California superintendent candidate calls out teachers union after group leader calls her 'real threat'
Leaked audio captured a teachers union calling Sonja Shaw a "real threat" as the California Teachers Association spends millions backing her opponent.
TL;DR
- Sonja Shaw, a conservative candidate for California superintendent, is facing criticism from the United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA) union.
- A circulated video allegedly captured a UTLA leader calling Shaw a "real threat" and warning of significant problems if she is elected.
- Shaw accused UTLA of prioritizing the education establishment over student academic outcomes, citing low test scores in Los Angeles Unified School District.
- Official data shows that in 2025, less than half of LAUSD students met state standards in English language arts and math.
- Shaw stated she will not back down and sees the union's reaction as confirmation she is a threat to their "socialist agenda."
- UTLA has endorsed Shaw's opponent, Richard Barrera, and organized labor has spent millions supporting him, while reported outside spending supporting Shaw is significantly lower.
- The controversy is also being tied to Governor Gavin Newsom's recent overhaul of the superintendent's authority.