LA Teachers Union Official Criticizes State Superintendent Candidate Sonja Shaw

A prominent official from the United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA) union has been recorded urging members to support Richard Barrera, a candidate for California state superintendent of public instruction, and to oppose his rival, Sonja Shaw, whom the official described as a "real threat."

The audio, obtained by the California Post, features Julie Van Winkle, identified as UTLA's AFT vice president and president of AFT 1021, expressing concern about Shaw's candidacy in the upcoming November election. "She's she's just a real threat, and even though we feel good about Richard winning, it's also really important that we get all of our members and all of your contacts to vote, yes for Richard Barrera," the woman states in the recording. She further elaborated, "First of all, because he’s a really strong candidate, and then secondly, so that we prevent this MAGA lady from being in charge of public education, 'cause that would be that would cause, obviously a huge problem for us."

Van Winkle and UTLA have been contacted for comment by the California Post. UTLA represents approximately 35,000 educators.

Sonja Shaw, president of the Chino Valley Unified School District Board of Education since 2022, and Richard Barrera, president of the San Diego Unified school board, emerged as the top two candidates from the June primary. The race for superintendent of public instruction is officially nonpartisan.

Shaw secured the most votes in the primary, with Barrera advancing in second place. The election comes as California restructures its state education department under a law championed by Gov. Gavin Newsom. Starting in January 2027, the elected superintendent will transition to a role as an independent public advocate and evaluator, while a governor-appointed director will manage the day-to-day operations of the California Department of Education.

Shaw, who has gained national attention for her focus on parental rights and school policy, cited the leaked audio as evidence that the teachers union views her campaign as a significant challenge. "They just admitted it. I’m a ‘real threat’ to their failing agenda," Shaw told the Post. She added, "Parents deserve a seat at the table when it comes to their own children," emphasizing the need for greater accountability in California schools for teachers, students, and parents.

Shaw also criticized the union's record on student achievement and accused UTLA leadership of perpetuating a system she believes has failed students. "The Los Angeles teachers union has made clear that it considers me a ‘real threat,’" Shaw stated. "I believe the reason is simple: I have been willing to hold powerful institutions accountable."

She highlighted her tenure on the Chino Valley school board as an example of what can be achieved when student achievement, parental involvement, and accountability are prioritized. Shaw asserted, "I’m not going anywhere. I’ll keep showing up. I’ll keep asking the hard questions, and I’ll keep fighting for accountability, transparency, parents and students."