Torrance – El Segundo Teachers Association announced they are endorsing California Secretary of State Debra Bowen for Congress in the May 17, special election to replace Jane Harman. The local educators cited Bowen's legislative record of supporting policies that invest in education and continued support for teachers as reasons for their backing.

"As a state lawmaker and as Secretary of State, Debra Bowen has been a strong supporter of teachers and we know she will continue to advocate for quality schools as our representative in Congress," said Dr. Ray Gen, El Segundo Teachers Association member and college board member. "As our representative in Sacramento, she helped pass legislation that helped reduce class sizes, upgrade and modernized schools, and that created jobs. No one is better prepared than Debra Bowen to represent us in Congress."

The El Segundo Teachers Association works to improve the teaching profession and to support public education. They are a chartered chapter of the California Teachers Association (CTA) and an affiliated local association of the National Education Association (NEA).

"I'm proud to be endorsed by the El Segundo Teachers Association because it is a reflection of my work to improve local schools," Bowen responded. "I fight to make schools a top priority because our nation will not be prepared for the future unless we invest in our education system — and our children and grandchildren — today."

Today's endorsement follows the recent backing of other education leaders in CD 36 including: Dee Hardison, former Torrance Mayor and School Board member; Dr. Bill Blischke, former Torrance Unified School Board Member; Terry Ragins, Torrance Unified School Board Member; Christine Sherrill, El Segundo School Board Member; Ray Waters, Hermosa Beach School Board Member and Cathy McCurdy, President, Hermosa Beach School Board.