Second Major Education Union Endorses Josh Elliott for Governor
New Haven, CT – Today, State Rep. Josh Elliott held a press conference with members of the New Haven Federation of Teachers (NHFT Local 933) to rally their support for his campaign for Governor. NHFT represents over 1,700 education personnel working in New Haven Public Schools and advocates for policies that promote equitable, high-quality public education for all New Haven children. Elliott reaffirmed his vision to transform public education: fix Connecticut’s tax structure, prioritize funding for underserved school districts, and provide better funding for educators.
Leslie Blatteau, NHFT Local 933 President, said: “Our entire New Haven community – educators, students, working families – have been harmed by Connecticut’s broken school funding system. There is deep economic and racial inequality in our state and it shows up more directly in our schools and classrooms. There is a tacit acceptance by those whose parents own homes in wealthier communities that those kids deserve access to better schools than students who live in working class cities like here in New Haven. We must fix this broken funding formula to address pernicious inequalities we see everyday. That’s why NHFT supports Josh Elliott for governor. He knows there is a way to fix this broken system. As Governor, he will not be an obstacle to the better world that we know is possible.”
Julie Miller, NHPS grad, NHPS parent and NHFT member, Internship and Workforce Development Advisor, and CT Teacher of the Year 2025, said: “We live in one of the wealthiest states in the richest country in the world, yet many students in New Haven and other chronically underfunded urban and rural districts suffer due to inequitable funding. Josh Elliott understands that the economic cost sharing formula has not lived up to its intended purpose, nor meaningfully addresses the realities we face. He is unafraid to say it must be rewritten to reflect what districts actually need. Josh won’t just dream it, he has the practical experience with the legislature to make it possible.”
Alexander Oji, NHPS grad, NHFT executive board member and delegate, teacher at the Lincoln-Bassett Community School, said: “Our students are struggling, our parents are struggling. They have to make a decision on paying the rent or putting food on the table and this is the unfortunate reality that we face. So, what can we do to help? We can tax the rich. We're in this together. There shouldn't be this division of the haves and have nots and the elites and the working class. We're one New Haven, we should all stand up together. Everybody work together and let's have schools that are working and conditions that are sustainable and viable. A place where we can be proud to come to work and learn every single day. It's important to represent our city the way that it can be. We have such a strong vision. Let's actually make this happen. And it can happen with community support but also support for Josh Elliott as Governor.”
Josh Elliott, State Rep. and candidate for Governor said: “Connecticut is among the best states in the nation for public education, but the worst in racial equality in education. I am honored to have earned the endorsement of the New Haven Federation of Teachers, whose members have seen firsthand the consequences of this deeply unequal school funding system. Ned Lamont’s continued refusal to ask the wealthy to pay their fair share has meant lower test scores and worse outcomes for New Haven students, and pay that is far too low for teachers and staff. I am running for Governor to ensure every child in every zip code has a fair shot. I am grateful to have NHFT’s support in this fight.”
The announcement marks Elliott’s second endorsement from a major education labor union following the endorsement of 4Cs SEIU Local 1973, which represents Connecticut’s community college faculty and staff. See all of Elliott’s endorsements here: https://www.joshforct.com/endorsements.