NJEA’s 125-member political action committee (NJEA PAC) has voted to endorse four legislative candidates in the 2021 primary election, which will be held on June 8, 2021. In Oct. 2020, NJEA PAC endorsed Gov. Phil Murphy for governor in the Democratic primary.
In Legislative District 16, NJEA PAC has endorsed Andrew Zwicker for Senate and Roy Freiman for the Assembly in the Democratic primary. In Legislative District 26, NJEA PAC has endorsed BettyLou DeCroce in the Republican primary. NJEA PAC had earlier endorsed Joe Cryan for Senate in the Legislative District 20 Democratic primary.
“We are proud to support both Republicans and Democrats in their respective primaries,” said NJEA President Marie Blistan. “Our members look at results, and all of these candidates are proven advocates for students and public schools. Our endorsement comes with a commitment to work for these candidates because we know action speaks louder than words.”
“BettyLou DeCroce is a solution seeker,” said NJEA Vice President Sean M. Spiller. “Her door is open, and she cares about her constituents. Educators in her district know they can approach her with ideas and she will listen. We need more of that in our politics, so we are proud to support her again.”
“Andrew Zwicker and Roy Frieman have partnered in the Assembly for the last two terms to keep our schools strong and to advocate for students,” said NJEA Secretary-Treasurer Steve Beatty. “NJEA members are supporting them in their primary races for Senate and Assembly because they have demonstrated their commitment to our shared values.”
Assemblywoman DeCroce sponsored Ch. 44 and Assemblyman Freiman co-sponsored the bill that provided much-needed relief on skyrocketing health care costs for public school employees and has the potential to save $1 billion a year. All three of the endorsed candidates voted in favor of the bill.
Both Assemblyman Zwicker and Assemblyman Freiman were prime sponsors of the educational support professional subcontracting bill that NJEA vigorously supported. All three of the endorsed candidates voted in favor of the bill.
All three endorsed candidates were co-sponsors of the just-cause arbitration bill and voted in favor of the bill.
All 120 legislative seats are up in the 2021 general election, as well as the governor’s seat.
Despite the challenges posed by the global pandemic, NJEA PAC maintained its standards and practices for endorsements. Candidates were invited to respond to a questionnaire about their public education and labor priorities and they were invited to attend a virtual screening with members of their local screening committee, made up of NJEA members from their legislative district. The screening committee made recommendations to the full NJEA PAC, which voted on their recommendations.
LD 16
Andrew Zwicker for Senate
As the son and spouse of public school educators, I know our teachers and educational support professionals are critical to the success of our children and communities. Our innovative educators tackled the unprecedented challenges of remote and hybrid learning with exceptional creativity and dedication in the face of their own personal challenges. I am grateful for NJEA’s endorsement as we work together to ensure that our students and staff have the resources they need so that New Jersey continues to have the best public schools in the U.S.
LD 16
Roy Freiman for Assembly
As the spouse of a retired teacher, I know firsthand that investing in our schools means investing in our future. I am committed to continuing my fierce advocacy for educational professionals as they work to overcome the unprecedented adversity they have faced over the past year. Our education professionals, students, and their families have my voice in Trenton fighting for what they need to come back to the classroom more successful than ever.
LD 20
Joe Cryan for Senate
Our public educators provide our children with the tools they need to be successful and are proven leaders in our communities. The work they’ve done on the front lines adapting to these unprecedented times is unmatched, and I’m extremely proud to continue working in partnership with every one of these heroes.
LD 20
BettyLou DeCroce for Assembly
Thank you to NJEA and its membership for their support not just this year but over my nine years in the New Jersey Assembly. Nothing is more important than educating and preparing our children and their children for the future. By working together, we can ensure that bright future for all our kids. Thank you again for the support!