California superintendent candidate calls out teachers union after group leader calls her 'real threat'

Sonja Shaw, a candidate for California superintendent, is refusing to back down after a video surfaced allegedly showing a UTLA leader calling her a “real threat” and warning of a “huge problem” if she wins. Shaw criticized the union’s focus on protecting the establishment over improving abysmal student achievement scores in Los Angeles. Despite significant spending by organized labor to support her opponent, Shaw asserts she will prioritize children and families over ideology.

• 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.