Former New York City school principal Jamaal Bowman, running for Congress in New York’s 16th District, received the endorsement of the American Federation of School Administrators (AFSA) after the union's General Executive Board voted to support him in the Democratic primary this June over incumbent Rep. Eliot Engel (D-N.Y.).
Last year Chalkbeat New York reported, "though the odds may seem long, Bowman has the backing of the Justice Democrats, who are hoping for another upset after successfully supporting Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s insurgent bid for office."
AFSA Vice President Mark F. Cannizzaro, who also serves as Council of School Supervisors & Administrators (CSA), Local 1 president, said, "Principal Bowman was a CSA member for over 11 years and a Department of Education employee since 1999. He recently ended his service only to run his campaign."
In making the endorsement, the AFSA board stated, "he has the knowledge, experience and passion for public service that will allow him to be a force for good in Congress. Moreover, as an outstanding veteran teacher and principal, you would bring a much-needed viewpoint on public schools, educators and students. Your unique perspective would be timely and invaluable."
If elected, Bowman would be the only former principal in Congress, and endorsing him supports AFSA’s convention resolutions passed in 2018 to “Engage Members in Political Action” and “Encourage Union Members to Run for Local Office. Learn more about his campaign here.
CSA already endorsed Bowman, stating, “The Council of School Supervisors & Administrators enthusiastically endorses Principal Jamaal Bowman for Congress in New York’s 16th District. Great schools begin with great leaders, and great communities begin with great leaders. Throughout his time as the founding Principal of the Cornerstone Academy for Social Action and as a committed member of our union, Jamaal has consistently led with conviction, empathy and immense talent. For over twenty years as public school educator, he has changed and saved young lives. Now more than ever, we need candidates like Jamaal in Washington, D.C., to make certain our nation invests the proper resources and support into our future, our children. We have no doubt that Jamaal will lift up our public schools and remain a true champion of low-income and working families in the Bronx and Westchester, and we proudly stand with him.”
