Nj teachers union PAC endorses Sherrill, but classroom teachers left out
Trenton, NJ – The political arm of the New Jersey Education Association lined up behind Rep. Mikie Sherrill in the governor’s race, but the endorsement comes from a small committee — not the thousands of teachers across the state who say union leadership is out of touch with their daily struggles.
The NJEA’s 125-member PAC Operating Committee announced Tuesday that it unanimously endorsed Sherrill after she met with its screening panel. In a statement, union officers praised her record in Congress which supported radical educational reform such as gender studies, sexual education for younger students as early as kindergarten, LGBTQ studies, diversity and equity curriculum, universal taxpayer preschool,
But the decision highlights a growing divide between NJEA leadership and its members in classrooms. Many educators, like other New Jersey residents, are dealing with high property taxes, soaring energy costs and concerns over rising crime tied to illegal immigration — issues that were not part of the PAC’s endorsement message.
They are dealing with the fallout created by decades of the NJEA endorsing candidates based solely on how well they will grease the wheels of the union heirarchy, ignoring the concerns and struggles facing real life teachers, many who must work summer jobs, night jobs, and rely on secondary incomes to make ends meet in New Jersey.
The NJEA PAC is a separate political machine, often accused of advancing partisan agendas that don’t reflect the priorities of working teachers. While the PAC aligned itself with Sherrill, rank-and-file educators were not given a direct say in the endorsement.
Republican Jack Ciattarelli declined the invitation to screen before the PAC, distancing himself from the political arm of the union, stressing that as governor, he will deliver relief to struggling New Jerseyans that would lower energy costs, lower taxes, and reduce bloat, red tape and the failed policies of Governor Phil Murphy and Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill that have directly contributed to the financial reality many teachers are facing today.
Over the past year, the NJEA spent $40 million in teachers’ dues to run their own candidate, NJEA President Sean Spiller for governor. Spiller finished last in a pool of five candidates, getting just 10% of the total vote in the 2025 Democrat Party primary for governor, highlighting the NJEA PAC’s weaning political effectiveness as they continue supporting policies unpopular with everyday New Jersey residents who are struggling to make ends meet.
Key Points
- The NJEA PAC, not rank-and-file teachers, endorsed Mikie Sherrill for governor.
- Many teachers say union leadership ignores economic pressures and community concerns.
- Jack Ciattarelli refused to take part in the PAC’s endorsement process.
The NJEA’s political insiders have spoken — but thousands of New Jersey teachers weren’t asked.