IMPORTANT
NJEA members endorse Sherrill

September 9, 2025•Headlines / News• 2 minutes to read

NJEA officers: Sherrill has the intelligence, integrity and independence that voters want and New Jersey needs

NJEA’s 125-member PAC Operating Committee tonight unanimously endorsed Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill in the race for New Jersey governor. Sherrill met earlier this week with a screening committee to share her vision for public education, working families and New Jersey’s future. Her opponent, Jack Ciattarelli, was invited to participate in the same screening process but chose not to do so.

NJEA’s officers, President Steve Beatty, Vice President Petal Robertson and Secretary-Treasurer Tina Dare released this statement:

“We are excited that our members have endorsed Mikie Sherrill for governor. She’s a strong leader who believes in public education and stands with working families. She understands that unions helped build America’s middle class and believes that workers have a right to join together to win higher salaries and safer working conditions.

“Her service in the Navy and her record in Congress show that she has the intelligence, integrity and independence that voters want and New Jersey needs. At a time when our nation is at a crossroads, she is ready to stand up for New Jersey and show America that there is a better way than what we see in Washington, D.C.

“Mikie Sherrill understands that a pension is a promise. Unlike Jack Ciattarelli, she will keep that promise by fully funding public employee pensions so that educators can have the economic security they have earned and the dignity they deserve. She knows the promise of a secure pension is one important way to attract and retain dedicated professionals who will keep our public schools the best in the nation for years to come
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“She is also willing to listen. She respects educators and will make sure our members have a place at the table and a real voice when education policy is made. While Jack Ciattarelli refused to look our members in the eyes, she showed up and engaged in real conversation about the future of our public schools and our state. Her obvious compassion and commitment to our shared values made NJEA members’ decision to endorse her an easy one. Mikie Sherrill is a clear choice to lead New Jersey, and we are eager to work side by side with our members to help her win in November.”

Other Endorsements

The New Jersey Education Association’s 125-member political action committee (NJEA PAC) endorsed the following candidates for the state legislature for the general election on Nov. 4.

The endorsements of Republican and Democratic candidates were based on pro-public education, pro-labor issues that matter to NJEA members and their families.

Screenings will continue through the summer and early fall before the full NJEA PAC meets in September. 

LD 3: Assemblywoman Heather Simmons (D) and Assemblyman David Bailey, Jr. (D) 

LD 4: Assemblyman Cody Miller (D) and Assemblyman Dan Hutchinson (D) 

LD 5: Assemblyman William Moen (D) and Assemblyman William Spearman (D) 

For a full list of endorsed candidates, Click Here.

As Pension Justice Advocates, we need to connect with other educators who are affected by this issue. In the spirit of building our collective strength, we are asking you to post about pension justice today! Please share the link above so that others may contact their legislators and support these bills.

As a member of GCREA, you are welcome to attend any workshop hosted by GCEA. Please click here to see their offerings and to register for one of their events. 

Co Chairs to our Membership Committee and Members Benefits Committee, Susan Clark and Lynn Cianci answered questions at the most recent XYZ's of Retirement held at Sapphire Grand (formerly Auletto's).

GCREA would like to thank Roger Baker for his presidency. We welcome Susan Clark as our new GCREA President.

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PAC Update

GCREA collects funds for PAC throughout the year to protect the amounts of pension and health benefits which are periodically up for negotiations. 

My sincere thanks to everyone who voted.  In the past we have elected a number of pro-education folks.  Why does that matter?  And why should you care?

In New Jersey, we have a current Governor who has made consecutive FULL pension payments!  In New Jersey, the elected  Governor has the power of the line item veto which could put your pension and health benefits at risk.  When you vote- vote for your own self-interests.

That is why a PAC donation is an easy way to protect what we already have.  Please make your check out to NJEA PAC and send it to NJEA PAC, c/o WSFS, PO Box 13661, Philadelphia, PA 19101-3661.  Include your name and address and the county from which you retired.   Or click here to donate online.

                                                                                       Thank you.

                                                                                        Linda H. Behm

                                                                                        GCREA 

                                                                                        Government Relations