AFT President Praises Kamala Harris' Speech at Union's 88th Convention

HOUSTON—AFT President Comments on Vice President Kamala Harris’ Speech

AFT President Randi Weingarten responded to Vice President Kamala Harris' address at the union’s 88th biennial convention held on Thursday.

"The vice president electrified our convention hall today with her message about expanding the middle class and protecting our freedoms. The AFT was the first union to endorse Kamala Harris for president because of her vision for the future. The excitement she generates among our members, particularly among women and young people, is clear,” Weingarten stated.

Harris' speech touched on several key issues including public schools, economic opportunity, family support, reproductive rights, safety from gun violence, and the freedom to join a union. Weingarten highlighted the enthusiasm among AFT members to support Harris in her historical run to become the first woman president.

“Today, they heard the vice president champion our public schools and economic opportunity, families, reproductive freedoms, safety from gun violence, the freedom to join a union, and a future in which every person has the opportunity not to just get by, but to thrive. And they are committed to pouring all of their energy into helping her make history as the first woman president,” Weingarten added.

The AFT, comprising 1.8 million members, including 450,000 in battleground states, is gearing up for Election Day. Weingarten emphasized the union's commitment to ensuring their voices are heard and their members are mobilized. “Between now and Election Day, we’re going to give our all to make sure our voices are heard and our members are mobilized. Because when we fight, we win,” she concluded.

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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.