125-member committee takes decisive early vote
NJEA’s PAC Operating Committee tonight voted to endorse NJEA President Sean M. Spiller, a high school science teacher from Wayne, NJ, in the Democratic gubernatorial primary for 2025. Tonight’s action followed a formal screening on Saturday in accordance with NJEA’s PAC guidelines. All currently declared candidates in that primary were invited to screen, and Spiller was the only candidate who accepted the invitation.
Spiller graciously accepted the endorsement. “I’m incredibly proud and deeply humbled to receive the endorsement of my fellow public-school educators,” said Spiller. “Too often, our voices are marginalized, and our expertise is ignored. I believe that the same talented professionals who have made our schools the very best in the nation for New Jersey students deserve a loud voice in making our state the very best place in the nation to live for our students, their families, and all New Jersey residents. Public education is the foundation of a strong economy and a thriving democracy, and I am running to make sure New Jersey continues to lead in both of those areas. I look forward to working with my follow NJEA members and all public education advocates across New Jersey to build a people powered, grassroots campaign that gives voters a voice in choosing the direction of our great state. This is our chance.”
Spiller’s fellow NJEA officers, Vice President Steve Beatty and Secretary-Treasurer Petal Robertson, praised the endorsement as well.
“I’ve worked with Sean for the last seven years,” said Beatty. “I know his commitment to our students and public schools, and his vision for a broader, more inclusive politics that brings working families together to fight for the future we all deserve. I’m thrilled to have a New Jersey educator, who knows what it’s like to stand in front of a classroom and inspire a class of students, stepping up to inspire voters across New Jersey with a vision of what our democracy can be if we only are willing to work for it. I look forward to standing shoulder-to-shoulder with my fellow educators to elect Sean Spiller as the next Governor of New Jersey.”
“New Jersey is fortunate to have a candidate as smart, focused and dedicated to justice as Sean Spiller,” said Robertson. “Not many people are willing to step up and lead when it is easier to stay back and complain. But Sean is a father who wants a better future for his family, an educator who wants greater opportunities for his students and champion of democracy who believes that ‘liberty and justice for all’ really does include everyone. He is going to bring optimism, vision and a fierce commitment to social justice to this campaign, and I am so excited to work with my fellow educators to make that vision a reality for everyone in New Jersey. Educators are stepping up here, and we know that our values align with the nurses, shop owners, truck drivers and other middle-class workers. This is a campaign for all of us.”
NJEA has a history of early endorsements in gubernatorial primaries, having endorsed then-candidate Phil Murphy in October of 2016 and again in October of 2020. The Committee has not yet set a date for a possible screening in the upcoming Republican gubernatorial primary.
The New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) has officially endorsed Assemblyman Gary Spiller for governor in the upcoming election. This endorsement comes as no surprise, as Spiller has been a strong advocate for public education and has a proven track record of supporting teachers and students.
The NJEA is the largest teachers’ union in the state, representing over 200,000 educators. Their endorsement of Spiller is a significant boost to his campaign, as it signals that he has the support of a key constituency in the state.
In a statement released by the NJEA, President Marie Blistan praised Spiller for his commitment to public education and his understanding of the challenges facing teachers and students in New Jersey. She highlighted his efforts to increase funding for schools, improve working conditions for teachers, and expand access to quality education for all students.
Spiller has been a vocal supporter of increasing funding for public schools and has worked to ensure that teachers have the resources they need to provide a high-quality education to their students. He has also been a strong advocate for expanding access to early childhood education and increasing support for students with special needs.
In addition to his support for public education, Spiller has also been a champion for workers’ rights and has fought to protect the rights of all New Jersey residents. His progressive policies and commitment to social justice have earned him the support of a wide range of organizations and individuals across the state.
With the backing of the NJEA, Spiller is well-positioned to make a strong showing in the upcoming gubernatorial election. His support for public education and his dedication to improving the lives of all New Jersey residents make him a formidable candidate, and his endorsement by the NJEA is sure to bolster his campaign as he seeks to become the next governor of New Jersey.
