NEARI Endorses McKee

The National Education Association Rhode Island (NEARI) today announced endorsements for the 2026 Primary Election on September 9. 

The NEARI Political Action Committee for Education (NEARI PACE) has recommended Governor Dan McKee for endorsement following a thorough member-led candidate interview and deliberation process. 

NEARI PACE, chaired by NEARI Vice President Amy Mullen, an elementary math intervention specialist in Tiverton, is comprised of NEARI members representing every membership category. Committee members include classroom teachers, education support professionals, higher education faculty and staff, state workers, and retirees, ensuring that endorsement recommendations reflect the perspectives of educators and public employees across the state.

Following the submission of candidate questionnaires, the Committee interviewed the Democratic candidates for governor on Tuesday evening. Members representing communities from Rhode Island's Northwest Corner to South County questioned each candidate on issues important to NEARI members, including public education, retirement security, health care, energy policy, and the future of Rhode Island's public services.

"Our endorsement is something our members take very seriously," said Mullen. "Committee members asked thoughtful, challenging questions and carefully considered not only the candidates' positions, but also their willingness to engage in a meaningful dialogue and demonstrate a clear understanding of the issues affecting our members. We weren't looking for talking points, we were looking for leadership, honesty, and a proven commitment to public education and working families."

During extensive discussion before considering their recommendation, members said Governor McKee demonstrated a strong understanding of the issues facing educators and public employees, engaged directly with Committee members' questions, and provided detailed responses about his administration's work and priorities.

NEARI PACE also proudly endorsed for the following state offices and General Assembly seats with primary races: 

State Offices

• Lieutenant Governor – Sabina Matos
• Secretary of State – Gregg Amore
• General Treasurer – James Diossa

RI House of Representatives 

• Dist. 1 – Edith Ajello
• Dist. 22 – Zakary Pereira
• Dist. 23 – Tim Howe
• Dist. 31 – Jim Sheehan
• Dist. 32 – Rob Craven
• Dist. 36 – Tina Spears
• Dist. 38 – Brian Patrick Kennedy
• Dist. 57 – Brandon Voas
• Dist. 65 – Matt Dawson
• Dist. 67 – Nicole Jellinek

RI Senate

• Dist. 5 – Sam Bell
• Dist. 8 – Lori Urso

The Committee makes recommendations to the NEA Fund for Children and Public Education Political Action Committee for federal level endorsements.

Congressional Endorsements

• U.S. Senate – Jack Reed
• U.S. Congress Dist. 1 – Gabe Amo
• U.S. Congress Dist. 2 – Seth Magaziner

The National Education Association Rhode Island (NEARI) is a union and professional organization with a proud history of serving Rhode Island since 1845. NEARI is nearly 12,000 members strong, we are classroom teachers; education support professionals; higher education faculty, staff, and graduate assistants; municipal and state workers; and retirees. We are affiliated with the National Education Association (NEA) and RI AFL-CIO. Learn more at www.neari.org.