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Press Release

NCAE Celebrates Primary Victories of Roy Cooper, Judge Christine Walczyk, and Local Education Champions

NCAE applauds wins of several endorsed candidates, highlighting strong support for public education and working class families across North Carolina
NCAE
Published: March 3, 2026

Raleigh, NC - The North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE) is celebrating the primary election victories of Roy Cooper and Judge Christine Walczyk. NCAE endorsed Cooper for the U.S. Senate and Judge Walczyk for the North Carolina Court of Appeals.

“Tonight, we celebrate alongside Roy Cooper and Judge Walczyk," said Tamika Walker Kelly, NCAE President. "We endorsed these candidates knowing they will be strong advocates not only for public education, but for building a more equitable North Carolina for our students, educators, and working-class families. The people of North Carolina have made it clear with their votes: these are the leaders our state needs now more than ever.”

NCAE also congratulates Rev. Dr. Rodney Sadler, our endorsed candidate in NC House District 106, for his resounding victory, tonight. 

In addition to these victories, NCAE is also celebrating primary night wins by Forsyth County NCAE members Lee Childress, an Exceptional Children’s teacher, and Ronda Mays, a school social worker, in their races for the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Board of Education. 

North Carolina Association of Educators logo

A leading voice for educational excellence

The North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE) is our leading voice for educational excellence, for children and their families, and for the public schools they count on. As the public school employees union and the largest association of professional educators in North Carolina, our membership extends to all 100 counties and includes teachers, non-classified school staff, administrators, students, retirees, and community allies. NCAE believes that every child has a right to a high-quality education, an excellent teacher, and a well-funded school.