Case Studies

Jose Luis Pacheco’s Campaign for California’s CalPERS Board: Breaking Fundraising Barriers in CalPERS Board Elections

Problem

In 2021, Jose Luis Pacheco made history as the only elected Latino member of the CalPERS Board. But when he sought re-election, the entrenched establishment unions long dominant in CalPERS races, lined up behind another candidate and attempted to block new support. Traditionally, these elections had been controlled by a small circle of endorsements and modest fundraising efforts, which made it extraordinarily difficult for outsider candidates to build momentum. Jose Luis faced a significant uphill battle: he needed to find a way to sustain his campaign financially, expand his base of support, and compete in an environment designed to keep challengers out.

Solution

E3N Strategies partnered with Jose Luis to create a disciplined, data-driven approach to fundraising. We trained him to be an effective fundraiser, equipping him with the tools and confidence needed for a candidate. Rather than relying on the establishment unions that had already chosen a side, we developed a strategy to align his campaign with unions that respected his record on the board and were willing to support his independent efforts. At the same time, we designed a structured call-time program that emphasized consistency and discipline, ensuring that donor outreach was efficient and effective. Through our research and targeted engagement, Jose Luis was able to expand his base well beyond the small group of donors typical in these races, ultimately securing support from more than 100 unique contributors.

Results

The results were historic. By following the fundraising process and strategy developed by E3N, Jose Luis raised more money than any candidate in CalPERS history, a record covered by CalMatters (click here to read the article). He outraised his opponent by nearly two and a half times, despite establishment opposition, and proved that disciplined, consistent fundraising could upend decades of entrenched control. Perhaps most importantly, he built a broader coalition than any candidate before him, powered by over 100 unique individual, union, and PAC donors who believed in his vision and leadership.

This case demonstrates how consistency, discipline, and commitment to a smart fundraising process can deliver unprecedented results even in the most challenging political environments.