NYSUT Celebrates Members Elected to Serve Their Communities

According to initial analysis of the Nov. 4, 2025 general election results, at least 31 NYSUT members have been elected or reelected to public office. These wins reflect the power of community-driven leadership and the commitment of educators, school staff, and public-service professionals who understand firsthand the needs of students, families and schools.

"This is what happens when working people lead," said NYSUT President Melinda Person. "NYSUT members are proving that public service and community leadership go hand in hand and that our shared values of fairness, opportunity and respect belong at every level of government."

NYSUT member candidates won because their neighbors trust educators to lead. NYSUT members are deeply rooted in their communities, they listen, they serve and they show up. That's what voters responded to: real people with real solutions.

Among the notable victories, former NYSUT member Michael Cashman won a seat in the New York State Assembly in the 115th District following a robust get-out-the-vote effort from NYSUT members in the North Country. In the Hudson Valley, multiple NYSUT-backed candidates won seats in the Orange and Dutchess County Legislatures, including NYSUT Board of Directors member and Washingtonville teacher Sparrow Tobin. In Rochester, NYSUT member Marv Stepherson is on track to win a Monroe County Legislature seat with strong backing from his colleagues at the Monroe Community College Faculty Association.

These victories are part of NYSUT's Pipeline Project, an initiative to recruit, train and support educators in running for public office. These candidates are active community members, parents and neighbors who understand the challenges working families face and they're stepping up to make real change.

These wins show the power of educators leading with purpose. NYSUT will continue building a movement that puts students, families and working people first - in every classroom, every community and every elected office.