NJEA President Sean Spiller finished out of the lead in today’s Democratic primary for governor as Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill won the party’s nomination to face off against former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli in November. Spiller finished much stronger than expected by pundits who had dismissed his people-powered campaign from the beginning. Though he fell short of victory, his campaign has changed perceptions of who is qualified to lead in New Jersey. A nontraditional candidate running a nontraditional campaign, Spiller was never considered a favorite by the political press. But a relentless yearlong campaign focused on what New Jersey voters care about paid off with a strong showing that makes it clear that educators and working people have a place in New Jersey politics.

NJEA Vice President Steve Beatty and NJEA Secretary-Treasurer Petal Robertson issued this statement:

“We are incredibly proud of the campaign Sean ran over the last year, and we are even more proud of the effort that our fellow NJEA members put into it. While we did not get the outcome we wanted, together we showed New Jersey that we refuse to be forgotten or taken for granted. This was an unprecedented grassroots effort powered by thousands of member volunteers. There will be no return to politics as usual for those of us who saw the power of our membership in action over the last year.

“We congratulate Mikie Sherrill on her victory tonight. We look forward to continuing our advocacy for public education, for working people and for economic justice for all in the general election and beyond.”

###