AFT Statement on Christine Pellegrino’s Victory

WASHINGTON—American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten released the following statement on Christine Pellegrino’s landslide victory in New York’s 9th Assembly District:

“Christine Pellegrino’s win is a huge victory for kids, teachers and public schools. In electing Christine to the state Assembly from a district that Donald Trump carried by 23 points in November, voters sent a mother, a teacher and an AFT member to Albany to represent them. Christine lives the promise of public education and will champion the needs and aspirations of working families. Her decisive upset victory in this conservative district makes clear that voters have a thirst for putting people in power who support public education and know firsthand what teachers, kids and schools need. I was so inspired by the grass-roots excitement for Christine that I canvassed for her on a rainy Saturday morning a few weeks ago. Volunteers from Nassau and Suffolk counties and across the state knocked on doors and made phone calls to support her candidacy. We know that Christine will be a great legislator in Albany, and we look forward to working with her as she starts this new chapter in her life.”