Last weekend, dozens of Texas AFT members attended the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention in Dallas.
Introducing the Respect Slate
A number of Texas AFT’s endorsed candidates took the stage, including Beto O’Rourke, Mike Collier, and Rochelle Garza — all members of what we call the “Respect Slate,” a full ballot of statewide candidates who have vowed their support for public education and educators.
Respect Educators Caucus
Texas AFT hosted a caucus meeting in which our members heard directly from candidates and elected officials about the issues that matter most to Texas teachers and school employees.
At our union’s booth in the exhibit hall, Texas AFT staff enjoyed meeting active and retired school employees and having discussions about your priorities. You are our union, and your voices guide our political and policy priorities.
The Texas Democratic Party is close to adopting a platform that is strong on public education. Thank you to our own Patty Quinzi, director for Public Affairs, for volunteering her time to help lead the effort.
With more than 650,000 school employees in this state, we have power. And candidates and elected officials are paying attention. In Beto O’Rourke’s latest fundraising haul for his campaign for governor, teachers were a driving force behind his campaign, having contributed more than any other profession.
Let us continue building our power and working through November to demand the respect we deserve.