California Federation of Teachers Endorses Dr. Richard Pan for Congress

Educators Back Dr. Pan’s Record Protecting Kids, Strengthening Public Schools, and Standing with Workers

Sacramento, CA — The California Federation of Teachers, AFT, AFL-CIO, has endorsed Dr. Richard Pan in his campaign for Congress in California’s 6th Congressional District.

CFT represents more than 120,000 educational employees working at every level of public and private education, from Head Start to the University of California. CFT cited Dr. Pan’s unique experience as a pediatrician, professor at UC Davis teaching public health policy, and former State Senator, as well as his record in the Legislature fighting for the health, safety, and opportunity of California students. 

“Dr. Richard Pan has spent his career standing up for children, families, and public education,” said Jeffery Freitas, CFT President. “As a pediatrician, educator, and legislator, he understands that strong schools depend on healthy students, supported educators and classified staff, and communities where families can thrive. CFT is proud to endorse Dr. Pan for Congress because he has the experience, values, and record to deliver for California’s students and working families.”

Dr. Pan thanked CFT for its endorsement.

“As a pediatrician and educator, I know students cannot learn if they are hungry, sick, unsafe, or unsupported,” said Dr. Richard Pan. “Educators and school staff are on the front lines for our children every day. I’m honored to earn CFT’s support and, in Congress, I will fight to fully fund public education, protect workers’ rights, expand school-based health supports, and make sure every child has the opportunity to succeed.”

CFT joins a large coalition of labor unions and education leaders supporting Dr. Pan, including the California Labor Federation, the California Teachers Association, California School Employees Association, AFSCME,  SEIU California, and other organizations representing workers across California.

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Dr. Richard Pan is a pediatrician, educator, small business owner and Former State Senator dedicated to keeping California’s families healthy and safe. In the State Senate, he championed landmark child and school safety laws and lowered the uninsured rate among children by two-thirds – taking on RFK Jr. twice after preventable disease outbreaks. A Harvard-trained pediatrician and UC Davis professor, he has cared for underserved children, trained future doctors and co-founded Healthy Kids Healthy Future, providing health coverage to more than 65,000 kids. 

Known for flipping his state legislative seat from Red to Blue, Dr. Pan is a proven fighter who brings people together to get results — expanding access to health care, strengthening schools, and improving public safety. A husband, father, and small business owner, he understands the challenges families face and is running for Congress to make government work for people again, so every child and family in California has the chance to succeed.