San Francisco Teachers Strike Enters Fifth Day as Dem Candidates Criticized for Siding with Union

The $7 million-a-day strike has disrupted education for 50,000 students, with Democrats accused of "sucking up" to the teachers' union for political gain.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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California's top gubernatorial candidates, including Democrats Katie Porter, Eric Swalwell, and Tom Steyer, have been criticized for staging visits to the picket lines of the ongoing San Francisco teachers' strike, which has entered its fifth day. The strike, which has shut down 120 schools and is costing the district between $7-10 million per day, has been welcomed by the Democratic candidates, who have expressed support for the teachers' demands for a 9% pay raise. However, Republicans and San Francisco residents have slammed the Democrats, accusing them of only showing solidarity to gain the teachers' union's endorsement, and arguing that the teachers are already well-compensated while student performance remains poor.

Why it matters

The San Francisco teachers' strike highlights the ongoing tensions between teachers' unions, politicians, and the public over education funding and reform. The Democratic candidates' support for the strike has drawn criticism from those who see it as pandering to a powerful political constituency, rather than prioritizing the needs of students and parents. The strike's significant financial impact on the district also raises questions about the sustainability of such labor actions and their effects on the broader community.

The details

The strike, which began on Monday, has involved around 50,000 students being out of class as 6,000 teachers and school workers have set up camp outside school buildings and City Hall. The teachers are demanding a 9% pay raise over two years, while the district faces a $100 million deficit and is under state oversight due to financial issues. The Democratic candidates have expressed support for the teachers, with Porter saying she is "proud" of the demonstrators and Swalwell stating that "teachers shouldn't have to strike for fair pay or health care." However, Republicans and San Francisco residents have criticized the Democrats, accusing them of only supporting the strike to gain the teachers' union's endorsement, and arguing that the teachers are already well-compensated while student performance remains poor.

  • The strike began on Monday, February 10, 2026.
  • The strike entered its fourth day on Thursday, February 13, 2026.

The players

Katie Porter

A Democratic candidate for California governor who has expressed support for the San Francisco teachers' strike.

Eric Swalwell

A Democratic candidate for California governor who has expressed support for the San Francisco teachers' strike.

Tom Steyer

A Democratic candidate for California governor who has expressed support for the San Francisco teachers' strike.

Steve Hilton

The Republican candidate for California governor, who has criticized the Democratic candidates for siding with the teachers' union.

Spencer

A San Francisco tech worker who has criticized the teachers' strike and the Democratic candidates' support for it.

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What they’re saying

“As an educator and public school parent, I understand firsthand how investing in education is an investment in our future workforce and leaders of tomorrow. Every educator and school worker deserves to make ends meet, and as Governor I will boost funding for our schools.”

— Katie Porter, Democratic candidate for California governor (nypost.com)

“Teachers shouldn't have to strike for fair pay or health care. I stand with the United Educators of San Francisco and with every Californian fighting for strong public schools.”

— Eric Swalwell, Democratic candidate for California governor (nypost.com)

“San Francisco's teachers are striking for the first time in nearly 50 years. I joined them because we need fair pay and fair benefits for California's working people.”

— Tom Steyer, Democratic candidate for California governor (nypost.com)

“That's why they're taking the side of the unions, against students and parents. This kind of corruption is why we have some of the worst school results in the country even though we spend nearly the most.”

— Steve Hilton, Republican candidate for California governor (nypost.com)

“Over 3,000 teachers in San Francisco, with a population of 800,000 are paid $140,000+ for less than nine months of work. And with that, only 54% of our kids can read and 45% are proficient in BASIC math. If teachers want private sector rate pay, then let's tie performance to compensation just like the private sector.”

— Catherine Shiang, San Francisco investor (Twitter)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the teachers to continue the strike.

The takeaway

The San Francisco teachers' strike has become a political flashpoint, with Democratic gubernatorial candidates accused of prioritizing their own political interests over the needs of students and parents. This highlights the ongoing tensions between teachers' unions, politicians, and the public over education funding and reform, and raises questions about the long-term sustainability of such labor actions and their effects on the broader community.