A number if the candidates endosed by the Network for Public Education won their races.

The biggest victory was Tom Torlakson’s success against the corporate reform money machine. That victory must be credited to Tom’s character and to the many teachers and parents who believed in him.

“Tom Torlakson wasn’t the only NPE endorsed candidate and educator to come out on top yesterday. Sherry Gay-Dagnogo won a seat in the Michigan House of Representatives. Sherry is a former middle school science teacher, and the proud mother of a graduate of the Detroit Public Schools.

“Anne Duff, also a former teacher, not only won a seat on the Fort Wayne, Indiana Community Schools Board of Trustees, she was the top vote getter in the race for two open seats, garnering more votes than the incumbent board president.

“Victoria Steele and Randall Friese’s race for the Arizona House remains too close to call. We will update you on that race when more information becomes available.

“Congratulations to all of the NPE endorsed candidates, those who won elections and those who did not. Passionate educators, advocates and politicians who support keeping our public schools public need to continue to run for office, at all levels. We must spread our positive message, and work together to change the national conversation about public education, from the inside out.”