voice in Washington for working-class families and strong public schools that Central New York deserves," NYSUT President Melinda Person said in a statement earlier this cycle.
Mannion twice joined NYSUT's Common Ground Over Chaos bus tour to hold roundtable discussions with educators and healthcare workers in Syracuse and Utica.
Elsewhere on election night, four other Common Ground Over Chaos congressional candidates emerged victorious:
- In NY-3, Tom Suozzi coasted to re-election after a competitive special election last February that saw NYSUT members play a key role in flipping that seat.
- In NY-4 on Long Island, Laura Gillen won a tight race against her incumbent opponent.
- In NY-18, long-time education advocate Rep. Pat Ryan won election in the newly redrawn district.
- In the sprawling NY-19 district, Josh Riley pulled off an upset against his incumbent opponent by pushing a message of common ground and real-world solutions versus divisive rhetoric.
The Common Ground Over Chaos campaign saw dozens of candidates from both parties sign our pledge. NYSUT will be monitoring the results of other races across the state, including for state Assembly and Senate.