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2024 NYSUT Voter Guide

Disagreement doesn't need to make us enemies. It's time to focus on finding common ground.

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To our members,

Welcome to the 2024 NYSUT Voter Guide! This guide highlights pro-public-education, pro-labor candidates who have earned our union’s support for the Nov. 5 general election. Our endorsed and recommended candidates range from federal offices to New York state Senate and Assembly seats. Every race is critical as we continue to advocate for what matters most to our members, students and communities.

Finding Common Ground to Get Things Done

This summer, NYSUT launched the “Common Ground Over Chaos” campaign. Despite the divisiveness of today’s political climate, we believe that Americans share more in common than what separates us.

NYSUT members, across all political views, agree on one thing: we need lawmakers who are committed to finding common ground and delivering real results for working families. That principle guided our rigorous endorsement process for this election.

Educators Leading the Way

Civil discourse and collaboration — despite disagreements — are possible. We know because we see it every day in our schools.

Educators, parents and local officials understand that public schools are the centers of our communities, and they lay the groundwork for our children to grow into healthy, fulfilled individuals. We overcome differences and work together because we ALL want success for the next generation. This is the behavior we choose to model for our students.

In civics classes, students learn to value critical thinking and media literacy, gaining the skills to become active participants in our democracy. In debate and mock trials, they practice disagreeing without disrespect.

Success in these environments isn’t about dodging arguments or vilifying opponents. It’s about thoughtful research and presenting reasoned responses to diverse viewpoints.

Our educators teach students how to distinguish fact from fiction and engage in productive dialogue. They embody the care and respect we want to see in our neighborhoods and communities, both now and in the future.

As this next critical election approaches, we urge you to choose common ground over chaos. Tune out the noise and focus on what truly matters — electing representatives who stand with our students, our profession and public education.

Thank you for all that you do. Now, go make your voice heard — vote!


Melinda J. Person, NYSUT President

How does NYSUT choose which candidates to support?

NYSUT endorses candidates who support educators and public education and who align with our union values.

No members’ dues dollars are ever used to support political candidates. All political activities are supported by VOTE-COPE, NYSUT’s voluntary, non-partisan advocacy fund.

NYSUT does not directly endorse presidential candidates. Based on input from our local leaders and political action committee, we provide recommendations to our national affiliates, the AFT and NEA, who make official presidential endorsements.

How to Cast Your Vote

It's never been more important to vote, so make a plan and know your options!

Vote Early

WHY VOTE EARLY?

Check voting off your list and rest easy knowing that you’ve done your part to contribute to our democracy. You will also avoid potential crowds on Election Day.

KEY DATES:

  • Early voting runs from Oct. 26 to Nov. 3 at designated locations.

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO:

Vote Absentee/By Mail

  • Oct. 26 is the last day for the board of elections to RECEIVE absentee applications. Applications must be physically in their office by that date, not postmarked.

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO:

  • Request an absentee ballot by going to absenteeballot.elections.ny.gov
  • Mail your ballot no later than Nov. 5
  • Drop off your ballot at your polling place on or before Election Day.

Vote In Person on Election Day

  • Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5.

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO:

  • Go VOTE!

NYSUT's Endorsed/Recommended Candidates

AFT/NEA ENDORSED CANDIDATES FOR PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT

Vice President Kamala Harris

Candidate for
President of the United States

Kamala Harris

"What I know firsthand is that our teachers — by nature — you are visionaries. You are focused on the future. You see the potential in every child. You foster it. You encourage it."

Pro-union, pro-worker

  • AFL-CIO has given Harris a lifetime score of 98 percent on her Senate voting record.
  • Took a leading role in revitalizing our nation’s infrastructure by creating good-paying union jobs, bringing manufacturing back to the U.S., lowering prescription drug costs and raising wages.
  • Secured the pensions of more than 1 million union workers and retirees, protecting their financial future.
  • Led efforts to expand access to affordable childcare and enhance the child tax credit, supporting working families.
  • Advocated for workers organizing as the chair of the White House Task Force on Worker Organizing and Empowerment, promoting training and pathways to quality union jobs.
  • Supported striking writers, standing in solidarity with workers fighting for fair treatment.
  • Supports passage of the PRO Act to make it easier for workers to unionize.

Pro-public education

  • Attended public schools and is a long-time champion of public education.
  • Sued predatory for-profit colleges — and won.
  • Advocated for universal preschool; smaller class sizes; and more counselors, librarians and full-time nurses in schools.
  • Called for increasing Title I funding and more funding for Head Start programs.


Gov. Tim Walz

Candidate for
Vice President of the United States

Tim Walz

"Never underestimate a public school teacher. Never!"

Former public school teacher

  • Gov. Walz taught for years in Minnesota as a social studies teacher and football coach. He met his wife, who was also a teacher, while working at Mankato West High School.

Pro-public education

  • A die-hard supporter of public schools and a living testament to our belief that public schools are the centers of our communities.
  • Signed a bill making Minnesota one of eight states with free school meals for all
  • Increased education funding by over $2 billion for K-12 schools in Minnesota, a more than 10 percent increase.

Pro-union, pro-worker

  • Education Minnesota, Minnesota’s statewide teachers’ union affiliated with the AFT and NEA, hailed Gov. Walz’s reelection in 2022 as a victory for “pro-public education, pro-union” causes.
  • As governor, Walz expanded collective bargaining rights, fought wage theft, enacted paid family and medical leave and took on mandatory captive audience meetings.

NYSUT-RECOMMENDED CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATES

New York Congressional District Map

Congressional Districts
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Find my NYSUT-endorsed candidates

U.S. Senate - Statewide

Kirsten Gillibrand

Congressional District//Candidate

1 John Avlon

2 Andrew Garbarino

3 Tom Suozzi

4 Laura Gillen

5 Gregory Meeks

6 Grace Meng

7 Nydia Velázquez

8 Hakeem Jeffries

9 Yvette Clarke

10 Daniel Goldman

11 Andrea Morse

12 Jerry Nadler

13 Adriano Espaillat

14 Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

15 Ritchie Torres

16 George Latimer

17 Mondaire Jones

18 Pat Ryan

19 Josh Riley

20 Paul Tonko

22 John Mannion*

23 Thomas Carle

25 Joseph Morelle

26 Tim Kennedy

* = NYSUT MEMBER


KEY U.S. SENATE RACES

U.S. Senate Kirsten Gillibrand

U.S. Senate Kirsten Gillibrand

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand has served as New York’s junior senator since 2009. In Congress, Sen. Gillibrand has fought to deliver investments in school nutrition, schoolbased mental health services, vocational training and universal pre-K. She is a strong supporter of unions and is committed to passing the PRO Act.


KEY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES RACES

CD 1 John Avlon

John Avlon is a self-described common-sense candidate focused on rebuilding the middle class, protecting reproductive rights, investing in infrastructure, and tackling climate change. His policy goals include restoring SALT deductions, expanding the Child Tax Credit and promoting voter participation through the Freedom to Vote Act and John Lewis Act. Avlon, a former CNN anchor, is endorsed by Ken Burns, labor union 1199 SEIU and former Sen. Doug Jones.

CD 2 Andrew Garbarino

Rep. Andrew Garbarino, a public school graduate and son of a public school teacher, has served in Congress since 2021. He is a member of the Problem Solvers Caucus and the Public Schools Caucus, both bipartisan groups aiming to improve public schools. Before Congress, he was in the state Assembly, where he fought for increased funding for Long Island schools and opposed tax hikes on working families.

CD 3 Tom Suozzi

A member of the Problem Solvers Caucus, Congressman Suozzi works across the aisle to deliver results, including on the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. He’s a champion of K-12 student services through his “No Wrong Door” initiative, which centralizes health and human services on school campuses. Suozzi, part of the labor caucus, focuses on social services and education.

CD 4 Laura Gillen

Gillen understands the needs of Long Island’s students and educators and will put them first in Washington. She knows the important role expanded mental health services play in our schools and will fight to get every student the resources they need to succeed. Gillen will be a strong advocate in Congress for Long Island’s education needs and will work to support educators, students and public schools every day.

CD 8 Hakeem Jeffries

Rep. Hakeem Jeffries is the Minority Leader in the House of Representatives. Earning his bachelor’s degree from Binghamton University, Leader Jeffries supports our public schools and public school teachers. He has called for increased mental health services in our schools and advocated for affordable, accessible higher education while also increasing training programs and apprenticeships.

CD 17 Mondaire Jones

Former Congressman Jones has a strong record of delivering results, helping pass the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the American Rescue Plan Act. He’s fought to prevent lawmakers from profiting off the stock market and secured significant funding for law enforcement in the Hudson Valley.

CD 18 Pat Ryan

Congressman Ryan is dedicated to fighting extremism and advocating for community well-being. As Ulster County Executive, he lowered taxes and reduced the gas tax. In Congress, he serves on the Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism and champions a healthy environment, safety and fairness for all Americans.

CD 19 Josh Riley

Riley’s congressional campaign focuses on overcoming partisanship. He helped draft bipartisan immigration legislation and is a strong advocate for public education and labor. Riley supports the PRO Act and policies to fully fund public schools and enforce labor laws.

CD 22 John Mannion
NYSUT MEMBER!

A former AP Biology and Chemistry teacher, New York state Sen. Mannion originally ran for office to address funding cuts to schools. In office, he’s worked with both parties to deliver results for Central New York, including passing Green Chips legislation and middle-class tax cuts. He’s also committed to protecting women’s healthcare rights.



NYSUT-ENDORSED CANDIDATES FOR NEW YORK STATE SENATE

New York Senate Map

Congressional Districts
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Find my NYSUT-endorsed candidates

Senate District//CANDIDATE

1 Anthony Palumbo 

2 Mario Mattera

3 Dean Murray

4 Monica Martinez*

5 Steve Rhoads

6 Siela Bynoe

7 Kim Keiserman

9 Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick

10 James Sanders Jr.

11 Toby Ann Stavisky

12 Michael Gianaris

13 Jessica Ramos

14 Leroy Comrie

15 Joseph Addabbo

16 John Liu

17 Iwen Chu

18 Julia Salazar

19 Roxanne Persaud

20 Zellnor Myrie

23 Jessica Scarcella-Spanton

25 Jabari Brisport*

26 Andrew Gounardes

27 Brian Kavanagh

28 Liz Krueger

29 José Serrano

30 Cordell Cleare

31 Robert Jackson

32 Luis Sepúlveda

33 J. Gustavo Rivera

34 Nathalia Fernandez

35 Andrea Stewart-Cousins

36 Jamaal Bailey

37 Shelley Mayer

38 Elijah Reichlin-Melnick

39 Yvette Valdes Smith*

40 Peter Harckham

41 Michelle Hinchey

42 James Skoufis

44 Jim Tedisco

45 Daniel Stec

46 Patricia Fahy

47 Brad Hoylman

48 Rachel May

49 Mark Walczyk

50 Chris Ryan

51 Peter Oberacker 

52 Lea Webb*

53 Joseph Griffo

54 Pamela Helming 

55 Samra Brouk

56 Jeremy Cooney

59 Kristen Gonzalez

60 Patrick Gallivan

61 Sean Ryan

62 Robert Ortt

63 April McCants-Baskin

* = NYSUT MEMBER


KEY NEW YORK STATE SENATE RACES

SD 7 Kim Keiserman

SD 7 Kim Keiserman

Kim Keiserman is a former social studies teacher and holds a Master of Education from the College of William & Mary. Her career has been focused on helping teachers create inclusive classrooms and education advocacy. Kim has pledged to oppose any cuts to education funding, fix Tier 6 retirement benefits and support collective bargaining rights for unions across the state.

SD 11  Toby Ann Stavisky

SD 11 Toby Ann Stavisky

Sen. Toby Ann Stavisky is chair of the Senate Committee on Higher Education and sits on the Senate Committee for Education. Sen. Stavisky is a former New York City public high school teacher and supports continued strong funding for our public schools.

SD 17  Iwen Chu

SD 17 Iwen Chu

Sen. Iwen Chu sits on the Senate Libraries Committee and is a CUNY graduate. In her time in the Senate, Sen. Chu has voted to fully fund Foundation Aid, halt in-state tuition hikes for SUNY and CUNY students and voted to increase the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP).

SD 38 Elijah  Reichlin-Melnick

SD 38 Elijah Reichlin-Melnick

Elijah Reichlin-Melnick served as a state Senator from 2020-22. During that time, he voted to cut taxes on middle class families and approved more equitable funding for our state’s public schools. Reichlin-Melnick is a strong advocate for union labor and public education.

SD 39 Yvette Valdes Smith

SD 39 Yvette Valdes Smith

NYSUT MEMBER!

Yvette Valdes Smith is a former public school teacher and proud union member. In her current role as Minority Leader of the Dutchess County Legislature, she has proposed legislation to cut county sales and property taxes. Valdes Smith is a strong supporter of increasing public school funding and mental health programs statewide.

SD 44 Jim Tedisco

SD 44 Jim Tedisco

As a ranking member of the Senate Education Committee and a member of the New York City Education Committee, Sen. Tedisco is a vocal proponent of strong public schools. A former special education teacher and guidance counselor, Tedisco knows that strong public schools mean strong communities. He continues to use his position in the Senate to advocate for New York’s educators and students.

SD 50 Chris Ryan

SD 50 Chris Ryan

Chris Ryan is a union leader and a strong supporter of our public schools. Ryan is president of Communications Workers of America Local 1123 and married to a public school teacher. He has pledged to stand with labor and deliver necessary resources for our public schools.

SD 52 Lea Webb

SD 52 Lea Webb

NYSUT MEMBER!

Sen. Lea Webb is a former United University Professions member and sits on the Senate Higher Education Committee. Sen. Webb has voted in favor of expanding universal free school lunch and universal pre-kindergarten. She continues to advocate for expanding opportunities for civic engagement and women’s rights.



NYSUT-ENDORSED CANDIDATES FOR NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY

New York State Assembly Map

Assembly Districts
Find my NYSUT-endorsed candidates
Find my NYSUT-endorsed candidates

Assembly District//CANDIDATE

 1 Tommy John Schiavoni* 

 3 Joseph DeStefano 

 4 Rebecca Kassay 

 5 Doug Smith 

 6 Philip Ramos 

 7 Steven Basileo 

 8 Jarett Gandolfo 

 9 Michael Durso 

 10 Steve Stern 

 11 Kwani O’Pharrow 

 13 Charles Lavine 

 14 David McDonough 

 15 Jake Blumencranz

 16 Gina Sillitti 

 17 John Mikulin 

 18 Noah Burroughs* 

 19 Edward Ra  

 20 Tina Posterli 

 21 Judy Griffin 

 22 Michaelle Solages

 23 Stacey Pheffer Amato

 24 David Weprin

 25 Nily Rozic 

 26 Edward Braunstein

 27 Sam Berger

 28 Andrew Hevesi

 29 Alicia Hyndman

 30 Steven Raga

 31 Khaleel Anderson

 32 Vivian Cook

 33 Clyde Vanel

 34 Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas 

 35 Larinda Hooks

 36 Zohran Kwame Mamdani 

 37 Claire Valdez

 38 Jenifer Rajkumar 

 39 Catalina Cruz 

40 Ron Kim

41 Kalman Yeger

42 Rodneyse Bichotte-Hermelyn

43 Brian Cunningham

44 Robert Carroll

45 Joey Cohen-Saban

46 Chris McCreight

47 William Colton

48 Simcha Eichenstein

50 Emily Gallagher

51 Marcela Mitaynes

52 Jo Anne Simon

53 Maritza Davila

54 Erik Martin Dilan

55 Latrice Walker

56 Stefani Zinerman

57 Phara Souffrant Forrest

58 Monique Chandler-Waterman

59 Jaime Williams

60 Nikki Lucas

61 Charles Fall

62 Michael Reilly

63 Matthew Mobilia

65 Grace Lee

66 Deborah Glick

67 Linda Rosenthal

68 Edward Gibbs

69 Micah Lasher

70 Jordan Wright

71 Al Taylor

72 Manny De Los Santos

73 Alex Bores

74 Harvey Epstein

75 Tony Simone

76 Rebecca Seawright

77  Landon Dais

78 George Alvarez

79 Chantel Jackson*

80 John Zaccaro Jr

81 Jeffrey Dinowitz

82 Michael Benedetto

83 Carl Heastie

84 Amanda Septimo

85  Emerita Torres

86 Yudelka Tapia

87 Karines Reyes

88 Amy Paulin

89 Gary Pretlow

90 Nader Sayegh

91 Steve Otis

92 MaryJane Shimsky

93 Chris Burdick

94 Matthew Slater

95 Dana Levenberg

96 Patrick Carroll

97 John McGowan

98 Karl Brabenec

99 Christopher Eachus*

100 Paula Kay

102 Christopher Tague

103 Sarahana Shrestha

104 Jonathan Jacobson

105 Jill Fieldstein

106 Didi Barrett

107  Chloe Pierce

108 John McDonald, III

109 Gabriella Romero

110 Phil Steck

111 Angelo Santabarbara

112 Mary Beth Walsh

113 Carrie Woerner

114 Matthew Simpson

115 D. Billy Jones

116 Scott Gray

117 Kenneth Blankenbush

118 Robert Smullen

119 Marianne Buttenschon

120 William Barclay

122 Brian Miller

123 Donna Lupardo

125 Anna Kelles

126 Ian Phillips

127 Albert Stirpe

128 Pamela Hunter

129 William Magnarelli

130 Brian Manktelow

132 Philip Palmesano

133 Andrea K. Bailey

134 Josh Jensen

135 Jennifer Lunsford

136 Sarah Clark

137 Demond Meeks

138 Harry Bronson

140 William Conrad

141 Crystal Peoples-Stokes

142 Patrick Burke*

143 Monica Wallace*

144 Michelle Roman

145 Angelo Morinello

146 Karen McMahon

149 Jonathan Rivera

150  Michael Bobseine

* = NYSUT MEMBER


KEY NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY RACES

AD 1 Tommy John Schiavoni

AD 1 Tommy John Schiavoni

NYSUT MEMBER!

Retired social studies teacher Tommy John Schiavoni believes that investing in our education system benefits our entire community. He pledges to be a strong advocate for affordable housing and community health issues like tick-borne illnesses, mental health and opioid addiction. Other concerns include improved water quality, clean energy and solutions for small businesses.

AD 5 Doug Smith

AD 5 Doug Smith

Assemblyman Doug Smith has represented AD 5 since 2018. A former high school math teacher, Smith is the ranking member of the Assembly Education Committee where he fights to fully fund education and helps shape education policy. Other legislative priorities include combatting the heroin epidemic and advocating for legal changes to protect victims of domestic violence.

AD 18 Noah Burroughs

AD 18 Noah Burroughs

NYSUT MEMBER!

A 20-year special education teacher in the Hempstead public school system, Noah Burroughs’ priorities are ensuring the state fully funds public schools, contributes more toward community colleges and increases affordable, high-density housing options. Other goals include providing better oversight and management for the Nassau University Medical Center.

AD 46 Chris McCreight

AD 46 Chris McCreight

The son of a public high school teacher and a librarian, Chris McCreight believes that many problems can be solved when politicians put their constituents ahead of special interests. He pledges to fight to raise wages, protect women’s reproductive rights and stand up for students and teachers. McCreight believes that government should work for all.

AD 96 Patrick Carroll

AD 96 Patrick Carroll

As the sole democrat on the fiveperson Clarkstown Town Council in Rockland County, Patrick Carroll knows how to work across the aisle. He intends to ensure that local schools and law enforcement officials have the resources they need. Other goals include eliminating government waste and reducing tax burdens.

AD 107 Chloe Pierce

AD 107 Chloe Pierce

Chloe Pierce strives to protect the rights of all, particularly those in under-represented communities. Important issues include education support starting in early childhood, increased access to affordable healthcare, addressing healthcare disparities, fighting the effects of climate change and boosting public safety by addressing the opioid epidemic and tackling gun violence.

AD 126 Ian Phillips

AD 126 Ian Phillips

Ian Phillips has dedicated his career to supporting public education, first as an inner-city public-school teacher and today as a NYSUT union organizer. As president of the Auburn School Board, he’s fought for smaller class sizes, fair funding, free before-and after-school programing, and has stood up to book-banning attempts.

AD 143 Monica Wallace

AD 143 Monica Wallace

NYSUT MEMBER!

A United University Professions member, Assemblymember Wallace is committed to public education at all levels, graduating with her bachelor’s degree and J.D. from New York’s public universities. In the Assembly, Wallace works to strengthen and fully fund public education, support the middle class and clean up government corruption.



PROPOSAL 1: THE NEW YORK EQUAL RIGHTS AMENDMENT


On Nov. 5, vote YES on Proposal 1!

What is Proposal 1?

  • Previously called the New York Equal Rights Amendment
  • Amends the New York state Constitution
  • Prohibits discrimination — gender, age, ethnicity, pregnancy, disability or sexual orientation
  • Safeguards reproductive freedoms in New York state

Flip your ballot!

  • Proposal 1, the New York Equal Rights Amendment, will appear on the BACK of your ballot!
Find my NYSUT-endorsed candidates
Find my NYSUT-endorsed candidates