Hillary wins endorsement of nation’s largest labor union

by Bradford Richardson - 10/03/15 3:15 PM ET

Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign has won the endorsement of the National Education Association (NEA), the teachers union said in a statement Saturday.

The nation’s largest labor union said its board of directors voted on three finalists — Clinton, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley — before deciding on the former secretary of State.

{mosads}“A Clinton recommendation will put us in the best position to advocate for our students and schools,” the NEA statement said. “Clinton’s commitment to students, and her positions on the issues we care most about promises to make her our champion in the White House.”

The union’s political arm, NEA PAC, recommended the board choose Clinton earlier this week.

The NEA’s endorsement gives Clinton a decided edge over top primary opponent Sanders when it comes to labor. The union has nearly 3 million members.

Clinton previously won over the Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry, a 340,000-member union, and the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, which represents 500,000 members.

National Nurses United, which represents nearly 190,000 caregivers, came out in support of Sanders.

The AFL-CIO, the nation’s largest labor federation representing 56 unions and 12.5 million members, has yet to endorse a candidate for president.

AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka said it is “conceivable” that his group would not endorse a candidate during the Democratic primary.

Tags Hillary Clinton National Education Association