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.