Philadelphia Federation of Teachers Celebrates Historic Wins by Endorsed Candidates
PHILADELPHIA (November 4, 2026) – The Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT Local 3) on Wednesday heralded historic victories across the region for endorsed midterm election candidates. In addition to the overwhelming re-election of Governor Josh Shapiro and Lt. Governor Austin Davis, PFT-endorsed candidates flipped the 1st Congressional District and targeted legislative seats – contributing to the restoration of Democratic control of the U.S. House and Senate and both chambers of the Pennsylvania General Assembly.
President Arthur G. Steinberg celebrated a victorious election night for pro-public education, pro-labor candidates who would be a much-needed check on Republicans’ quest to dismantle and privatize K-12 education and destroy organized labor.
“While we were hopeful coming into Election Day, we took no chances given the stakes of this election. PFT members canvassed for endorsed candidates in flip opportunity districts throughout Bucks, Delaware, and Montgomery counties. The election results demonstrate that nationally, Americans similarly showed up to vigorously repudiate the Trump Administration’s bloodlust for power, authoritarianism, racism, and corruption.
“We were proud to endorse former Bucks County public school teacher Bob Harvie, and last night he did what establishmentarians said could not be done: Ousted legacy politician Brian Fitzpatrick. Tuesday’s victory by Congressman-elect Harvie and fellow educator-endorsed candidates Bob Brooks in PA-7, Paige Cognetti in PA-8, and Janelle Stelson in PA-10, are a seismic and welcome change in Pennsylvania’s representation in Congress.
“What once seemed a political longshot is now reality: Governor Shapiro will serve a second term with a legislative trifecta. Our endorsed candidates – including Eileen Hartnett Albillar in the 6th Senate District, Chris Thomas in the 24th Senate District, Bryan Allen in the 18th House District, Kristen Egan in the 142nd House District, and Elizabeth Moro in the 160th House District – literally defeated billionaires. While the money spent on Republicans this cycle was obscene by working people’s standards, those billionaires will almost certainly continue to be a destructive influence on politics and governance. Achieving our policy priorities – which include increasing the minimum wage and fast-tracking adequacy funding to the School District of Philadelphia – is by no means guaranteed.
“The work of cleaning up the mess made by MAGA Republicans will take time, labor, skill, and collaboration. Unlike the other side, however, PFT-endorsed candidates tend to do their jobs the right way – without taking shortcuts or payoffs.
“Today’s election results are a mandate to officeholders across the nation: Americans want government to work for them – not self-dealing politicians and the wealthy. Americans want healthy public institutions and services, and fair pricing for necessities as well as for recreation and entertainment.
“Life has gotten too damn expensive and too hard for working people. We look forward to working with the Shapiro Administration, the General Assembly, and the Greater Philadelphia congressional delegation on making government work for working people!”
Other PFT-endorsed candidates who ousted Republican incumbents are: Mark Pinsley (SD 16), Madelyn Alvarino (HD 13), Meriam Sabih (HD 131), Tim Hayes (HD 143), and Margaret Burke (HD 147). All of the PFT’s endorsed candidates can be found at PFTvotes.org (opens in a new tab).
