[Ed. Note: the title of this press release is “New Jersey teachers union unanimously support the LD16 Democratic slate.” That is not a reference to the political preferences of NJEA’s 200,000 members but the 125 voting members of NJEA’s political action committee, or PAC.]

Hillsborough, NJ – Today, the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA), which represents 200,000 teachers, education support professionals, higher education, retired and student members across New Jersey, announced its support for Senator Andrew Zwicker, Assemblyman Roy Freiman, and Assembly candidate Mitchelle Drulis in Legislative District 16.

“Our teachers and educators have been fighting for our students for years. As the son and spouse of public school educators, I am grateful for the support from the NJEA to continue fighting for our students, our families, and educators across New Jersey.” said Senator Andrew Zwicker (D-South Brunswick). “Whether it’s helping our schools rebuild critical infrastructure after a devastating Hurricane, or fighting to restore over $103 million in lost school funding statewide – including $4 million restored in LD16 alone, I have led from the front in the State Senate to advocate for the future of our students, educators, and families to make sure that New Jersey continues to have the best public schools in the nation.”

“As the husband of a life-long public school teacher, I understand how important it is to fight for the future of our students, educators, and families.” said Assemblyman Roy Freiman (D-Hillsborough). “I am grateful for the endorsement from the NJEA, and will continue to lead the fight for our educators, students, and their families in Trenton. Through the difficulties of school funding issues and COVID, I have led the fight in the State Assembly to stand by our educators, students, and their families by fighting to restore over $103 million in aid across New Jersey school districts, and providing valuable resources to our educators to make sure that our students continue to have the best public school education system in the nation.”

“As a mom of a school aged child with a life-long career focused on constituent service, I have personally experienced the challenges that our teachers, students and families face every single day in preparing our next generation of learners. During my time working in Congress, I fought for critical COVID relief funds for our local schools recognizing that we have to put teachers first if there is going to be a true impact.” said Mitchelle Drulis (D-Raritan Township). “I am proud to have the endorsement of the NJEA in this election because as an Assemblywoman, I will continue the fight to advocate for our teachers who have worked tirelessly over the last few years to make sure our students become successful, are kept safe, and continue to have the best public education in the nation.”

Zwicker, Freiman, and Drulis are running to represent the 16th Legislative District, which includes  Princeton (Mercer County), South Brunswick (Middlesex County), Rocky Hill, Montgomery, Millstone, Hillsborough, Branchburg (Somerset County), Raritan Township, Readington Township, Flemington, High Bridge, Lebanon Borough, Clinton Town, and Clinton Township (Hunterdon County).