Phoenix, AZ — Following landmark election results across the state, the Arizona Education Association is celebrating victories for public education and working families, attributing historic wins to years of organizing by AEA members up and down the state.
This election has produced a monumental shift in state leadership: voters re-elected pro-public education Governor Katie Hobbs, Attorney General Kris Mayes, and Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, while flipping the Arizona Legislature to a pro-public education majority. Projections also show pro-public education candidate Nick Mansour is leading for State Treasurer and educator Dr. Teresa Leyba Ruiz is leading for Superintendent of Public Instruction.
There are also big wins for education at the local level. Across the state, pro-public education candidates are making gains on school boards. One exciting example is Paradise Valley, where voters elected former Paradise Valley Education Association member and AEA member and current AEA Retired member Rick Ross to the school board.
“This historic shift did not happen by accident and it did not happen overnight,” said AEA President Marisol Garcia. “This is the direct result of years of hard work and organizing from our educators, our union siblings, and our communities. However, our work is not done. Today is when we start building a brighter future for our children and our educators. Our work made this outcome possible, and we are ready to turn that momentum into real results for public schools.”