President's message

CSEA siblings,

Every election cycle, CSEA members ask an important question. How does our union decide which candidates to endorse?

The answer is simple. Our endorsements are made by members, for members.

CSEA’s Political Action for Classified Employees, known as PACE, is made up of rank-and-file leaders from across California who take this responsibility very seriously. These are school employees who know firsthand what students need to succeed and what working families are facing in their communities.

When it came time to consider our endorsement for Governor, the PACE Committee conducted one of the most thorough review processes in our union’s history. Members interviewed seven candidates for governor and spent hours asking tough questions about the issues that matter most to CSEA members and the students we serve.

They asked about protecting funding for public schools. They asked about defending workers’ rights and the freedom to organize. They asked about safeguarding our democracy at a time when those institutions face real threats. And they asked what candidates will do to address the affordability crisis that is making it harder and harder for working people to live in the communities we serve.

Because that crisis is real for our members.

Too many classified school employees are struggling to afford housing near the schools where they work. Many are working second jobs just to keep up with the rising cost of groceries, gas, childcare, and health care. Our members deserve leaders who understand these challenges and are committed to doing something about them.

After thoughtful discussion and careful deliberation, the PACE Committee recommended their top three candidates to the CSEA Board of Directors. The Board then selected Tom Steyer as the candidate they believe will do the most for public education and for CSEA members.

Our endorsement is never based on slogans or campaign promises alone. It is based on a candidate's values, their track record, and a clear commitment to the issues that matter to working families.

PACE Committee members and the Board recognized Tom Steyer’s long record of standing up for public education, fighting to close corporate tax loopholes that shortchange our schools, and supporting policies that strengthen opportunity for students and workers alike. CSEA has worked closely with Tom on many of these successful efforts, so our members know his commitment and his proven track record.

Most importantly, we believe he understands the promise of public education. The idea that every child, no matter where they live or how much money their family has, deserves a fair shot at success. That promise depends on the people who make our schools work every day.

Custodians. Paraeducators. Bus drivers. School nurses. Food service workers. Office staff. Maintenance crews.

That is who we are. And that is who we fight for.

The endorsement process is one of the most important ways our union makes sure our voices are heard in the decisions that shape California’s future. It reflects the values of our members and the belief that when working people stand together, we can build a stronger state for our students, our communities, and each other.