Harrison endorsed by second labor union in a week

The American Federation of Teachers has endorsed political science professor Brigid Callahan Harrison for Congress in New Jersey’s 2nd district.

“It is not often we have the opportunity to support someone who not only talks the talk, but walks the walk,” said AFT New Jersey president Donna M. Chiera. “Brigid is a true educator who has dedicated her professional and personal life to lifting the voice of students and community members through civic engagement. Brigid stands where our members stand on key issues such as lifting the terrible burden of student loan debt, fighting for affordable health care, and investing in our schools and our infrastructure.”

The AFT is the state’s largest higher education union and represents teachers and school staff across the state.

The vote was unanimous, although two delegates abstained from the vote.

“Brigid understands the realities of higher education and how those realities affect our students and our economy,” said Rich Wolfson, president of AFT Local 1904 at Montclair State, where Harrison has been a full union member for more than 25 years. “There is no other person running in the 2nd congressional who will support on the federal level the policies we believe in, including human rights, workers’ rights, higher education quality and access, and democratic freedoms.”

Harrison was endorsed by United Here Local 54, a major hotel and gaming employees union in Atlantic City, last week.

She faces former public school teacher Amy Kennedy, Atlantic County freeholder Ashley Bennett, West Cape May commissioner John Francis III, former congressional staffer Will Cunningham and retired FBI agent Bob Turkavage in the Democratic primary.

The incumbent, Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-Dennis), switched to the Republican Party last month.