Since August, New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) members have been bringing their grassroots efforts across state lines to Pennsylvania, a key battleground state, to support Vice President Kamala Harris in her presidential campaign. NJEA’s impressive organizing strength was on full display during the weekend of Sept. 21, when members delivered the second highest number of door knocks in the country for Harris. This significant achievement reflects the union’s ability to mobilize and shape election outcomes, amplifying the voices of educators.
Patricia Kebrdle, chair of the NJEA’s Congressional Contact Committee, highlighted the importance of these efforts: “Elections are important, our members are working hard to get our endorsed candidates in office. NJEA members have been door-knocking in Pennsylvania to support Vice President Harris and get a fellow educator, Gov. Waltz, elected I November! NJEA members from all over the state have come to door knock.”
Christina Dare, chair of NJEA’s Government Relations Committee, emphasized NJEA’s commitment to collaboration: “Patricia Kebrdle and I, along with so many of our fellow NJEA members, saw a need to connect with our neighbors in the swing state of Pennsylvania. I am so proud of NJEA members who have stepped up and showed up to make our voices heard. In the words of Vice President Harris, ‘We are not going back!’ We will continue to show up and fight until the election is won.”
Beyond supporting the Harris/Walz ticket, NJEA members have also thrown their energy behind Sue Altman in New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District. In one of the most competitive races in the country, members have been door-knocking, hosting engagement events, writing postcards, and making phone calls in support of Sue. A victory in NJ’s CD-7 could play a crucial role in flipping the House of Representatives this November.
NJEA Officers issued a statement underscoring their ongoing commitment:
“NJEA members continue to mobilize to ensure that our endorsed candidates, from Kamala Harris down, are successful in their campaigns. As the election draws closer, NJEA remains committed to rallying members for more canvassing opportunities, showing that the power of educators extends beyond the classroom and into the halls of government.”
NJEA has endorsed Sean Spiller for the June 2025 New Jersey gubernatorial primary. The union’s ability to organize will surely provide Mr. Spiller with a competitive advantage over his rivals in that election.