Education Minnesota endorses Johnson, McCollum and Omar for Congress
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CHRIS WILLIAMS
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651-247-5539 (cell)
ST. PAUL, Minnesota. Feb. 25, 2026 – Education Minnesota has endorsed the campaigns of Jake Johnson, a member of the union, and U.S. Reps. Betty McCollum and Ilhan Omar in the first round of 2026 federal endorsements from Minnesota’s largest labor union.
Educators from the candidates’ districts interviewed the candidates during the endorsement process. Their recommendations were approved by the political action committees of the American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association.
More endorsements for federal races will be announced later this spring.
Jake Johnson, 1st Congressional District
“Jake Johnson doesn’t just talk about the challenges educators face — he lives them every day in his Rochester classroom,” said Monica Byron, president of Education Minnesota. “As a math teacher and proud Education Minnesota member, Jake knows firsthand what’s at stake for students and school workers. We’re proud to endorse an educator for Congress.”
U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum, 4th Congressional District
“Rep. McCollum has delivered for Minnesota’s educators and students year after year, fighting for improved funding for public schools, students with special education needs and higher education,” said Monica Byron, president of Education Minnesota. “When Republicans tried to gut education funding, Betty held the line. That’s exactly the leadership our educators and students deserve.”
U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar, 5th Congressional District
“Rep. Omar gets it: Affordable childcare, debt-free college and fully funded public schools aren’t a wish list, they’re what students and educators need to thrive,” said Monica Byron, president of Education Minnesota. “When the Trump administration comes after public education, Ilhan Omar pushes back. We’re proud to stand with her.”
About Education Minnesota
Education Minnesota is the voice for professional educators and students. Education Minnesota’s members include teachers and education support professionals in Minnesota’s public school districts, faculty members at Minnesota’s community and technical colleges and University of Minnesota campuses in Duluth and Crookston, retired educators and student teachers. Education Minnesota is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers, National Education Association and AFL-CIO.
