“CSEA members vote for pro-labor, classified-friendly candidates who protect classified employees and students locally and nationally,” said Daisy Bennett of Brea Olinda Chapter 207, who serves as the chair of CSEA’s Political Action for Classified Employees (PACE) Committee. “Many candidates we support go on to fight for CSEA’s legislative agenda to improve safety, provide employment protections, improve access to early childhood education and increase school funding . These funds give local chapters who are in negotiations hope for livable wage increases.” CSEA plays an important role in helping pro-labor candidates win offices statewide through endorsements, coordinated campaign efforts to help candidates reach voters, and independent expenditure efforts to share our reasons for supporting candidates with the electorate.

Before ballots were mailed out, the PACE Committee recommended over 100 state-level candidates to the Board of Directors for key endorsements and recommended that the Association take stances on four important ballot propositions. “Every year, many candidates running for public office seek out CSEA’s endorsement. CSEA’s Governmental Relations team in Sacramento carefully and fairly interviews every one of them,” said Bennett, who works as a paraeducator for Brea-Olinda Unified. “CSEA is the largest classified union in the nation, and we have positive communication with our Governor, Superintendent of Public Instruction and Legislators because of our strength and the respect we have earned over our long history in California. This means that voters and political candidates care about CSEA’s endorsement.” A lot has changed since the last time California voted.

Today, labor unions are experiencing an unprecedented wave of public approval and attention. According to a 2022 Gallup Poll, U.S. approval of labor unions is at its highest point since 1965, with over 70 percent of Americans now in favor of labor unions organizing. As CSEA continues to advocate for the rights of members across the state, the Association is taking full advantage of this ever-growing spotlight on union workers.

“CSEA’s endorsements during election season carry weight because voters know that candidates who value classified workers also value students,” said Association President Adam Weinberger. “To all our CSEA siblings, thank you for getting out the vote and making your voices heard. Your participation ensures our endorsed candidates will continue to act in the best interests of our schools, students and our members.” CSEA supported successful campaigns for US Senate, US House, Governor, Attorney General, other statewide officials and many State Senators and Assemblymembers.

Notably, with support from CSEA and our education labor partners, incumbent State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond won his runoff election this month and will keep his position as a strong ally for classified workers for four more years. Thurmond secured a higher percentage of the vote than any other statewide candidate, cementing his return to the California Department of Education. “Classified educators are the backbone of what happens in California Schools,” Thurmond said at the 2022 CSEA Campaign Kickoff in Sacramento on April 11. “The folks I’ve met have made long-term commitments to California schools and kids in the classroom. It means a lot to me to have the support of CSEA.” Ballots have been counted, and the California Secretary of State will make the results official by December 9. The results from the 2022 California General Election are now available online.