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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.

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 applicable.
  • 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, 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. Each Area and Special Category may elect up to three members to serve a three-year term on the PACE Committee.
Members can self-nominate by signing the commitment/nomination form at the August 26 Area meetings.
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.