NEA president reacts to election results highlighting pro-public school victories

The National Education Association (NEA) President Becky Pringle responded to the results of the recent elections, emphasizing what she described as significant wins for public education advocates nationwide.

“Yesterday, millions of Americans made their voices heard — standing up for the strong public schools our students deserve and against attacks on our democracy,” Pringle stated.

She criticized former President Donald Trump and Linda McMahon for promoting policies that she said negatively impact public schools. According to Pringle, these policies include increasing class sizes, reducing support for students with disabilities, cutting food assistance programs like SNAP, and shifting resources from public schools to private voucher programs.

“Voters said loud and clear: ‘Enough!’” Pringle said.

Pringle highlighted victories in Virginia and New Jersey, where Abigail Spanberger and Mikie Sherrill were elected. She described them as “public school champions” with histories of working alongside educators and parents to benefit students. Both officials have supported retirement security for educators and other public servants. Pringle noted that Governor-elect Spanberger played a key role in passing the Social Security Fairness Act.

In California, Pringle credited voters with resisting attempts by Trump to influence democratic processes. She also pointed out efforts by educators to oppose similar trends in states such as Texas and Ohio.

Pringle referenced her home state of Pennsylvania, where voters retained three Supreme Court justices who have contributed to decisions supporting voting rights and public education.

“In 27 states, voters elected strong public school candidates in thousands of school board races across the country, bringing new leaders committed to making sure every student has the support they need to succeed,” she added.

Pringle concluded by saying: “From gun safety to providing meals for students and families, American voters were very clear. We care about our kids. We care about our communities. We care about our country!”

The NEA is the largest professional employee organization in the United States, representing more than 3 million teachers, faculty members in higher education, education support professionals, administrators, retired educators, future teachers-in-training, healthcare workers, and other public employees. More information can be found at www.nea.org.