A Message to Members:
The American Federation of School Administrators (AFSA), AFL-CIO General Executive Board has officially endorsed U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris for president and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz for vice president. This endorsement reflects a careful and thorough analysis that finds them in alignment with our union’s values and priorities. We believe Vice President Harris and her running mate represent a vision for advancement that will significantly enhance the well-being of students, educators and the communities we serve.
“The Harris/Walz ticket is the clear winner for public education, ensuring students, educators and communities thrive. Unlike the Trump/Vance slate, which seeks to dismantle the Department of Education and divert funds from public schools, Harris/Walz has consistently shown a commitment to strengthening our schools.”
As school leaders, we understand that true leadership transcends mere decision making—it's about listening, encouraging and providing unwavering support. These principles are powerfully embodied by the Harris/Walz ticket, which passionately champions these ideals. Their steadfast dedication to students, empowering educators, promoting equitable access to quality education and advancing forward-thinking education policies is exactly what our schools need to overcome current challenges and seize future opportunities.
We have seen firsthand Vice President Harris in action as she has worked closely with President Joe Biden to deliver for all of us who work in education. Together, they have led the most labor-friendly administration in the history of the United States. They have demonstrated this commitment repeatedly by regularly consulting AFSA and other unions for input and advice on a host of issues, walking on picket lines and making organizing easier.
As a former state attorney general and senator, Vice President Harris has a proven track record of advocating for public education. Her achievements include:
- Supporting funding for professional learning, enabling educators to enhance their skills and stay updated on best practices.
- Expanding opportunities for all students, particularly those from underrepresented communities, to access quality education and resources.
- Fighting tirelessly for the rights of students, teachers and families to ensure that every individual has access to a world-class education.
As a union member, former congressman, veteran and former educator, Gov. Walz brings a unique and invaluable perspective to education policy. More importantly, he promises to bring an educator’s voice to the White House. His experience in the schools and leadership in the state have enabled him to enact commonsense solutions as governor, including:
- A state budget law that increases investments in K–12 education by $2.3 billion and permits school employees to collect unemployment benefits in the summer when schools are closed.
- A law that provides for free state four-year or community college tuition for families earning less than $80,000 per year.
- A law that allows all students to receive free breakfasts and lunches.
Their combined dedication to addressing the pressing challenges our country faces today resonates with our core goals. By endorsing these candidates, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting leaders who not only understand the intricacies of public education, but also prioritize the needs of those on the front lines—school leaders, teachers, school employees and the students we serve.
AFSA is deeply committed to providing our members with detailed analysis and insightful perspectives on the key positions held by presidential candidates. As your union, our role is to empower you with the information necessary to make well-informed decisions at the ballot box. It is important to emphasize that we do not seek to dictate how you should vote in any national, state or local election. Instead, our primary mission is to advocate for your interests in the workplace and to promote the advancement of public education.
As we move forward in this electoral season, we encourage you to stay engaged, informed and proactive. Your voice matters—and as your union, we will continue to provide the insights and resources you need to navigate the electoral landscape.
Together, we can work toward a brighter future for public education and the communities we serve. This endorsement of the Harris/Walz ticket is a testament to our unwavering dedication to fostering an environment where education thrives, and where our members are supported and empowered.
Photo Credit: AFL-CIO Fcebook Page
