Endorsements
CFT Endorsements for November 3
Make your voice heard in General Election 2020
Know how to vote in the 2020 Presidential Election
COVID-19 Update: On May 8, Governor Newsom announced that every registered voter will receive a mail-in ballot for the November election. There will also be safe in-person voting options.
- Deadline to register to vote — October 19
Register to vote online with the Secretary of State. - Deadline to request a Vote-By-Mail ballot — October 27
In case you do not receive one, download the VBM application from the Secretary of State, return the application included with the sample ballot mailed to you, or obtain one from your county Registrar of Voters. - Deadline to return Vote-by-Mail ballots — November 3
Your VBM ballot must be postmarked on or before November 3, and received by your county elections office no later than November 6. You may also deliver your VBM ballot to your local polling place on November 3 before polls close. - Poll hours on November 3: 7 am to 8 pm
Download the CFT Endorsement Sheet containing the union’s recommendations for statewide legislative races and ballot measures on a single page. You may also find the union’s endorsements listed below.
Presidential Primary Election 2020
Vote in the California March 3 primary
California will hold its first March Primary Election this year because the Legislature moved the statewide primary forward from June so that Californians can have a greater say nationally. You may find CFT endorsements below. Your vote matters now more than ever!
Educators Choice Online Voter Guide
Find CFT endorsements tailored to your local ballot in our online voter guide. Simply enter your address on your phone or computer!
General Election 2018
CFT recommends Thurmond for State Superintendent & Newsom for Governor
- Get endorsements on your phone, tailored to your local ballot, from The Educators Choice online voter guide.
- Download the CFT Endorsement Sheet containing the union’s recommendations for California statewide offices, ballot measures, and legislative races, or find them below.
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.”
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.
Primary Election 2018
CFT endorses Thurmond for State Superintendent and Newsom for Governor
- Get endorsements on your phone, tailored to your local ballot, from The Educators Choice online voter guide.
- Download the CFT Endorsement Sheet containing the union’s recommendations for California statewide offices, ballot measures, and legislative races, or find them here in our Endorsements section.
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.
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.
General Election 2014
CFT endorses Brown for Governor, Torlakson for State Superintendent
New technologies have 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.
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.