Skip to content
United Teachers of Los Angeles logo

PACE Committee Elections 2026-2029

The UTLA Political Action Council of Educators (PACE) is how we drive support for political campaigns, legislation, and candidates that put public schools and our communities first.

Elections for the PACE Committee will take place at the August 26, 2026, Area meetings. Any member who contributes to PACE is eligible to run. Serving on the PACE Committee is an invitation to lead. Membership on the committee is an opportunity to learn and contribute to the political work that advances the interests of educators, students, public education, and organized labor. The first PACE Committee meeting is September 2.

Core Responsibilities of the PACE Committee

POLITICAL ENGAGEMENT 

  • Participate in political discussions, trainings, and educational opportunities.
  • Develop an understanding of the institutions, policies, and elected bodies that impact public education.
  • Stay informed on key issues affecting educators, students, and UTLA members.

CANDIDATE ENDORSEMENTS

  • Review candidate materials and questionnaires.
  • Participate in candidate interviews and endorsement discussions when during the election cycle.
  • Help evaluate candidates based on UTLA’s priorities and values.

MEMBER OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT 

  • Serve as a connection between PACE and members in your Area.
  • Share information about political issues, campaigns, and opportunities for involvement.
  • Encourage participation in UTLA’s political program.

ADVOCACY AND POLITICAL ACTION

  • Support endorsed candidates, campaigns, initiatives, and issue-based efforts.
  • Participate in canvassing, phone banking, community outreach, and other engagement opportunities.
  • Help build support for policies that benefit students, educators, and public education.

COMMITTEE PARTICIPATION

  • Serve on at least one PACE committee or workgroup.
  • Contribute ideas, perspectives, and feedback to strengthen the work of the committee.

PACE Committee FAQ

Billionaires and corporate executives might have wealth and power to influence elections and public policy. We have people power. PACE (Political Action Council of Educators) is how we pool our resources to elect strong pro-worker candidates to district, local, and state office, pass legislation to expand school funding and public school communities, and connect with voters and communities on key public education issues.
The 72 members of the PACE Committee serve as UTLA’s member-driven political organizing body, shaping UTLA’s political priorities through candidate endorsements, issue advocacy, member engagement, coalition building, and electoral participation. PACE Committee members drive the work of PACE and ensure that the voices of educators are represented in the political decisions that impact schools, students, and public education.
PACE Committee members serve as political leaders, organizers, and representatives of their areas and constituencies. Members help evaluate candidates, engage fellow UTLA members, strengthen political education, and support campaigns aligned with UTLA’s mission and values. This is an active leadership role for members who want to learn, contribute, and help build UTLA’s political power.
The PACE Committee is composed of 39 members elected from each UTLA Area and Special Categories (Early Ed, Adult Ed, HHS, Substitutes, and Retirees), the seven UTLA officers, eight members of the UTLA Board (appointed by the UTLA President), and 17 members appointed by the PACE Chair. There are five PACE officers: Political Candidates Vice Chair, Legislative Vice Chair, School Board Vice Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer.
Any UTLA member in active status who contributes to PACE is eligible to run. If you are not currently a PACE contributor, you can sign up at utla.net/join-utla/. Each Area and Special Category may elect up to three members from that respective Area/Special Category to serve a three-year term on the PACE Committee. If you are unsure which UTLA Area your school is in, check with your Chapter leaders.
Members can self-nominate by signing the PACE Engagement & Nomination form at your respective August 26 Area meetings or your scheduled Special Category committee meeting. If you are unsure which UTLA Area your school is in, check with your Chapter leaders. Please note, it is important that your nomination is specific to your appropriate UTLA Area or Special Category. If you work in the Harbor Area, for example, your candidacy would be to represent the Harbor Area on the PACE Committee.
Elections are being held at the August 26 Area meetings in the eight UTLA Areas. Locations are posted on the UTLA calendar. If you are unsure which area your school is in, check with your Chapter leaders. Special Category elections will happen at their respective committee meetings.
The first PACE Committee meeting will be held September 2. At that meeting, the committee will be considering some political endorsements, propositions, and candidates.
PACE Committee 2026-2029 Engagement & Self-Nomination Form