For Immediate Release

November 7, 2018

UUP President Frederick E. Kowal, Ph.D, said he looks forward to working with members of “Team UUP”—two UUP members and a recent member and union supporter who ran and won their midterm election races.

Kowal congratulated Letitia “Tish” James, who was elected New York State Attorney General Nov. 6, and Assemblywoman Monica Wallace, who won her second term representing the 143rd state Assembly District.

He also praised insurgent Democrat Patrick Burke, who pulled an upset to win the 142nd state Assembly District seat. Burke ousted Republican Erik Bowen, who beat Burke in an April special election for the seat.

“UUP couldn’t be happier for Team UUP, three dedicated, hard-working unionists who recognize the relevance of organized labor and public higher education,” said Kowal. “I look forward to working closely with them as we work to restore necessary funding to SUNY and push for hiring more full-time academics.

“UUP will continue to encourage our members to run for office, and we will do all we can to support their campaigns,” Kowal continued. “People like Tish, Monica and Patrick understand the importance of SUNY and the positive effect it has on students, the state’s economy, and the communities that host our colleges and universities.”

James is an adjunct lecturer who teaches at Empire State College in New York City. Wallace is an adjunct instructor at the University at Buffalo School of Law. Burke was a UUP member until January 2018; he left his post as an adjunct lecturer of political science at SUNY Buffalo State to run for state Assembly.

UUP member Chad McEvoy was unsuccessful in his bid for the 101st state Assembly District seat. “Chad ran a spirited campaign,” said Kowal. “UUP was there for him; our members worked phone banks and were out canvassing for him.”

Kowal also congratulated Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul for their midterm victories. He also saluted the many NYSUT-endorsed candidates, including Comptroller Tom DiNapoli and newly elected Congress members Antonio Delgado and Max Rose.

Said Kowal: “This union and its members worked hard for those NYSUT-endorsed, public higher education candidates in New York state, and we will be allies in the national fight for universal, affordable health care.”

Kowal said he was excited that Democrats won enough seats to hold a majority in the state Senate, which gives the party control of the Senate and Assembly.

“I’m optimistic that with the new political alignment in New York, we can build up our excellent public higher education system, while also addressing other economic and social concerns of New Yorkers,” he said.