NJEA PAC and NEA’s Fund for Children and Public Education have endorsed Rob Menendez for Congress in New Jersey’s 8th Congressional District. Menendez is running to replace Rep. Albio Sires, who is retiring at the end of his current term.
NJEA’s officers, President Sean M. Spiller, Vice President Steve Beatty and Secretary-Treasurer Petal Robertson, said this about the endorsement:
“Our members are proud to endorse Rob Menendez. He comes from a family of educators, so he understands our priorities and shares our values. We need a champion of public education representing the students, families and educators of CD 8 in Washington. Rob Menendez is an advocate who will stand up for academic freedom and teaching the truth and who will fight for the resources our students need to learn, grow and thrive. We look forward to working with our fellow NJEA members to help him win his primary election in June and the go on to victory in November as well.”
Menendez proudly accepted the endorsement, saying:
“NJEA’s endorsement is not just a reflection of our campaign’s commitment to teachers and education support professionals, but an affirmation of the virtues instilled in me by my mother, a retired public school nurse, educator, and counselor, and my grandmother, who worked as a clerk in Emerson High School in Union City, where I grew up. As the son and grandson of NJEA members, NJEA was there for my family, as they have been for so many educators’ families in our state. As a Member of Congress, I will always be there for NJEA members in this increasingly politicized education climate. Our teachers and education support professionals worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to support our families. Now it is our turn to support them in both delivering the resources they need for success, and in defending them from spurious political attacks. Public school educators and support professionals are strengthening families every day through their hard work and dedication, and I will always be in their corner.”
NJEA PAC and NEA’s Fund for Children and Public Education previously endorsed candidates in a number of other 2022 New Jersey congressional races.