Dale Chu, an educator from New Jersey, said that the state teachers’ union is financially supporting its president’s gubernatorial campaign while other Democratic candidates are refraining from taking definitive stances on education. This statement was made on the social media platform X.
“New Jersey’s teachers’ union president is in the race for governor,” said Chu, New Jersey Educator. “Backed by $35M. So why are the other NJ Dems tiptoeing around education? The NJEA’s not picking you—might as well stand for something.”
According to InfluenceWatch, the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) is a significant labor union representing over 200,000 teachers and education employees in New Jersey. The NJEA is recognized for its strong advocacy of progressive education policies and has consistently supported Democratic candidates through political spending. The union maintains a substantial political action committee and has been influential in shaping state education policy for many years.
Americans for Fair Treatment (AFFT) reported that during the 2021 election cycle, the NJEA’s political action committee spent more than $15 million on state-level campaigns, making it one of the largest political spenders in New Jersey. These expenditures included both direct contributions to candidates and independent spending aimed at influencing elections. The union’s political activity represents a strategic investment in maintaining influence over state education policy.
According to the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC), New Jersey’s gubernatorial public financing program allows qualified candidates to receive up to $10.5 million in public funds for the general election if they agree to spending limits. To qualify, candidates must raise and document at least $490,000 in private contributions. The program aims to reduce the influence of large private donations and promote transparency in campaign financing.
Chu is an independent education consultant who collaborates with policymakers, educators, non-profits, foundations, and universities. He serves as a Senior Visiting Fellow at the Thomas B. Fordham Institute and is on the board of the Colorado League of Charter Schools. Chu began his career as a Teach For America corps member and has over two decades of experience as a teacher, principal, district leader, and state education official in Indiana and Florida.
