Teachers union spent nearly $8M to crush school choice, biological sports measures, report finds

Detailed summary

The financial findings in DE’s report show the union’s spending on political fights across the country.

The country’s largest teachers union and its affiliates poured nearly $7.8 million into ballot fights across three states in 2026, as internal documents outlined strategies to target voucher programs and other conservative initiatives, according to Defending Education (DE).

In a recent report, the education watchdog uncovered a guidance document from the National Education Association (NEA) which stated that “unions may spend unlimited amounts from their general treasuries on ballot measures in any state, subject to any state affiliate agreements to address specific state laws.” Additionally, DE found that the NEA calls for providing “strategic and financial assistance” to defeat unfriendly ballot measures.

DE senior director of communications Erika Sanzi, a former teacher and NEA member, told Fox News Digital that the union has shifted towards politics over the years.

She said that instead of talking about education, the union has become focused on issues like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, climate change and gender ideology, among others.

“I 100% believe that the union has done a lot of damage and continues to do a lot damage,” Sanzi told Fox News Digital. “I also think that they’ve become much more political and much more ideological than they used to be.”

The financial findings in DE’s report show the union’s spending on political fights across the country.

On Sept. 30, 2026, the Arizona Education Association sent $75,000 to Will of The People PAC, a group that opposed Proposition 318, according to DE. The proposition was approved and will require all schools and athletic associations to restrict access to private spaces and sports participation based on biological sex.

The Washington state NEA affiliate Washington Education Association contributed more than $391,000 to No Hate in WA State, DE found.

The group opposed two ballot measures, one of which was aimed at restoring parents’ rights in public schools.

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