AFT News:ALBUQUERQUE ― American Federation of Teachers New Mexico President Stephanie Ly, American Federation of Teachers New Mexico Executive Vice President Kathy Chavez, Congresswoman Michelle Lujan Grisham, and Senator Howie Morales released the following statements:
“Today we are proud to announce our union, the American Federation of Teachers New Mexico, have voted to endorse Michelle Lujan Grisham for Governor of New Mexico and Howie Morales for Lieutenant Governor of New Mexico.
“Each of these candidates have a proven track record of advocating for a strong system of public education in New Mexico from birth through career, have used their voices to elevate the profession of education at all levels, and stood steadfast for the rights of working New Mexicans.
“Congresswoman Lujan Grisham has been a tireless advocate against attempts to weaken our public education system, specifically Betsy DeVos, and her attempts to dismantle our system of free and equitable places of learning across the United States. Senator Morales, as former union educator, and now as a legislator, is deeply familiar with the challenges to our public education system in New Mexico after nearly eight years of failed, sound bite reforms. We know their individual areas of expertise will serve our State greatly once elected as Governor and Lieutenant Governor,” Ly and Chavez said.
“I’m honored to have the support of the American Federation of Teachers New Mexico,” Congresswoman Michelle Lujan Grisham said. “Education is the foundation of opportunity for so many New Mexicans, and must be a top priority for the next Governor. I look forward to working with so many committed educators to make a better New Mexico for our families’ futures.”
“Earning the endorsement of AFT New Mexico is such an honor, and is deeply meaningful as a former union educator. I have seen first hand the power of organized labor and its positive impacts on the lives of working New Mexicans, and the incredible importance of educators maintaining their voice and active role in the creation and implementation of strong public education policy for our schools and students,” Morales said.