NYSUT has endorsed candidates in dozens of races for state legislative offices and recommended nearly 20 congressional candidates for endorsements by the union’s national affiliates, the American Federation of Teachers and National Education Association.
Primaries are slated for June 23. The state forwarded postage paid absentee ballot applications to registered voters who would like to avoid social contact at the polls, but you will be able to vote early, June 13–21, or on Election Day in your community. Absentee ballots must be postmarked by June 23.
“Now more than ever, it’s clear that public schools are cornerstones of our communities, and we need representatives across New York who recognize that and will fight for public education in the halls of power,” NYSUT President Andy Pallotta said.
“We are confident that the candidates we’ve endorsed are the types of leaders who can deliver for New Yorkers. Especially amid this global pandemic, support for policies and funding that will move public education forward is critical as our educators work doubly hard to provide educational services and other essential resources for students and families.”
The endorsements include five NYSUT local union members or retirees, some of whom came through the union’s Pipeline Project. The project helps prepare and support individuals who are willing to step up as candidates to advance public education, health care and labor.
- Jackie Gordon, a retired member of the Western Suffolk BOCES Faculty Association, is running for Congress in New York’s second district on Long Island.
- Tommy John Schiavoni, a retired member of the Center Moriches Teachers Association, is running for the state Senate in the first district, in Suffolk County.
- Jacqui Berger, a member of United University Professions, is running for the state Senate in the 61st district in Western New York.
- Chantel Jackson, a member of the UFT in the Bronx, is running for the Assembly in the 79th district. Bill Conrad, a member of the Kenmore TA in Buffalo, is running for the Assembly in the 140th district.
Find the full slate online at nysut.org/endorsements.
NYSUT is scheduled to hold its biennial endorsement conference for federal and state offices online in July.
NYSUT-endorsed candidates receive grassroots support from NYSUT members, including phone banking, mailings and literature distribution. The union also makes financial contributions from voluntary donations through the union’s VOTE-COPE nonpartisan political action committee.
Jackie Gordon, second row, right, is one of five NYSUT members running in primaries June 23.
VOTE for NYSUT delegates
Here’s a list of NYSUT members* who are running as presidential delegates from various congressional districts. Vote for them to put the union “on the floor” at the Democratic National Convention this summer. *The list includes people who contacted us and may be incomplete.
