Endorsements

Overview

Endorsements

The CFT makes endorsements in every election after soliciting  a candidate’s positions on issues important to educators, carefully reviewing voting records and conducting extensive interviews. The CFT also analyzes ballot measures on each statewide ballot before making a recommendation.

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General Election 2020
CFT endorsements for November 3 and how to be a smart voter during the pandemic

NEW THIS YEAR! Due to the pandemic, mail-in ballots were mailed to every registered voter in California. The ballots went out in early October. Use this summary guide to assist you in voting this year.

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Tony Thurmond for Superintendent of Public Instruction

The CFT endorses Richmond Assemblymember Tony Thurmond for state superintendent of public instruction. President Josh Pechthalt said Thurmond, a former social worker, has demonstrated “time and again he is a champion of public education. His policy positions solidly align him with the needs of students, parents, and educators.”

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Gavin Newsom for Governor

The CFT has endorsed Gavin Newsom for the state’s top office. Newsom has an impressive track record of public service as the current lieutenant governor of California and the former mayor of San Francisco.

Newsom presents a clear progressive vision for our state anchored by fully funded and supported public schools. He has articulated a willingness to continue local control, hold charter schools accountable, and identify further sources of stable revenue to fund public education and vital social services.

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General Election 2016
CFT endorses Hillary Clinton for U.S. President, Kamala Harris for U.S. Senate

The AFT and the CFT have endorsed Hillary Clinton for President of the United States. In vision, experience and leadership, she is the candidate we need in the White House. Clinton is a tested leader who has fought for the issues most important to AFT members and our communities as a U.S. Senator from New York with a 100 percent AFT voting record, and as U.S. Secretary of State.

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Primary Election 2016
CFT endorses Kamala Harris for U.S. Senate

The CFT offers a custom electronic slate card — with candidates and ballot issues relevant to you, based on where you live. Go to The Educators Choice and type in your address. A page tailored to your local ballot will load, with endorsed candidates ranging from U.S. senator to your local school and college board trustees. 

Below is the complete list of state and federal races in which CFT has endorsed. Candidate names followed by an asterisk (*) indicate incumbents.

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General Election 2014
CFT endorses Brown for Governor, Torlakson for State Superintendent

New technology has made it possible for CFT to offer a custom electronic slate card — with candidates and ballot issues relevant to you, based on where you live. Go to The Educators’ Choice and type in your address. A page tailored to your individual ballot will load, with endorsed candidates ranging from California governor to your local school and college board trustees.

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Primary Election 2014
CFT endorses Jerry Brown, Tom Torlakson

Recognizing his support for public education, CFT has endorsed Gov. Jerry Brown for reelection in 2014. Brown, as the state’s chief executive, worked closely with CFT to pass Prop. 30, raising additional revenue for schools, and then helped shape a historic funding bill that recognizes that students from low-income families, and students who speak little English, need additional resources in order to excel.