For further information contact:
Chris Lilienthal (717) 255-7134
David Broderic (717) 255-7169
HARRISBURG, PA (Feb. 18, 2026) – The Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA) is recommending Gov. Josh Shapiro and Lt. Gov. Austin Davis for reelection in 2026.
The recommendations were made by PSEA’s Political Action Committee for Education (PSEA-PACE) and approved by PSEA’s Board of Directors.
“Josh Shapiro and Austin Davis are true champions of public education,” PSEA President Aaron Chapin said. “Under their leadership, Pennsylvania has increased funding for our public schools and the students they serve by more than $2.1 billion in just three years.
“Shortly after coming into office, Gov. Shapiro confronted a Commonwealth Court ruling that found Pennsylvania’s public school funding system to be unconstitutional. Working with lawmakers from both parties, he put Pennsylvania on the road toward meeting our constitutional obligations and achieving adequacy for our most underfunded public schools.
“With these historic resources, public schools across Pennsylvania are lowering class sizes, hiring more educators and counselors, addressing student mental health needs, and making universal free breakfast available to every student.
“Thanks to $300 million in student mental health funding secured by Gov. Shapiro over the past three years, nearly 1,000 schools in Pennsylvania have been able to hire more mental health counselors and bring more mental health resources into our classrooms.
“Recognizing that students cannot learn on empty stomachs, Gov. Shapiro has prioritized universal free breakfast in our schools. In the 2024-25 school year alone, Pennsylvania’s public schools served nearly 93 million breakfasts.
“Gov. Shapiro is committed to ensuring that every student in Pennsylvania, regardless of where they live, can reach their full potential. He respects the work of educators and support staff. And during his time in office, graduation rates have improved.
“Gov. Shapiro has advanced initiatives to build a stronger teacher pipeline in Pennsylvania, including the creation of Pennsylvania’s first-ever student teacher stipend program. Now, thousands of eligible student teachers are paid for the work they do and, in return, commit to teaching in Pennsylvania for at least three years after graduation. It is a win-win for the next generation of aspiring educators and the future students they will serve.
“Gov. Shapiro has an excellent partner in Lt. Gov. Davis, who has led initiatives to address child care staff shortages, reduce gun violence, and make Pennsylvania safer for everyone. The lieutenant governor is a vocal advocate for public education, educators and support staff, and the students we serve.
“PSEA is proud to recommend Gov. Shapiro and Lt. Gov. Davis in the 2026 election. We need their leadership to continue progress toward achieving adequacy in school funding, addressing our students’ nutrition and mental health needs, and building a stronger teacher pipeline in Pennsylvania.”
The PSEA-PACE Board of Directors is made up of PSEA members, including educators, specialists, education support professionals, and representatives from PSEA-Retired and Student PSEA.
Chapin is a Stroudsburg Area middle school teacher and president of PSEA. An affiliate of the National Education Association, PSEA represents about 177,000 active and retired educators and school employees, aspiring educators, higher education staff, and health care workers in Pennsylvania.
