For Immediate Release: December 5, 2017
Contact: Matthew Hardy, 510-703-5291

This past weekend the California Federation of Teachers formally endorsed Gavin Newsom for Governor of California.

The following is a statement on the endorsement by CFT President Josh Pechthalt:

“The California Federation of Teachers is proud to endorse Gavin Newsom for governor of California. As educators, we are deeply impressed by Gavin’s proven track record and strong progressive vision for our state and our schools.

“We stand with Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom in his vision to bring more resources and support to our public schools and to defend California’s position as a progressive leader on issues like universal access to healthcare, climate change, LGBTQ rights, and immigration.

“In a time of great uncertainty and mounting threats coming from Washington, D.C., we know that Gavin is the right choice to stand with California’s students, educators, and the families we serve.”

In addition to the governor’s race, this weekend the CFT Executive Committee also made several endorsements for other statewide elected offices based on the candidates’ strong support for public education and workers’ rights. Those endorsements include:

• Attorney General: Dave Jones
• Lieutenant Governor: Ed Hernandez and Eleni Kounalakis (dual endorsement)
• Treasurer: Fiona Ma
• Insurance Commissioner: Ricardo Lara
• Board of Equalization District 2: Malia Cohen

Previous endorsements by the CFT Executive Council include:

• Superintendent of Public Instruction: Tony Thurmond
• Secretary of State: Alex Padilla (incumbent)
• Controller: Betty Yee (incumbent)