The state’s largest teachers union has endorsed State Sen. Kelda Roys in the Democratic primary for governor even though she is polling at just one percent.
The state’s largest teachers union has endorsed State Sen. Kelda Roys in the Democratic primary for governor, endorsing the Madison lawmaker even as she trails far behind better-known rivals in the still-crowded field.
The Wisconsin Education Association Council announced its support for Roys, commending her as a strong advocate for public schools and educators in a race that also includes Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, state Rep. Francesca Hong, former Lt. Governor Mandela Barnes, and others.
However, the endorsement comes as Roys continues to poll near the bottom of the field. Recent polling shows the senator drawing support from only 1 percent of likely Democratic primary voters, a number that has changed little after several months of campaigning.
WEAC, which represents thousands of Wisconsin teachers and has long flexed significant political muscle on education issues, framed the endorsement as a nod to Roys’ legislative record on school funding and labor issues. Union leaders referred to her as a “proven advocate” who would work to fully fund public education if elected.
Critics, however, would suggest that with Roys polling in the single digits, the endorsement risks looking like a desperate bid by union bosses to prop up a struggling progressive candidate rather than backing a frontrunner capable of winning a general election against Republicans. The primary remains wide open, but early surveys consistently show stronger name recognition and support clustering around Barnes and Hong, though a majority of democrat primary voters remain undecided.
Roys has attempted to claim the mantle of a bold progressive voice on issues such as health care expansion and education, but her message has largely fallen flat as Mandela Barnes and Francesca Hong vie for the progressive wing of the party. Her low polling numbers suggest voters have so far shown little appetite for her candidacy in a field that includes higher-profile names with broader appeal.
The teachers’ union’s endorsement may still have an impact, as organized labor can mobilize volunteers and resources. However, with Roys polling at 1 percent, some question whether the endorsement will significantly influence the race or simply highlight the ongoing fragmentation within the Democratic field ahead of next year’s contest.
The WEAC announcement marks the first significant labor nod in the Democratic primary.
