ACSA’s legislative endorsement process is an important part of the association’s advocacy work. Through a thorough and diligent process, ACSA seeks to help elect state leaders who share the association’s values and who will serve as strong champions for California’s public schools.

The process is led by ACSA’s Vice Presidents for Legislative Action (VPLAs) in each of ACSA’s 19 regions, working in partnership with ACSA’s Governmental Relations team. Together they analyze legislative races and vet candidates through a review of their background and track record, meetings, questionnaires, and interviews. Based on this work, endorsement recommendations are developed and ultimately submitted to the ACSA Board of Directors for approval. ACSA’s legislative endorsements focus primarily on open Assembly and Senate seats.

Having strong advocates in the Legislature is critical for public schools. State lawmakers play a major role in determining overall funding levels for education, deciding how those resources are allocated, and establishing the laws and requirements that school districts must implement.

“Who serves in the Legislature matters,” said Iván Carrillo, ACSA senior director of Policy and Governmental Relations. “ACSA’s endorsement process helps identify leaders who will champion policies that support students, educators, and strong public schools.”

California’s statewide primary election will take place on June 2. The top two vote-getters in each race, regardless of party, advance to the November general election. The first set of ACSA legislative endorsements were approved by ACSA’s Board of Directors in February, with additional endorsements expected in the coming months.

A current list of endorsed legislative candidates is available at acsa.org/endorsements.