AFT President Backs Harris-Walz Ticket, Highlights Pro-Education Stance

WASHINGTON—In response to Vice President Kamala Harris selecting Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her vice-presidential candidate, AFT President Randi Weingarten issued a statement:

“Gov. Walz has been an unwavering advocate for families, public education, educators, and workers throughout his public service career. He understands the value of public education and shares our vision for solving pressing issues and creating a future where all Americans can prosper,” said Weingarten.

According to Weingarten, the Walz-Harris team embodies the principles of opportunity and freedom, including the freedom to join unions, thrive in society, make personal healthcare choices, and live free from gun violence. "They will defend the middle class against regressive policies that aim to take us backward," she noted.

Weingarten highlighted Walz’s background as an educator and former AFT member, emphasizing his commitment to education and labor. “Having served in the military and coming from a small town, Walz has always given back to his community. He believes in the American spirit of neighborly kindness and mutual support,” she stated.

Weingarten also pointed out the significant achievements under Walz’s leadership, including increased funding for Minnesota public schools, free school meals for all students, and unemployment insurance for hourly school workers. In contrast, she criticized Trump and Vance for their policies, which she claimed would undermine educational opportunities and abolish vital programs for the less fortunate.

Walz’s administration has also been noted for expanding collective bargaining rights, combating wage theft, enacting paid family and medical leave, and opposing mandatory captive audience meetings. “He strongly supports a woman’s right to make her own reproductive health decisions,” Weingarten added.

Weingarten asserted that the Harris-Walz team would continue the Biden administration’s legacy as the most labor-friendly administration in history, aiming to grow the economy from the bottom up and the middle out. “The AFT’s 1.8 million members will actively support Walz and Harris in their campaign to fulfill America’s promise,” she pledged.

She concluded by stating, “We will travel coast to coast to defeat Donald Trump and JD Vance and ensure their extreme policies do not reach the White House. The future begins now, and we are committed to moving forward.”

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The AFT represents 1.8 million pre-K through 12th-grade teachers; paraprofessionals and other school-related personnel; higher education faculty and professional staff; federal, state, and local government employees; nurses and healthcare workers; and early childhood educators.