Rochester & Byron Teachers Union Leaders Endorse Jake Johnson

During Teachers’ Appreciation Week, local education leaders are highlighting how Congressional Candidate Jake Johnson would be a champion for students and educators across southern Minnesota.

SOUTHERN MINN. — Today, the President of the Rochester Education Association and prominent members of teachers’ unions across Rochester and Byron endorsed Jake Johnson, candidate for Minnesota’s first congressional district. This comes in the wake of proposed cuts to federal K-12 funding, and steps to eliminate the Department of Education supported by Congressman Brad Finstad.

“I’m supporting Jake because he is honest and has integrity,” said Vince Wagner, President of the Rochester Education Association, the union for more than 1,000 employees of Rochester Public Schools. “Jake’s work for Union members is relentless. He serves our members without rest, prioritizing their well-being.”

“I have known Jake Johnson for several years, as one of our school district’s hardest workers, one of our union’s most tireless advocates, and as one of my own child’s best teachers,” said Simon Glaser, Vice President of the Rochester Education Association and Candidate for Minnesota Senate District 24. “He represents the best of Southern Minnesota, and he is exactly who we need right now to win Congressional District 1.” 

“I am proud to support Jake Johnson for US Congress in Minnesota's 1st District. I am excited to support a fellow educator who has spent nearly two decades shaping young minds and is determined to advocate for policies that prioritize students, teachers, and working families over corporate interests,” said Justin Blom, member of Byron Education Association and Byron City Council Member. “Jake Johnson will be a powerful voice for common sense solutions and real change in Washington, and his experiences will make him a strong candidate to represent the diverse needs of southern Minnesota.”

Jake Johnson grew up as a poor kid in Stewartville, Minnesota. He remembers going to bed hungry in a drafty house during the harsh Minnesota winter, but through hard work, strong community support, his mother's food stamps and stepfather's veterans benefits, and a quality public education, Jake was able to elevate himself to the middle class. Because of Pell Grants and Stafford loans from the Department of Education, he was able to attend the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. After he graduated, he wanted to give back to his community and interviewed for just one job: a math teacher position in Rochester Public Schools. For 19 years, Jake has taught students from remedial math to AP Calculus to help every student reach their full potential. Jake is a proud member of his union’s bargaining team, where he negotiates to raise wages and improve working conditions for over 1,000 teachers, nurses, and social workers in the district. Jake has also been active in his community, serving on the board of the financial literacy nonprofit Minnesota Jumpstart Coalition, and organizing for the recent school referendum in Rochester.

Jake and his wife Molly live in Rochester with their four young boys.

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