An analysis by The Center Square reveals that the two largest national teacher unions – the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and the National Education Association (NEA) – are channeling millions of dollars collected from payroll‑deducted membership dues into campaigns for Democratic state lawmakers. The investigation tracks contributions through public filings and federal election reports.
Scale of union finances
According to Union Facts, the NEA reported roughly $391 million in dues receipts for 2025, while the U.S. Department of Labor shows the AFT collected about $274 million in the same fiscal year. Both organizations receive these funds from teachers whose salaries are paid with taxpayer money, a point frequently raised by critics who argue the dues represent public dollars.
Contributions to Democratic candidates
Between June 2025 and March 2026, the AFT contributed $1.25 million each to the Senate Majority Political Action Committee and the House Majority PAC, supporting the Democratic Party’s effort to retain congressional majorities. State‑by‑state filings show a pattern of donations to Democratic office‑holders in California, New York, Illinois and Texas, with mixed contributions in Republican‑led Florida.
California: The California Teachers Association and California Federation of Teachers political committees gave $48,800 to Attorney General Rob Bonta’s reelection effort and $55,000 to Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond. The California Teachers Association also contributed nearly $2 million to Governor Gavin Newsom’s 2021 recall defense and $4 million to Proposition 50, a 2025 ballot measure that redrew congressional districts to favor Democrats.
Florida: The Florida Education Association (FEA) donated $50,000 to the Florida Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, $25,000 to Democratic candidate Jose Rodriguez for attorney general, and $30,000 to Republican Senate Majority Leader Jim Boyd, along with $25,000 to the conservative group Conservatives for A Better Florida. FEA President Andrew Spar said the union’s political activity is driven by concerns over school funding and school‑choice policies.
Illinois: The Chicago Teachers Union Local PAC contributed $115,000 to the Working Families Party National PAC in 2022 and $2,500 to the Democratic Party of Illinois. The Illinois Federation of Teachers and the Illinois Federation of Teachers COPE together contributed more than $13 million to Democratic candidates and causes, including $47,800 to Attorney General Kwame Raoul and $177,500 to House Speaker Emanuel Welch.
Texas: Although Texas law bars traditional collective‑bargaining agreements for public‑sector employees, teacher unions remain active in elections. The Texas State Teachers Association reported contributions of $47,298 to the NEA Fund for Children & Public Education Federal, $37,356 to MAP Political Communication, and $25,273 to the consulting firm Stones Phones, which works with Democratic campaigns. Smaller donations were made to Democratic state representatives and Senator Judith Zaffirini.
New York: New York State United Teachers endorsed Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James, while its political arm, Voice of Teachers for Education, contributed over $1.1 million to Democratic state committees. Additional contributions included $36,000 to Governor Hochul and $9,000 to Attorney General James from the AFT‑AFL‑CIO.
Union influence and response
The investigation notes that teacher‑union political activity is concentrated in states with large union memberships and established political operations. While the unions have not responded to requests for comment, the data underscores the significant role that payroll‑deducted dues play in state‑level campaign finance.
Critics argue that using public‑funded dues to support partisan candidates raises questions about the proper use of taxpayer money. Supporters contend that unions are exercising constitutionally protected speech and association rights to advocate for education policy priorities.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
