Nation’s Second Largest Teachers Union Announces Support for Kamala Harris in Presidential Race

The American Federation of Teachers, representing 1.8 million members, overwhelmingly backed Kamala Harris in her bid to secure the Democratic presidential nomination today.

“I spoke in support of the resolution—for our students, our patients, our families, our communities, our democracy, and ourselves!” union President Randi Weingarten posted on X from the AFT’s 2024 convention in Houston. “Let’s win this!”

Delegates swiftly ratified the AFT Executive Council’s unanimous vote endorsing Harris soon after President Joe Biden withdrew his candidacy, positioning the country’s second-largest teachers union as an early supporter of the vice president.

Tweet by Randi Weingarten
The @aftunion Exec. Council just voted to endorse @KamalaHarris for president, subject to ratification by delegates to the 2024 AFT convention. Harris is fighting to restore Roe, for families, student debt relief and workers.

“Vice President Harris has fought alongside Joe Biden to achieve historic milestones and improve the lives of Americans,” stated Weingarten on Sunday evening.

“Trump left a country in crisis and chaos for his successor, with surging inflation and a declining economy,” she remarked. “Joe Biden and Kamala Harris turned things around, stabilizing schools, safeguarding pensions, and reshaping the economy.”

The AFT joined other influential unions like the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and the United Farm Workers in endorsing Harris.

Numerous prominent Democrats, including Nancy Pelosi, Bill and Hillary Clinton, and several governors, supported Harris or were potential running mates, such as Gretchen Whitmer, Gavin Newsom, and Josh Shapiro.

Education Secretary Miguel Cardona also expressed his support for Harris on Sunday.

In light of Biden’s decision, Weingarten revised her planned remarks at the convention, shifting the focus to Harris’s candidacy.

During her 2020 presidential campaign, Harris championed universal preschool, free college, and a $13,500 raise for every teacher by the end of her first term.

NEA President Becky Pringle refrained from mentioning Harris in her tweets, expressing gratitude to President Biden and emphasizing the need for a dedicated successor.

The AFT’s full statement endorsing Kamala Harris for president can be accessed below.

The Nations Second Largest Teachers Union Endorses Kamala Harris for President