BTF Transfer Process and the “Professional Conversations”
This is an important election that we cannot miss.
The Buffalo Teachers Federation Political Action Committee has met with the following candidates who have requested an endorsement in writing to us. The PAC makes recommendations to the Executive Committee and the Council of Delegates after extensive interviews. We will add endorsements made by our state affiliate, NYSUT, for candidates who reside outside the city of Buffalo as many of our members live outside the city and have been interviewed by the NYSUT PAC.
Election Day is November 3, 2026
EARLY VOTING LOCATIONS WILL BE OPEN:
Saturday, October 24th & Sunday, October 25th – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Monday, October 26th to Friday, October 30th – Noon to 9:00 PM
Saturday, October 31st & Sunday, November 1st, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
GENERAL ELECTION VOTING DATE:
Tuesday, November 3, 2026, 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM
United States Congress
Timothy Kennedy – Tim has served in NYS government including the Legislature and Senate for 22 years. He has been a champion of unions and educational issues and has voted to fix the Foundation Aid formula. Some of his priorities include restoring a woman’s right to choose, the Voting Rights Act, immigration reform, and fixing the Affordable Care Act.
New York State Senate
April Baskin – NYS Senate District #63 – April, a former county legislator who was elected to the Senate in 2025, has had many legislative victories. Several bills she has sponsored have been signed into law. She has committed to prioritizing engagement with residents and neighborhood leaders by helping constituents navigate state services. She is committed to increasing funding for Buffalo Public Schools.
Jonathan Rivera – Senate District #61 – Jon is running unopposed for the Senate seat once held by Mayor Sean Ryan. He has consistently fought to increase funding for public education. He has worked to secure funding that supports classroom instruction, school staff, and critical capital improvements. He has called for greater transparency, accountability, and responsible leadership for the Buffalo Public Schools.
New York State Assembly
Adam Bojak – NYS Assembly – 149th District -Adam is a supporter of education and will fight to increase funding for Buffalo Public Schools. He will work toward creating a healthy, housed, and affordable future for all Western New Yorkers. He credits organized labor with helping him win his primary. Details of his platform can be found at: bojakforassembly.com/platform-policy.
Karen McMahon – NYS Assembly – 146th District – Karen was first elected to the Assembly in 2018 and has fought to partner with the labor community to advance policies that make our state healthier, safer, more prosperous, and more equitable. She is committed to the principles of organized labor, including fair labor standards, a living wage, the right to organize and collectively bargain.
Ryan Taughrin – NYS Assembly – 143 District – Ryan is fighting for affordable childcare, healthcare for every New Yorker, fully-funded public schools, affordable housing, and renter protections. He supports no data centers without oversight. He is a NYSUT member.
Erie County Legislature
Lawrence Dupre – Erie County Legislature District #1 – Lawrence worked as a senior aide in the Lovejoy district and in Central Police Services. His work for Services for Seniors led to his commitment to finding ways to connect reliable transportation services for seniors so that they can attend the many programs the county has to offer. He also chaired the Women’s and Minority Small Business Committee.
John Bargnesi, Jr. – Erie County Legislature District #4 – John has served on the Town and City Boards of Tonawanda for 16 years. His district encompasses part of North Buffalo. He is a business owner and has championed the Buffalo Public Schools. He supports public libraries and Erie Community College’s infrastructure projects. He is committed to helping the Buffalo Public Schools by funding afterschool programs.
Timothy Meyers – Erie County Legislature District # 7 – Tim is the Democratic and Working Families Party endorsed candidate. He was first elected in 2019. He is a resolute supporter of working people and unions and has worked to ensure that union considerations are at the forefront of contracts and the bidding process. He is the Chair of the Erie County Legislature, and his goal has been to ensure that more projects are available to public unions.
John Gilmour – Erie County Legislature, District #9 – John was first elected in 2019 and is the endorsed Democratic candidate for the 9th District. He is an attorney in private practice and serves as general counsel and represents unions and union members. He strongly supports workers’ rights. He has continued to put unions at the forefront of contract considerations and has supported local laws for further representation at the county level. He will use county funds to provide after school programs for Buffalo Public Schools.
Taisha St. Jean Tard – Erie County Legislature District #2 – Taisha is the incumbent in District 2 and a graduate of BPS. She worked as the Chief of Staff for the Buffalo Common Council and is committed to offering students more after-school programs to ensure safe environments for students.
Erie County Clerk – Michael (Mickey) Kearns – Mickey is the incumbent Erie County Clerk. He has instituted many improvements in the licensing procedure at the DMV and ensured that underserved communities in Erie County have access to the DMV by providing satellite mobile units. He supports extensive background checks before issuing gun permits. He is committed to providing pathways for people seeking driving permits with his “Driving to Success” initiative. He believes the offices under his authority can always be improved.
Judicial Races
New York State Supreme Court
These are the two judges who sent requests for endorsement.
Craig Bucki
Anne E. Joynt
The ratings are as follows:
Erie County Bar Association
Anne E. Joynt – Well Qualified
Craig Bucki – Well Qualified
Minority Bar Association
Anne E. Joynt – Superior
Craig Bucki – Well Qualified
NYSUT Endorsed Candidates
