FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, January 8, 2026
Contact: Cindy Carr, ccarr@aftpa.org
PLYMOUTH MEETING, PA – Today, the AFT Pennsylvania Executive Council announced that they voted to endorse Governor Josh Shapiro and Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis for reelection. Governor Shapiro and Lieutenant Governor Davis formally launched their reelection campaign at events in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia today.
During their first term, the Shapiro-Davis administration:
- Increased K-12 public education funding by nearly $3 billion;
- Reformed cyber charter school funding, saving PA public schools an estimated $178 million;
- Increased student teacher stipends to $30 million annually;
- Increased funding for career and technical education and apprenticeships by nearly $65 million;
- Provided nearly 93 million free breakfasts to PA students;
- Increased funding for student mental health and safety for K-12 schools by $100 million annually; and
- Reduced teacher certification fees.
In response, AFT Pennsylvania President Wendy G. Coleman issued the following statement:
“AFT Pennsylvania is proud to endorse Governor Shapiro and Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis for reelection. Gov. Shapiro and Lt. Gov. Davis have shown us time and again over the past three years that they are living up to their campaign promises to stand up for teachers and public education in Pennsylvania. At this critical time in our Commonwealth’s and our country’s history, it is more important than ever that our state be led by a governor who understands the integral role that teachers, public employees, and unions play in our communities. We look forward to supporting Governor Shapiro and Lieutenant Governor Davis’ campaign and continuing to work alongside them to ensure the future success, dignity, and respect for our students and our members.”
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About AFT Pennsylvania
AFT Pennsylvania represents more than 36,000 professional employees in 74 local affiliates throughout the Commonwealth. Our members are public, private, and charter school teachers and support staff, college and university faculty and staff, and state employees throughout Pennsylvania. To learn more, visit aftpa.org.