Kim Keiserman is a former social studies teacher and holds a Master of Education from the College of William & Mary. Her career has been focused on helping teachers create inclusive classrooms and education advocacy. Kim has pledged to oppose any cuts to education funding, fix Tier 6 retirement benefits and support collective bargaining rights for unions across the state.

Sen. Toby Ann Stavisky is chair of the Senate Committee on Higher Education and sits on the Senate Committee for Education. Sen. Stavisky is a former New York City public high school teacher and supports continued strong funding for our public schools.

Sen. Iwen Chu sits on the Senate Libraries Committee and is a CUNY graduate. In her time in the Senate, Sen. Chu has voted to fully fund Foundation Aid, halt in-state tuition hikes for SUNY and CUNY students and voted to increase the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP).

Elijah Reichlin-Melnick served as a state Senator from 2020-22. During that time, he voted to cut taxes on middle class families and approved more equitable funding for our state’s public schools. Reichlin-Melnick is a strong advocate for union labor and public education.

Yvette Valdes Smith is a former public school teacher and proud union member. In her current role as Minority Leader of the Dutchess County Legislature, she has proposed legislation to cut county sales and property taxes. Valdes Smith is a strong supporter of increasing public school funding and mental health programs statewide.

As a ranking member of the Senate Education Committee and a member of the New York City Education Committee, Sen. Tedisco is a vocal proponent of strong public schools. A former special education teacher and guidance counselor, Tedisco knows that strong public schools mean strong communities. He continues to use his position in the Senate to advocate for New York’s educators and students.

Chris Ryan is a union leader and a strong supporter of our public schools. Ryan is president of Communications Workers of America Local 1123 and married to a public school teacher. He has pledged to stand with labor and deliver necessary resources for our public schools.

Sen. Lea Webb is a former United University Professions member and sits on the Senate Higher Education Committee. Sen. Webb has voted in favor of expanding universal free school lunch and universal pre-kindergarten. She continues to advocate for expanding opportunities for civic engagement and women’s rights.

Retired social studies teacher Tommy John Schiavoni believes that investing in our education system benefits our entire community. He pledges to be a strong advocate for affordable housing and community health issues like tick-borne illnesses, mental health and opioid addiction. Other concerns include improved water quality, clean energy and solutions for small businesses.

Assemblyman Doug Smith has represented AD 5 since 2018. A former high school math teacher, Smith is the ranking member of the Assembly Education Committee where he fights to fully fund education and helps shape education policy. Other legislative priorities include combatting the heroin epidemic and advocating for legal changes to protect victims of domestic violence.

A 20-year special education teacher in the Hempstead public school system, Noah Burroughs’ priorities are ensuring the state fully funds public schools, contributes more toward community colleges and increases affordable, high-density housing options. Other goals include providing better oversight and management for the Nassau University Medical Center.

The son of a public high school teacher and a librarian, Chris McCreight believes that many problems can be solved when politicians put their constituents ahead of special interests. He pledges to fight to raise wages, protect women’s reproductive rights and stand up for students and teachers. McCreight believes that government should work for all.

As the sole democrat on the fiveperson Clarkstown Town Council in Rockland County, Patrick Carroll knows how to work across the aisle. He intends to ensure that local schools and law enforcement officials have the resources they need. Other goals include eliminating government waste and reducing tax burdens.

Chloe Pierce strives to protect the rights of all, particularly those in under-represented communities. Important issues include education support starting in early childhood, increased access to affordable healthcare, addressing healthcare disparities, fighting the effects of climate change and boosting public safety by addressing the opioid epidemic and tackling gun violence.

Ian Phillips has dedicated his career to supporting public education, first as an inner-city public-school teacher and today as a NYSUT union organizer. As president of the Auburn School Board, he’s fought for smaller class sizes, fair funding, free before-and after-school programing, and has stood up to book-banning attempts.

A United University Professions member, Assemblymember Wallace is committed to public education at all levels, graduating with her bachelor’s degree and J.D. from New York’s public universities. In the Assembly, Wallace works to strengthen and fully fund public education, support the middle class and clean up government corruption.