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PHOENIX — The Arizona Education Association, one of the state’s most powerful advocacy groups for teachers, won’t support incumbent Gov. Doug Ducey in November’s gubernatorial race, an official said Wednesday.

During a press conference, association President Joe Thomas said his group would instead back Democrat David Garcia, an Arizona State University professor.

“Gov. Ducey is ignoring our state’s teacher-shortage crisis, leaving our students without teachers in crumbling buildings,” Thomas said in a release.

“Arizona voters have made it clear that education is their No. 1 priority.

“It’s time we had someone who will prioritize education leading our state. It’s time we had an educator for governor and I believe that [Garcia] is uniquely qualified to ensure Arizona’s children get the education they deserve.”

Garcia announced his run last year. He said the association’s endorsement was a “tremendous honor.”

“Their support means the world to me as a fellow educator,” he said in the release.

It is a tremendous honor to have the endorsement of the @ArizonaEA. My sisters & brothers at the AEA have fought for kids & schools for years amidst constant attacks & disrespect. Today educators are standing up & saying ‘no more!’ I will fight with you, & we will win. #Teachers pic.twitter.com/XHTFC3U9M2 — David Garcia (@dg4az) March 7, 2018

In addition to teaching at ASU, Garcia has also been an assistant superintendent with the Department of Education. He ran for superintendent of public schools in 2014 and lost in a close general election to Republican Diane Douglas.

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