ALBANY, N.Y. May 26, 2016 – New York State United Teachers today announced the early endorsements of U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer and five other leaders who have consistently stood with public education and organized labor, demonstrating through their long-time voting record and public statements that they have earned the support of the state’s largest union.
In addition to Schumer, the NYSUT Board of Directors approved the endorsements of U.S. Rep. Jerry Nadler, D-10th; U.S. Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-12th; U.S Rep. Nita Lowey, D-17th; and Assemblyman Keith Wright, who is running for New York’s 13th congressional district seat.
NYSUT’s Board of Directors also voted to back Assemblyman Harry Bronson for re-election to his 138th Assembly District seat.
NYSUT President Karen E. Magee said that even when the political winds were blowing against educators and public sector workers, “These candidates stood shoulder to shoulder with educators and listened, and then used their voice to speak out strongly for what public schools and colleges – and students – needed. Now it’s our turn to stand strongly with them and to use NYSUT’s political clout to support their campaigns.”
NYSUT Executive Vice President Andrew Pallotta said the vast majority of NYSUT’s endorsements will be acted upon at the 600,000-plus member union’s regular endorsement conference on Aug. 8-9.
“In these cases, candidates have earned early endorsements that will enable them to grow momentum toward the primary and general elections,” Pallotta said. “We are proud to be able to support their candidacies with the financial support and volunteers they need to be victorious in their elections.”
Pallotta said thousands of NYSUT volunteers will be working phone banks, handing out literature and going door to door on behalf of union-endorsed candidates throughout the summer and fall, leading up to the Nov. 8 general election.
New York State United Teachers is a statewide union with more than 600,000 members in education, human services and health care. NYSUT is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers, the National Education Association and the AFL-CIO.