Elizabeth Davis reelected as Washington Teachers’ Union leader
Elizabeth Davis was elected for a third term as president of the Washington Teachers’ Union. (Marvin Joseph/The Washington Post)
Elizabeth Davis was reelected as the Washington Teachers’ Union president Monday, beating out a crowded field to secure her third term as one of the most powerful labor leaders in the District.
To win the election, the incumbent and her slate topped former teachers union president Nathan Saunders, whom Davis ousted from the job in 2013.
Concha Johnson, chair of the union’s election committee, said the mail-in ballots were tallied Monday evening. She said the counts have not been finalized, so she could not reveal how many votes each of the six presidential candidates and their slates received.
But she said Davis won by a landslide, with Saunders finishing second.
The union election turned contentious when Saunders revealed on his campaign website that Davis had recently been charged with driving under the influence. Davis pleaded guilty in Prince George’s County Circuit Court and must complete traffic classes.
Davis said in an interview she was excited with the election results but disappointed with union-member turnout. According to Davis, about 15 percent of the more than 4,000 ballots sent out were returned.
“I do know that is largely due to teachers feeling beaten down and feeling that their voices don’t matter,” Davis said. “Whatever work I have done to get them to vote for me suggests that I am on the right track to CONTINUE READING: Elizabeth Davis reelected as Washington Teachers’ Union leader - The Washington Post