AFT leads labor in historic Harris endorsement
n the whirlwind launch of Vice President Kamala Harris’ candidacy for president, NYSUT members and leaders had a front seat and a supporting role.
On July 22, as AFT’s national convention kicked off in Houston, NYSUT President Melinda Person, acting in her capacity as an AFT vice president, made a historic motion during a special order of business to endorse Harris the day after President Joe Biden stepped out of the race.
The choice to back Harris is about optimism for a future that includes investments in public education, mental wellness, Career and Technical Education and community schools, Person said.
“I woke up this morning and I felt excited, excited about the possibility of electing the first woman president of the United States of America,” Person said to the more than 3,500 delegates gathered in Texas. “I stand here proudly recommending this motion … because I am genuinely hopeful about what we can accomplish with Kamala Harris as president.”
Union leaders from across the country followed by sharing effusive praise for Harris’ leadership and her commitments to strong education, accessible healthcare and public services. They also thanked Biden for his unrelenting support for labor, working families and democracy, pillars that Harris has vowed to embrace should she be elected in November.
Later in the week, Harris herself addressed the convention, and AFT President Randi Weingarten said the union’s 1.8 million members “are committed to pouring all of their energy into helping her make history as the first woman president.”
“The vice president electrified our convention hall today with her message about expanding the middle class and protecting our freedoms,” Weingarten said. “The AFT was the first union to endorse Kamala Harris for president because of her vision for the future.”
The National Education Association separately endorsed Harris in the days that followed, with President Becky Pringle praising Harris’ experience, qualifications and dedication.
“She has delivered time and again for students and educators, and educators know we can count on her continued partnership in expanding access to free school meals for students, investing in student mental health, working to ensure no educator has to carry the weight of crushing student debt, and doing everything possible to keep our communities and schools safe,” Pringle said.
Harris has since picked Minnesota governor and lifelong educator Tim Walz as her running mate, creating a presidential ticket that has invigorated NYSUT members to engage in elections with an energy Person can’t remember in her lifetime.
“It has definitely infused a whole new level of excitement into our membership, which is 75 percent women,” Person said. “The excitement over the possibility of electing the first woman president of the United States of America is enough to have my phone ringing off the hook with people who want to volunteer and work on campaigns. I’ve never seen anything like it.”