Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania is attracting backing from labor leaders, including those from teachers’ unions, despite his previous endorsement of school vouchers. At the same time, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly is confronting criticism regarding his perceived lack of support for union causes, recently expressing his backing for the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act.
This past weekend, over 50 local labor leaders endorsed Shapiro, including the Pennsylvania State Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), two of the state’s largest teachers’ unions. While both unions opposed his school voucher policy, they have acknowledged his efforts to boost education funding.
“Governor Shapiro understands that agreement on every issue isn’t necessary to achieve progress. Recent experiences have shown that even among our union brothers and sisters, political views can differ – making it all the more vital to support elected officials who can unify our Democratic coalition,” the letter emphasizes.
AFT President Randi Weingarten has been a staunch opponent of school choice, making headlines last year when she stated that “privatizing or voucherizing schools is about undermining democracy.”
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During his 2022 campaign, Shapiro supported school vouchers and continued to do so as governor, but he recently dropped the initiative due to a budget standoff with the divided state legislature.
Those plans included publicly funded scholarships aimed at allowing students from underperforming public schools to attend any private school they choose.
Although Weingarten has not commented on the vice presidential candidates, a source close to her told Fox News that she and Shapiro share a friendly relationship. Moreover, Weingarten predicts that the issue of school vouchers will stay at a state level, given that the DNC’s education platform opposes school choice.
After Vice President Kamala Harris addressed the AFT conference in Houston on Thursday, Weingarten remarked to Fox, “I’ve received countless requests to weigh in on the VP candidates this week, particularly Josh Shapiro. I have not done so, and I have no intention of commenting publicly.”
Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a campaign event at Westover High School in Fayetteville, North Carolina, on July 18, 2024. (ALLISON JOYCE/AFP via Getty Images)
A coalition of over two dozen public education advocacy organizations urged Harris to exclude Shapiro from the running last week due to his pro-voucher stance, as reported by the Philadelphia Inquirer.
“We respectfully request that you do not select Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, who has championed education policies that align with Project 2025,” the letter reads.
While Weingarten has not publicly commented on the letter, Shapiro later received endorsements from her Pennsylvania chapter.
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A source associated with Weingarten clarified that the Pennsylvania chapter’s endorsement should not be interpreted as her endorsement of one vice presidential candidate over another.
Meanwhile, Kelly has announced his intention to support the PRO Act, following backlash for being one of the three Senate Democrats not to co-sponsor the measure. The PRO Act aims to simplify the process for workers wishing to form and join unions.
John Samuelsen, the president of the Transport Workers Union, remarked to ABC News recently, “Why would the Democrats even think about a senator for the vice presidency if that senator doesn’t support the PRO Act?”
Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., engages with reporters while waiting for the Senate subway in Washington, D.C. on July 25, 2024. Multiple media outlets indicate that the senator from Arizona and former astronaut is among those being vetted for the vice presidential candidate alongside Vice President Kamala Harris. (Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)
Likewise, former AFL-CIO organizing director Richard Bensinger noted on X, “Only 3 Democrats refrained from signing the Pro Act, one of whom was Mark Kelly. The right to unionize is of utmost importance to labor, so that’s a firm no.”
In response to the backlash, Kelly has asserted in interviews that he has always supported the legislation and plans to vote in favor of it.
Below is the letter endorsing Shapiro from 50 PA labor leaders, shared with FOX by an affiliated organization.
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A Message to our Democratic Brothers and Sisters,
Pennsylvania is home to more than half a million union members who play a vital role not only in our workplaces but also in our communities. Organized labor has built the Pennsylvania and the America we cherish today – at its core, being part of a union signifies belonging to a community that recognizes the rights and dignity of everyday people. The role of unions has never been more crucial than it is now, and we take seriously our elected officials’ pledge to support and promote the union ethos. No one has shown more dedication to workers than Governor Josh Shapiro.
Governor Shapiro’s leadership has not just protected our rights but has also cultivated an environment of economic stability and opportunity. From expanding apprenticeship programs to investing in workforce development and defending against threats to collective bargaining, Governor Shapiro’s initiatives have been key in improving the lives of working Pennsylvanians. His rhetoric reflects a profound understanding of the challenges our members face, and his actions underscore his commitment to fostering an inclusive Commonwealth where every worker has the autonomy to shape their destiny and seize opportunities.
As we navigate through unprecedented and difficult times, it is a comfort to have leaders like Governor Shapiro who are steadfastly committed to addressing the needs and concerns of working families. His commitment to upholding the values of fairness, equality, and justice in the workplace has set a high standard for leaders nationwide.
As the sole Governor in the nation with a divided legislature, Governor Shapiro understands better than anyone that we don’t need to concur on every single issue in order to make progress.
Conversely, recent history has taught us that even among our labor comrades, political unity can be elusive – which is why it is imperative to support elected officials whose leadership can unify our Democratic coalition and remind us that we ultimately share a vision for a more equitable, robust, and inclusive Commonwealth and nation. Governor Shapiro shows up every day in solidarity with us in pursuit of that vision, and despite challenges, we remain united in our commitment to advocate for working people and invest in families and communities.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro is seen at the Celebration of Freedom Ceremony during Wawa Welcome America on July 4, 2023 in Philadelphia. (Gilbert Carrasquillo/GC Images)
Today, more than ever, our nation needs leaders who stand up for working people. Without a doubt – Governor Shapiro has consistently supported us, and organized labor will continue to stand behind him.
In Solidarity,
Stephen M. Aldrich, Business Manager – IBEW Local 269
Philip Ameris, President – Pennsylvania Laborers’ District Council Robert Bair, President – Pennsylvania Building & Construction Trades Council Aric Baker,
President/Assistant Business Manager – IBEW Local 459 Daniel Bauder, President – Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO Tricia Barnes-Vargo, Business Manager – IATSE Local 8
Gregory Bernarding, Business Manager – Pittsburgh Regional Building Trades Greg Boulware, President – AFSCME DC 33
Kevin C. Boyle, Business Manager – Iron Workers Local 401
Ryan N. Boyer, Business Manager – Philadelphia Building Trades Council Kenneth J. Broadbent, Business Manager – Steamfitters Local 449
Robert Brooks, President – Pennsylvania Professional Firefighters Association
Bryan J. Bush, Business Manager – Sheet Metal Workers Local 19
Aaron Chapin, President – PSEA
James Cassidy, Business Manager – Insulators Local 2
Rob Cellucci, Business Manager – Insulators & Allied Workers Local 14
Angela Ferritto, President – Pennsylvania AFL-CIO
Dionne Gary, Vice President – 1199C National Union of Hospital & Healthcare Employees
April Gigetts, President – AFSCME DC 47
William Hamilton, President – Pennsylvania Conference of Teamsters
James Harper Jr., Business Manager – Laborers Local 413
Bernie Hall, Director – USW District 10
Darrin Kelly, President – Allegheny-Fayette Central Labor Council AFL-CIO
Chuck Knisell, Vice President – United Mine Workers of America District 2
Mark Lynch Jr., Business Manager – IBEW Local 98
Kenneth M. Mash, President – APSCUF
Fran McLaughlin, Business Manager – IUPAT District Council 21
Thomas C. Melisko Jr., Business Manager – IUOE Local 66
Shawn McCullough, Business Manager – Roofers & Waterproofers Local 30
Thomas R. McIntyre, Business Manager – IBEW Local 5
Chuck McQuilkin, Vice President – Philadelphia FireFighters & Paramedics, IAFF Local 22
Brad Mickatavage, Business Manager – Boilermakers Local 13
Wayne Miller, Business Manager – Sprinklerfitters Local 692
George C. Pegram, Business Manager – Plumbers Local 690
Dennis Pagliotti, Business Manager – Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Local 1
James Reilley, Business Manager – IUOE Local 542
Ralph Sicuro, President – Pittsburgh FireFighters, IAFF Local 1
Michael Stanton, President – Boilermakers Local 154
Samuel Staten Jr., Business Manager – Laborers Local 332
Arthur Steinberg, President – AFT Pennsylvania
William C. Sproule, Executive Secretary-Treasurer – Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters
James Snell, Business Manager – Steamfitters Local 420
Mike Sukal, Administrator – AFSCME Council 13
Joseph G. Swenglish, Sr. National Representative – Utility Workers Region 2
Stephen Sweeney, Administrator – Reinforced IronWorkers 405
Esteban Vera Jr., Business Manager – Laborers Local 57
Mark Wildsmith, Business Manager – Cement Masons Local 592
Joseph M. Williams, Business Manager – Elevators Local 5
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Wendell Young IV, President – UFCW Local 1776
Ross Nicotero III, President – ATU Local 85
