BOSTON – The American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts, which represents teachers, paraprofessionals, librarians, nurses, and support staff in public schools, colleges, and libraries across the Commonwealth, today announced its endorsement of Daniel Koh, Democratic nominee for U.S. Congress in Massachusetts’ 6th District.
The Executive Board of the AFT Massachusetts, which voted on the endorsement, is made up of elected representatives of the 26,000 AFT Massachusetts members statewide. The union cited Koh’s commitment to strengthening public education, defending students and educators, defending democracy, and fighting back against federal attacks on schools, workers, and public services.
"From his strong record of strengthening the voice of unions and protecting workers rights to his commitment to fighting against the White House’s dangerous education agenda, Dan is a candidate with a strong vision for supporting our schools, our families, and the communities throughout the district," said American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts President Jessica Tang. "The AFT Massachusetts is excited to support his campaign and we look forward to speaking directly with residents about why educators, librarians, and other public employees are excited to send Dan Koh to serve the sixth congressional district."
"I'm incredibly proud to have the support of AFT Massachusetts. As a dad of two young kids, I’ve seen firsthand the impact teachers have on our children's lives and futures,” said Koh. “Educators are the backbone of our communities, and they deserve a partner in Washington who will fight for the resources, respect, and support they've earned. I'm honored to stand with AFT Massachusetts as we work to build a Sixth District and a country where every educator and student can thrive."
Koh, the descendant of Korean and Lebanese immigrants, was born and raised in Andover. He previously served in the Biden-Harris Administration, where he worked closely with the President’s Cabinet to implement legislation rebuilding America’s infrastructure, creating clean energy jobs, investing in education, and lowering prescription drug costs for seniors. Dan was also Chief of Staff to the U.S. Department of Labor, where he helped secure millions of dollars of wages for workers while improving safety in workplaces across the country, all while significantly increasing union participation. He also previously served as Chief of Staff to Boston Mayor Marty Walsh and as an Andover Select Board member.
The 6th Congressional District includes all or part of nearly 40 communities in Essex and Middlesex Counties. AFT Massachusetts locals within the district represent educators and staff working at public schools in Amesbury, Billerica, Lynn, North Reading, Peabody, Salem, and the Masconomet Regional School District. AFT Massachusetts members also include educators and staff working at Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School and the seven schools and programs within the Northshore Educational Consortium, which is the largest provider of special education programs for children with emotional, behavioral, and developmental disabilities on the North Shore.
Additionally, the Massachusetts Library Staff Association (MLSA), a local of the AFT Massachusetts, represents a number of librarians at public libraries throughout the 6th Congressional District including those in Lynnfield, North Reading, and Wakefield.
###
About the AFT Massachusetts
The AFT Massachusetts, a strong voice for collaborative education reform that is good for students and fair to educators, represents 26,000 educators and staff working in public schools, universities, libraries, and health offices across the state. The union represents members in a variety of roles including teachers, paraprofessionals, bus drivers, librarians, custodians, cafeteria workers, faculty, maintenance staff, and more. In addition to public school districts across the state, AFT Massachusetts members work in vocational schools, collaboratives, public libraries, and both public and private institutions of higher education. https://ma.aft.org/
About Dan Koh for Congress
Dan Koh is the Democratic nominee for Massachusetts' 6th Congressional District, the descendent of Korean and Lebanese immigrants who previously served as a senior aide in the Biden White House and as chief of staff to Boston Mayor Marty Walsh. He lives on the North Shore with his wife, Amy, and their two children, Theodora and Jack. https://www.kohforcongress.com/