Raleigh, NC - The North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE) and the National Education Association (NEA) are proud to announce their endorsement of former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper for U.S. Senate. Born and raised in Nash County, North Carolina, Cooper is the son of a public school teacher and a product of North Carolina public schools, which cemented his deep love and commitment to public education.
“Roy Cooper is a champion for America’s students and North Carolina's working families,” said NEA President Becky Pringle. “He is someone who knows how critical it is to ensure that every student – no matter their background, race or ZIP code - has access to quality public schools. He is for expanding learning opportunities for our students and against diverting funding out of the public schools that 90 percent of our students attend into unaccountable and discriminatory private schools through vouchers. And Roy Cooper will continue working to deliver lower costs for working families while getting things done to help students, educators, and communities across North Carolina. That is why the National Education Association is proud to recommend Roy Cooper in his campaign for U.S. Senate."
“My mom was a public school teacher right here in North Carolina, and I know firsthand how important the work of our teachers is to help students learn and grow and prepare them for the careers of today and tomorrow,” said Roy Cooper. “During my eight years as Governor I pushed the state legislature for teacher raises, and I’ll fight in the U.S. Senate to make sure our educators get the support they need. I’m grateful for our teachers, the endorsement of the NEA and the NCAE and the work they do to stand up for educators across the country.”
Cooper has served North Carolina as a state representative and senator, attorney general, and governor. During his career in public service, he has successfully pushed to raise teacher pay and increase investments in public schools. During his final term as governor, Cooper declared 2024 “The Year of Public Schools,” calling for greater investments in the state’s teachers, students, and families. Former Governor Cooper also led a bipartisan agreement to expand Medicaid, which has brought affordable health care to over 700,000 North Carolinians, including public school teachers and educators.
“Roy Cooper has been a champion for our public schools, our educators, and North Carolina's working-class families,” said Tamika Walker Kelly, NCAE President. “He has always pushed to empower our educators and for our state to make meaningful investments in our schools. At a time when people are losing their health care, the cost of living is rising, and there is chaos in Washington, we know he will help guide our country with the same steady hand that brought peace and prosperity to our state.”
