Sonja Shaw, a candidate for superintendent in California, has taken a firm stance against the United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA) union. In a statement to Fox News Digital, Shaw expressed she would not be deterred by the union’s criticisms. A circulating video allegedly shows a union leader labeling Shaw as a ‘real threat’ and cautioning against her election, which could pose a significant challenge for the union.
Shaw currently serves as the president of the Chino Valley Unified School District board. She attributes Los Angeles student achievement scores to what she believes is the union’s defense of the educational status quo instead of prioritizing academic results. Shaw commented on the situation, stating, ‘I’m not surprised the Los Angeles teachers union sees me as a threat. Over half of their students are below grade level in reading, and almost two-thirds are struggling with math. Instead of assisting these students, UTLA has shielded parents from the truth, justified failures, and sustained the system responsible for these outcomes.’
The California Department of Education’s latest assessment results provide context to Shaw’s criticism. As of 2025, about 46.46% of students in the Los Angeles Unified School District met or exceeded the state standard in English language arts, and 36.76% did so in mathematics. Notably, this implies that approximately 53.5% were below the English language arts standard and 63.2% failed to meet the math standard.
Despite the criticisms featured in the video, Shaw insists her focus remains unchanged in the statewide campaign. She emphasized, ‘If prioritizing children and families poses a ‘huge problem’ for their agenda, it illuminates everything one needs to know. I’m not backing down. They acknowledged it—I pose a ‘real threat’ to their socialist agenda. It’s about parents over politics, children over ideology, and girls over boys in sports and locker rooms. Continue calling me a threat, and I’ll persist in being one.’
Corey DeAngelis, a research fellow at The Heritage Foundation, posted the recording on X and told Fox News Digital that he perceives these remarks as evidence of organized labor’s resistance to Shaw. The video clip featured a woman discussing efforts to block a ‘MAGA lady’ from leading public education, identified as Julie Van Winkle, vice president of UTLA AFT.
Furthermore, UTLA has publicly confirmed its support for Shaw’s opponent, Richard Barrera, president of the San Diego Unified School District Board, for the role of California superintendent of public instruction. The union endorses Barrera, citing his ‘proven commitment’ to collaborating with educators and families. They advocate for a superintendent willing to cooperate with unions on education funding.
Financial backing for Barrera has been substantial, with millions spent by organized labor in his favor. California Secretary of State data from CalMatters highlights the California Teachers Association Independent Expenditure Committee’s $5,057,539 expenditure supporting Barrera compared to $10,000 spent in favor of Shaw.
Los Angeles County Republican Party Chair Roxanne Hoge pointed to a post on X linking the controversy to Governor Gavin Newsom’s recent revision of the superintendent’s powers. Hoge expressed, ‘We were aware of [Sonja Shaw] creating positive disruptions when [Gavin Newsom] drastically reduced the authority of the office she’s contesting.’
Fox News Digital sought comment from UTLA and Governor Newsom’s office. For more insights into media and culture, visit here.