A senior Los Angeles teachers’ union official appears to have been recorded urging members to support California state superintendent candidate Richard Barrera, while describing his opponent, Sonja Shaw, as a “real threat” and warning that the “MAGA lady” could create a “huge problem.”
The audio, obtained by the California Post, appears to feature Julie Van Winkle, UTLA’s vice president for the American Federation of Teachers and president of AFT 1021, discussing the November election for state superintendent of public instruction.
“You know, 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 says in the recording.
“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,” she adds.
The California Post has contacted Van Winkle and the United Teachers Los Angeles for comment.
UTLA identifies Van Winkle as its AFT vice president and AFT 1021 president. The union says it represents approximately 35,000 educators.
Shaw, who has served as president of the Chino Valley Unified School District Board of Education since 2022, and Barrera, president of the San Diego Unified school board, advanced from a crowded June primary and will meet in the Nov. 3 general election.
Shaw led the primary with about 24.5% of the vote, according to contemporaneous election coverage, while Barrera placed second. The contest is officially nonpartisan.
CHECK THIS OUT: Who Are the 75-Year-Old Blonde Bombshell and Her Actor Husband, 71?
The election comes as California prepares to restructure the state education department under legislation supported by Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Starting in January 2027, the elected superintendent is expected to assume a revised role that includes serving as an independent public advocate and evaluator. A governor-appointed director would oversee the California Department of Education’s daily operations.
Shaw, who has gained national attention for her positions on parental rights and education policy, cited the audio as evidence that the teachers union regards her campaign as a serious challenge.
“They just admitted it. I’m a ‘real threat’ to their failing agenda,” Shaw told the Post.
“Parents deserve a seat at the table when it comes to their own children,” she said, arguing that California’s schools need greater accountability for teachers, students and parents.
Shaw also attacked what she characterized as the union’s record on student achievement and accused UTLA leaders of defending a system she believes has failed students.
“The Los Angeles teachers union has made clear that it considers me a ‘real threat,’” Shaw said. “I believe the reason is simple: I have been willing to hold powerful institutions accountable.”
She pointed to her work on the Chino Valley school board, saying the district illustrates what can be achieved when student performance, parental involvement and accountability are made priorities.
“I’m not going anywhere,” Shaw said. “I’ll keep showing up. I’ll keep asking the hard questions, and I’ll keep fighting for accountability, transparency, parents and students.”
