The California Teachers Association (CTA) has announced its support for a statewide ballot initiative on redistricting, set for the upcoming November election. The move comes in response to what the union describes as threats to democracy and public education.
In a statement released by CTA President David B. Goldberg, concerns were raised about recent actions taken by the Trump administration. Goldberg stated, “Over the past several months, we have seen the Trump administration freeze funds for critical education programs, cut healthcare for millions of our students and their families, attempt to dismantle the Department of Education, and pass a new voucher program designed to destroy public education entirely. There have also been unprecedented attacks on our immigrant communities and our LGBTQIA+ students and families.”
Goldberg further warned of efforts by Texas and other states to influence congressional representation and impact future elections. “It is clear that we are also now facing an unprecedented power grab by Texas and other states to steal congressional seats and rig the 2026 election in favor of the current federal administration. This is a direct and urgent attack on our democracy,” he said.
He added that if these efforts continue without challenge, there could be more reductions in funding for public services such as education and healthcare, along with risks to civil rights protections. “If this power grab goes unchecked, we will only see more drastic cuts to public education, healthcare, and other critical services and a further erosion of basic civil and human rights in our communities. Given these extreme threats, our union is supporting a statewide ballot initiative on redistricting in California planned for this November. This initiative is designed to counter the redistricting plan being led by Texas and other states and stop this blatant consolidation of power.”
Goldberg also criticized members of Congress affected by potential redistricting changes, claiming they have not supported educators or students. “Every member of Congress who would be impacted by redistricting in our state has repeatedly sided with corporations and billionaires over our students and communities. Several of them lied directly to our members when we visited their offices this Spring to demand they vote against draconian cuts to our schools. They’ve made their priorities clear. California union educators will fight back against any and all attacks on our democracy and public education.”
The CTA’s announcement signals an organized effort from one of California’s largest unions to address concerns over national political developments through state-level action.
