American Federation of Teachers Congratulates Members and Retirees on Election Day Victories

WASHINGTON—Several candidates from the AFT’s member and retiree ranks won their primaries for state House and Senate seats yesterday in Indiana, Ohio and West Virginia. A record number of AFT members and retirees are running for office nationwide in 2018, with more than 100 candidates in over 20 states adding their names to the ballot.

AFT President Randi Weingarten said: “We’re seeing a record number of union members step up, run and now win in primaries and general elections. They’re engaged in their profession and communities, they’re participating in the political process, and they’re using their voice—and their union’s—to ensure the concerns of everyday working people are heard. Who better to fight for quality healthcare, great public schools, living wages, and the needs of our students and our communities, than the people who are on the ground, living those experiences every day?”

AFT-West Virginia President Christine Campbell said: “We’re thrilled that so many of our endorsed candidates—our own members—will be on the ballot come November. Our walkout earlier this year proved just how formidable we can be when the future of public education is on the line.”

Ohio Federation of Teachers President Melissa Cropper said: “With several big races up and down the ballot in Ohio, we’re proud that AFT members are getting out and getting heard. It’s a critical year to fight back against the politics of disinvestment, division and disenfranchisement, and we’re looking forward to seeing our members win.”

AFT Indiana President GlenEva Dunham said: “Election Day looms large in Indiana this year, with several key issues facing working people around our state. Two members won their primaries yesterday and will be running to represent us in the state House of Representatives, where we need allies for students, public schools and teachers now more than ever.”