AFT on Virginia Governor’s Race

WASHINGTON—Statement of AFT President Randi Weingarten on the results of the Virginia governor’s race:

“The stakes of this election were enormous for working folks and for our kids—and for public education, decency and an economy that works for all. Tonight the people of Virginia elected a champion for decency and fairness; a person who has pledged to work for working families—for their economic opportunity and their kids’ education; and a leader and healer who has spent his entire adult life serving others—as a doctor, in the military and in public service. 

“Voters delivered a strong rebuke to the dirty, fearmongering campaign run by Gillespie and Donald Trump to divide people so they could push their anti-worker, anti-immigrant, anti-public education agenda across the state. Virginians made clear they want a governor who will stand with working folks to ensure good jobs, great neighborhood public schools and affordable healthcare, and who will work to make Virginia a safe and welcoming place for all who call it home.”

Statement of American Federation of Teachers local presidents Tina Williams, Fairfax County Federation of Teachers; Thomas Calhoun, Norfolk Federation of Teachers; and Jeion Ward, Hampton Federation of Teachers, on the Virginia governor’s race:

“AFT members across Virginia worked hard to elect Ralph Northam our next governor because Northam is the champion our families and our children need in Virginia. We’ve worked by his side for years to ensure good jobs for Virginians, invest in great public schools and public services, and make Virginia a state that is welcoming to all and continues to be a vibrant place where people want to work, go to school and raise their families. We look forward to working with Northam in the governor’s office to advance the values we share and continue to improve the lives of children and all Virginians.”