NCAE Endorses Slate Of Congressional Candidates

RALEIGH – The North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE), the state’s largest education advocacy organization for public school employees, has unveiled its initial list of Congressional endorsements for the 2022 campaign cycle. NCAE will endorse Reps. Adams, Manning, and Ross’s runs for re-election to Congress, as well as first-time bids from state Senators Davis, Jackson, and Nickel.

Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12) is running for a fifth term to represent North Carolinians in Cabarrus and Mecklenburg counties. Adams sits on the Education and Labor, Financial Services, and Agricultural committees. She is chair of the Higher Education and Labor subcommittee on Workforce Protections and is vice chair of the Agriculture Committee. NCAE President Tamika Walker Kelly said of Adams, “The students and educators of North Carolina have a true friend in Congresswoman Adams. She has worked tirelessly to ensure our public schools are adequately funded, that our educators are paid as the professionals they are, and that every child has the opportunity to succeed. She is a champion of the people, and we are proud to once again endorse her to represent us in Washington.”

Congresswoman Adams said this of the endorsement: “As a retired professor and the mother of a former teacher who is now a principal, I have seen firsthand the impact a great education can have on a young person’s life. I will always be a champion for public schools, our teachers, and our children. Quality education opens up opportunities for anyone to live the American Dream. I have relentlessly fought against reckless cuts to our public education system and I will continue to fight for our public schools. A good public education is an American value and I will work to provide a good education for everyone. I’m proud to have the endorsement of the North Carolina Association of Educators and the National Education Association.”

Congresswoman Kathy Manning (NC-06) is a member of the Education and Labor and Foreign Affairs committees. She also serves on the Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education Subcommittee as well as the Higher Education and Workforce Investment Subcommittee of the Education and Labor Committee. Of Congresswoman Manning’s re-election, NCAE President Tamika Walker Kelly said this: “The work that Kathy has done in her community speaks volumes and shows the passion she has not only for the citizens in her district, but across the state. She has been a true asset in Washington. Her work to ensure our students and educators have what they need for success lets us know she is committed to a strong public education system in North Carolina.”

“I am grateful to all the educators who worked so hard during the pandemic to teach their students online, pivoting to a teaching style that was new and challenging, while struggling to take care of their own families and loved ones as many dealt with COVID outbreaks. This past fall, as students returned to in-person learning, educators have worked to address the emotional struggles and learning losses many children have experienced. I appreciate their dedication to making sure that every child succeeds,” said Congresswoman Manning. “As a member of the Education and Labor Committee, I’m proud to earn the endorsement of the North Carolina Association of Educators and to continue supporting educators and public school leaders who are working to make our schools a better place every day.”

Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) is a former state legislator who served more than 10 years as a representative in the North Carolina General Assembly and is running for re-election to continue serving North Carolinians in Wake county. “Deborah Ross has been a strong voice for public education in North Carolina throughout her political career,” said NCAE President Tamika Walker Kelly. “Known for her ability to work across the aisle to deliver results, Deborah is a much-needed voice for students, educators, and public schools on Capitol Hill – advocating for all students to have the opportunity for a quality public education.”

Congresswoman Ross said in a statement: “Throughout my career, I have always supported students, educators, and public schools. I praise the extraordinary work of our educators and school personnel. They have gone above and beyond to ensure that students are receiving a quality education during these unprecedented times. This year, I have visited several public schools to see firsthand how they are dealing with the challenges of the pandemic, including learning loss and mental health. Now more than ever, we must do everything we can to retain our educators and school personnel. I am grateful to be endorsed again by NCAE and remain committed to being a strong voice for public education on Capitol Hill.”

Sen. Don Davis (NC-01) is a six-time elected member of the North Carolina legislature, and is running to represent North Carolinians in Bertie, Chowan, Edgecombe, Franklin, Gates, Greene, Halifax, Hertford, Martin, Nash, Northampton, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Pitt, Tyrrell, Vance, Warren, Washington, and Wilson counties in Congress. “The work of Senator Davis as a member of the General Assembly clearly demonstrates that the children and public schools of North Carolina matter,” said NCAE President Tamika Walker Kelly. “He clearly values our educators and their efforts to ensure students are successful, not only in the classroom, but in their communities as well.”

Sen. Davis gave the following statement: “I am deeply honored to receive the endorsement from the North Carolina Association of Educators. As an educator with more than 20 years of experience, I know firsthand that every child in eastern North Carolina deserves a quality education. I’m proud to stand with educators to make sure eastern North Carolina gets our fair share from Washington.”

Sen. Jeff Jackson (NC-14) has served four terms in the North Carolina legislature and is a veteran, former assistant district attorney, and current member of the Army National Guard. If elected, he would serve constituents in Gaston and Mecklenburg counties. NCAE President Tamika Walker Kelly had this to say about Senator Jackson: “Washington could use more lawmakers like Senator Jackson, who not only talks the talk, but walks the walk. He has a true passion for the citizens of North Carolina, exhibited by his service, dedication, and commitment.”

Sen. Jackson gave the following statement: “I’m proud to be endorsed by the NCAE – for the fourth time in my life. We must ensure teachers and schools get the resources they need to help our children learn. Treating teachers with respect is good for our schools, our children, and our community. Teachers deserve elected leaders who stand up for them and in Congress, I will do just that.”

Sen. Wiley Nickel (NC-13) has served two terms in the North Carolina legislature, and is running to represent North Carolinians in Harnett, Johnston, part of Wake, and Wayne counties. “The dedication Senator Wiley exhibits in keeping North Carolina a strong and vibrant state speaks volumes,” said NCAE President Tamika Walker Kelly. “He knows the educated workforce North Carolina needs to remain competitive in the future begins with great public schools. We stand united in supporting him in his efforts to ensure our students receive a quality education, that are schools are fully funded, and that educators are valued and compensated for the work they do every day.”

Sen. Nickel provided the following statement: “I’m a proud advocate for North Carolina’s public schools. It’s past time that we invest in our kids and their future and give teachers the resources they need to succeed. In Congress, I’m looking forward to pushing for further investments in public education to give every child a fair shot.”

The North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE), is the state’s largest education advocacy organization for public school employees and represents active, retired, and student members.