AFT MASSACHUSETTS: “WE’RE WITH ED” (December 11, 2025)
Executive Board Unanimously Endorses Senator Markey for Re-Election to the US Senate
AFT Massachusetts, which represents teachers, paraprofessionals, librarians, nurses, and support staff in public schools, colleges, and libraries across the Commonwealth, today announced its endorsement of Ed Markey for re-election to the United States Senate.
The Executive Board of the AFT Massachusetts, which voted on the endorsement, is made up of elected representatives of the over 25,000 AFT Massachusetts members statewide.
“When working families need an advocate, Senator Markey is there. When paras need respect and a living wage, Senator Markey is there. When parents are worried about the services their children rely on in the classroom, Senator Markey is there. Ed Markey shows up for working families, public education, and our communities—he doesn’t even need to be asked. He’s already there, ready to take on the tough fights, ready to meet the moment. Ed Markey always has our backs, and we will continue to have his,” said AFT Massachusetts President Jessica Tang.
“I am honored to earn the endorsement of AFT Massachusetts—the backbone, the believers, the builders of our Commonwealth’s future. AFT MA educators support our students, stand with our families, and fortify the communities that sustain our democracy. I carry your voices into every fight in the United States Senate as we push back against the dangerous rise of MAGA extremism aimed at gutting public education. AFT MA educators are the backbone of our public schools, and I’ve fought to ensure teachers, librarians, and paraprofessionals earn a dignified starting salary—because one job should always be enough,” said U.S. Senator Ed Markey. “AFT MA members are on the front lines of protecting our students and our democracy, and I’m honored to stand with you every day. Together, we will defend our public schools, uphold your rights as workers, and fight for a future where every child in Massachusetts has the best public school education that they deserve.”
A lifelong advocate for public education and working families, Senator Markey is now leading the fight against the Trump Administration’s attempts to dismantle the Department of Education. Recent highlights include: speaking out against widespread cuts to special education funding on the anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, filing legislation to safeguard federal funding for public education, standing up against massive cuts to libraries and museums across the country, protecting internet access for low-income and rural students, and more.
“Working families throughout the nation will benefit from Senator Markey’s years of service – from fighting climate change to protecting the social services our communities rely on – for decades to come,” said Kathryn Anderson, President of the Chelsea Teachers Union and member of the AFT Massachusetts Executive Board. “Even in these times of great division, Senator Markey knows that those in power have the responsibility to mentor and build up the next generation of leaders and he’s done just that — working across generations to lift up the voices of others while fighting for a better world for all of us.”
Senator Markey’s education record includes strong support for all levels—from championing early education opportunities and critical programming like Head Start all the way through fighting for stronger protections for student borrowers to make their dreams of a degree a reality. Senator Markey has also shown strong support for public libraries across the country and for all those working to make our public schools safe and successful learning environments for our students. For years, he has fought to pass Paraprofessionals and Education Support Staff Bill of Rights, a resolution calling for dignified wages, benefits, and working conditions for paraeducators, classroom assistants, bus drivers, custodial workers, and other essential school staff who far too often work for low wages, few benefits, and without job security.
“Senator Markey has lifted up the voice of paraprofessionals in a way no other elected leader has. He does not just show up for the rallies or photo opportunities, he has spent years fighting to support educators across the country,” said Abeer Abdullah, a paraprofessional in the Lynn Public Schools and a member of the AFT Massachusetts Executive Board. “Whether he’s calling for a living wage, stronger workforce protections, or working to raise awareness of the role we play in the schools, Senator Markey has been a champion for paraprofessionals and the students we serve. I am proud to be a paraprofessional and I’m proud to support Senator Markey.”
For years, Senator Markey has been a champion for the rights of union workers across the Commonwealth and nation. Senator Markey has a nearly perfect voting score from the AFL-CIO, scoring 100 percent in 13 of the last 15 years. He’s been a leading voice against the Trump Administration’s anti-worker agenda, including standing up against the Administration’s illegal actions to strip workers across the country of their collective bargaining rights.
The AFT Massachusetts is the latest union to endorse Markey in his re-election campaign, joining the Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts (PFFM); United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW); National Association of Government Workers (NAGE); Joint Board of UNITE Here; American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 93; and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 103.