A new watchdog report by Defending Education reveals that teachers’ unions and their state and local affiliates have directed more than $1 billion into political causes, advocacy groups, PACs, and campaigns over the past decade.
The organization analyzed federal filings, campaign-finance records, and union spending documents linked to the National Education Association (NEA), the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), and their state and local affiliates. The report states that national union spending alone has reached approximately $669 million since 2015, while adding state and local affiliate activity pushes the total above $1 billion.
The financial flows described in the report extend beyond traditional campaign contributions. They include political committees, progressive nonprofits, advocacy operations, ballot initiatives, and groups aligned with Democratic organizing. More than $85 million went directly to Democratic Party entities at federal, state, and local levels before accounting for individual candidate giving.
Defending Education identifies that a significant portion of union funds has been channeled toward climate activism, gender ideology, abortion politics, anti-school-choice campaigns, and other left-wing priorities. The report highlights specific recipients such as the State Engagement Fund, For Our Future Action Fund, Senate Majority PAC, House Majority PAC, and numerous state-level initiatives.
The national report details that the NEA and AFT have moved $669,324,912.33 through member dues, fees, political funds, and PAC disbursements since August 2015. State and local affiliates contributed an additional $336,723,003.84 in spending.
The report notes that many teachers may not have intended to support such extensive political operations when they joined their unions. Teacher Freedom Alliance CEO Ryan Walters has stated that unions are no longer just bargaining organizations but have become political engines.
Unions have argued that political advocacy is part of protecting public education, but the report raises questions about how many classroom teachers signed up to bankroll national left-wing politics.