Candidates for California Superintendent of Public Instruction
2026 Primary Election — June 2, 2026
Office: Superintendent of Public Instruction — California's top education official, overseeing the California Department of Education (~$150B budget, ~6 million K-12 students). The superintendent executes policies of the State Board of Education, sets instructional standards, and serves ex officio on UC Regents and CSU Board of Trustees. The office is nonpartisan. Incumbent Tony Thurmond is termed out and running for governor. California uses a top-two primary: the top two vote-getters advance to November 3. Gov. Newsom has proposed shifting some responsibilities to a governor-appointed commissioner — all candidates oppose this.[1]
Richard Barrera Dem Age 59 CTA Endorsed
President, San Diego Unified School Board • San Diego
San Diego native, first-generation American (father immigrated from Colombia). Community organizer by training. BA History from UCSD, MPP from Harvard Kennedy School. Elected to SDUSD board in 2008, re-elected overwhelmingly multiple times, serving as Board President. Under his tenure: record-high graduation/college eligibility rates, record-low dropout/suspension/expulsion rates. SDUSD ranks #1 among large urban districts in reading on the Nation's Report Card. Led four major school bonds totaling $11.5B. Pushed teacher housing plan (2,000+ units). Served as Senior Policy Adviser to outgoing Superintendent Tony Thurmond on chronic absenteeism and immigrant student/family support.[2]
Top Issues / Platform
- School funding: Boost state investment in K-12 and early childhood
- Teacher pipeline: Ease path to becoming a teacher, improve compensation
- Protect students: Keep ICE out of schools, defend LGBTQ+ students from federal attacks
- Career pathways: Expand arts, CTE, dual-language immersion
- Oppose Newsom plan: Fight proposal to diminish elected superintendent role[1]
Key Endorsements
- California Teachers Association (CTA) — 300,000 members
- Cindy Marten — Biden Deputy Secretary of Education
- Tony Thurmond — Outgoing Superintendent
- Former Rep. Juan Vargas, Former State Sen. Art Torres
- United Administrators of Southern California[3]
Strengths ▲
- CTA endorsement provides massive organizational and financial backing across the state
- Proven track record of improving student outcomes in a large urban district
- Sacramento outsider message — not a career legislator
- Deep labor and community organizing roots
Weaknesses ▼
- Little-known outside San Diego before CTA endorsement; low statewide name ID
- Only $44K cash on hand — far behind Rendon ($1M) and Muratsuchi ($349K)
- Union ties invite conflicts-of-interest criticism from opponents
- Has never held statewide or legislative office
Al Muratsuchi Dem Age 61 CFT Endorsed
California State Assemblymember, 66th District • Rolling Hills Estates
Son of Japanese immigrants, first-generation college graduate. BS from UC Berkeley, JD from UCLA Law. Former deputy attorney general with CA Department of Justice. Served as chair of Assembly Education Committee. Adjunct government professor at El Camino College. Co-authored Prop. 2 ($10B school facilities bond, passed 2024). Authored California Safe Haven Schools Act (keeping ICE out of schools). Pushed science-of-reading legislation, ethnic studies requirements, and teacher pay increases. Served in Assembly 2012-2014, lost his seat, then won it back in 2016 and has held it since.[4]
Top Issues / Platform
- Full funding: Reduce class sizes, expand arts/music and career education
- Early childhood: Expand preschool and after-school programs, universal meals
- Science of reading: Mandate phonics-based reading instruction statewide
- Student health: Mental health supports, well-being initiatives
- Trump resistance: Protect immigrant and LGBTQ+ students from federal overreach[5]
Key Endorsements
- CA Federation of Teachers (CFT)
- CA School Employees Association (CSEA) — 370K+ members
- CA Labor Federation
- Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas
- State Treasurer Fiona Ma, Rep. Ted Lieu
- Obama-endorsed candidate (2016)[4]
Strengths ▲
- Deepest education policy experience — chaired Assembly Education Committee
- Strong legislative record (Prop. 2, Safe Haven Schools Act, science of reading law)
- $349K cash on hand — second best funded
- Major union backing (CFT, CSEA) plus Labor Federation
Weaknesses ▼
- Sacramento insider — been in the legislature since 2012
- Crowded Democratic field splits the vote; only 6% in latest polling
- Moderate record may not excite progressive base
- Lost his seat once already (2014)
Anthony Rendon Dem Age 58 Best Funded
Former Assembly Speaker (2016-2023) • Lakewood
Born March 4, 1968 in Los Angeles. Attended Cerritos College, then BA/MA from CSU Fullerton, PhD from UC Riverside (National Endowment for the Humanities Fellow). Ran Plaza de la Raza Child Development Services (early childhood programs for low-income families) for 20 years as executive director before entering politics. Longest-serving Assembly Speaker since Willie Brown (7 years, 2016-2023). Oversaw massive K-12 funding increases (+80%), universal TK, charter school accountability. Helped pass $15 minimum wage, cap-and-trade extension, gun safety laws. Ousted as Speaker by Robert Rivas in 2023 after a power struggle. Now running for superintendent — his first campaign since leaving the legislature.[6]
Top Issues / Platform
- Early childhood: Signature issue — fight Head Start cuts, build cradle-to-career system
- Youth mental health: Implement classroom cellphone ban, set AI policy
- Defend public ed: Firewall against Trump administration attacks on DOE and Head Start
- Teacher support: Training, resources, and compensation
- Oppose Newsom plan: Keep superintendent as elected independent office[7]
Key Endorsements
- Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis
- Reps. Judy Chu, Robert Garcia, Sam Liccardo, Laura Friedman, Pete Aguilar
- CA Federation of Labor, SEIU, CA Professional Firefighters
- ~$1M cash on hand — most of any candidate[8]
Strengths ▲
- Strongest fundraiser in the race ($1M+ cash on hand)
- Highest name recognition from 7 years as Assembly Speaker
- Deep policy experience, especially early childhood education (20 years running programs)
- Broad coalition of endorsements across labor and elected officials
Weaknesses ▼
- Major teachers unions endorsed rivals (CTA backs Barrera, CFT backs Muratsuchi)
- "Sacramento insider" label — was at the center of legislative power
- Ousted as Speaker — some see him as a diminished figure
- Only 9% in latest polling — hasn't broken through despite advantages
Josh Newman Dem Age 61 Centrist
Former State Senator (SD-29) / UC Irvine Senior Fellow • Fullerton
Born October 16, 1964. BA from Yale University. US Army veteran (active duty 1986-1990, nuclear weapons detachment in South Korea, 25th Infantry Division). Founded ArmedForce2Workforce (nonprofit helping veterans transition to civilian careers). Former tech company executive. Served as State Senator 2016-2018 and 2020-2024, chairing the Senate Education Committee. Co-authored Prop. 2 ($10B school bond) with Muratsuchi. Recalled in 2018 after voting for SB 1 (gas tax increase). Came back to defeat his replacement in 2020, but lost his seat again in 2024 to Republican Steven Choi. Now a senior fellow at UC Irvine's School of Social Ecology.[9]
Top Issues / Platform
- Accountability: Emphasizes that increased funding hasn't matched rising test scores
- Early literacy: Evidence-based instruction, universal screening, stronger teacher pipeline
- Chronic absenteeism: Expand before/after-school programs, improve transportation
- Career readiness: Dual enrollment, apprenticeships, CTE expansion
- Civics education: Revitalize civic learning for democratic participation[10]
Key Endorsements
- CCPOA, IBEW, State Building & Construction Trades Council
- Reps. Gil Cisneros, Lou Correa, Derek Tran
- Former Senate Pro Tem Mike McGuire
- Senate Majority Leader Angelique Ashby[11]
Strengths ▲
- Strong education policy credentials (chaired Senate Education Committee)
- Army veteran and business background — differentiates from career politicians
- Centrist "results-oriented" message could appeal to swing voters
- Well-funded in past races; knows how to run a statewide campaign
Weaknesses ▼
- Lost two of his last three elections (2018 recall, 2024 general)
- Recalled by voters — opponents will bring this up
- Clashed with labor over UC workers' bargaining rights
- Only $55K on hand; 6% in polling
Sonja Shaw Rep Age 43 GOP Endorsed
President, Chino Valley Unified School Board • Chino
Born and raised in Chino. Ayala High School graduate. Background in fitness training, photography, and real estate. Leads a community Bible study. Elected to school board in 2022 amid post-COVID conservative backlash — has been board president 4 consecutive years. National headlines in 2023: Presided over a board meeting where security guards escorted out Tony Thurmond for speaking past his time limit defending transgender student rights. Championed a parental notification policy for transgender students (later blocked by state law). Pushed to ban "sexually explicit" library books. Associated with Calvary Chapel Chino Hills. Republican Party-endorsed in April 2026.[12]
Top Issues / Platform
- Parental rights: "No secrets, full transparency" in schools
- Transgender athletes: Keep biological males out of girls' sports; enforce Title IX
- Gender notification: Require schools to inform parents if child changes gender identity
- Back to basics: Reading, writing, math; remove "radical ideologies"
- Cut bureaucracy: Slash CDE waste, redirect funds to districts and parents[13]
Key Endorsements
- California Republican Party
- Riley Gaines — women's sports advocate
- Sheriff Chad Bianco — gubernatorial candidate
- Steve Hilton — gubernatorial candidate
- 30+ County Republican Parties
- 30+ school board members across CA[14]
Strengths ▲
- Clear conservative base with state GOP endorsement
- High name recognition from 2023 national headlines
- Motivated grassroots following; strong fundraising ($167K on hand)
- Democratic vote split (6 candidates) could allow her to sneak into top 2
Weaknesses ▼
- Highly polarizing — limited appeal beyond conservative base in a blue state
- No legislative or statewide experience
- Only 7% in polling — may have hit a ceiling
- Culture-warrior brand may hurt in general election where Dems dominate
Sources
[12] Ballotpedia — Sonja Shaw[13] San Diego Union-Tribune — Shaw Q&A
[14] Shaw Campaign Website
EdSource — Shaw Profile (article may no longer be available)
CVUSD — Shaw Biography
Nichelle M. Henderson Dem Age 58 Union Organizer
LACCD Trustee (Seat 5) / CalStateTEACH Faculty Advisor • Gardena
Former middle school teacher in Compton Unified. Union organizer with California Faculty Association (served as chapter VP, Faculty Rights Chair). Elected to Los Angeles Community College District Board in 2020, served as Board President in 2024. Currently a faculty advisor with CalStateTEACH at CSU Fresno. Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Completed Emerge CA political training. Won the Democratic Party endorsement straw poll at the February 2026 convention (24.75%), the highest of any candidate. Endorsed by California Legislative Black Caucus.[15]
Top Issues / Platform
- Health access: Expand school-based health services for students
- Testing reform: Overhaul standardized tests to accurately measure student knowledge
- Divestment: Pull state pensions from fossil fuels and weapons manufacturers
- Equity: Remove barriers for historically marginalized students
- Student services: Expand childcare, homeless student support, enrollment access[16]
Key Endorsements
- Rep. Lateefah Simon, Assemblymember Mia Bonta
- California Legislative Black Caucus
- California Democratic Legislative Women's Caucus
- CA Democratic Party straw poll winner (24.75%)
- Numerous progressive clubs and labor groups[15]
Strengths ▲
- Won Democratic Party endorsement straw poll — shows grassroots support among activists
- Strong union background and connections
- Would be first Black woman elected to the office
- Classroom teaching experience (Compton Unified)
Weaknesses ▼
- Lowest fundraising among leading candidates (~$5K on hand)
- LACCD trustee role is less directly relevant to K-12 than rivals' experience
- Low name recognition statewide; only 5% in polling
- Crowded Democratic field makes it hard to break out
Frank Lara P&F Age 41 Socialist
Executive VP, United Educators of San Francisco / SFUSD Teacher • South San Francisco
Born in Calexico to immigrant parents; raised in a working-class border town. BA from Cal Poly SLO (2008), bilingual teaching credential. 10+ years as a 4th grade bilingual teacher in SF's Mission District. Executive Vice President of United Educators of San Francisco (6,000+ member union) since 2021. In February 2026, helped lead SF teachers' first strike in ~50 years — ended in 4 days with an agreement. Serves on CTA's Financing Public Education Committee. Member of Party for Socialism and Liberation. Ran for Congress in 2014 as Peace and Freedom candidate.[17]
Top Issues / Platform
- Full funding: Fully staff and fund public schools
- Class size reduction: CA ranks 48th out of 50 — make smaller classes a priority
- Free childcare: Universal access to early childhood education
- Teacher pipelines: Pathway programs to recruit and retain educators
- Social justice: Racial justice, immigrant rights, working-class unity[18]
Key Endorsements
- United Educators of San Francisco
- Green Party of California
- Peace and Freedom Party
- Progressive labor and socialist organizations[17]
Strengths ▲
- Authentic classroom teacher perspective — currently teaching
- Strong union organizing background and demonstrated leadership (strike)
- Unique candidate: only socialist in the race, energizes progressive base
- Feisty grassroots campaign with clear ideological identity
Weaknesses ▼
- Peace and Freedom Party label severely limits general election appeal
- Far-left positions may not resonate beyond progressive enclaves
- No elected office experience beyond union role
- Low fundraising (~$12,800 on hand)
Gus Mattammal Rep Age 53 Long Shot
Director, Advantage Testing of Silicon Valley / Midcoast Community Council • El Granada
Born in St. Louis, MO. BA from Pomona College (1994), MBA from Yale School of Management (2000). 23-year career at Advantage Testing (premier tutoring/test prep company) where he founded the Silicon Valley office and expanded pro bono programs nationwide. Personally worked with 1,000+ students of all backgrounds. Author of "A Is for Average: Why California Public Schools Struggle, and How You Can Help." Elected member of Midcoast Community Council. President of SHIFT-Bay Area (transit/housing policy group). Ran for Congress in 2022 (11th CD). Supports charter schools, homeschooling, and school choice.[19]
Top Issues / Platform
- Science of reading: Publish model curriculum, "GusBus" tours to shame non-adopters
- Math framework: Revive statewide framework, expand advanced math
- CTE expansion: Career Technical Education for all middle and high schoolers
- Cellphone bans: "Bell-to-bell" phone-free classrooms
- LCFF reform: Direct more resources to high-need districts[20]
Key Endorsements
- Former State Sen. Mark Wyland (R)
- Former State Sen. Quentin Kopp (I)
- Former Mayor of Palo Alto Lydia Kou (D)
- Cross-ideological coalition of local officials[19]
Strengths ▲
- Only candidate with direct education-entrepreneurial experience
- Detailed, specific policy proposals — published a book on school reform
- Moderate Republican positioning with cross-party endorsements
- Pro-science-of-reading stance is well-supported by evidence
Weaknesses ▼
- Campaign is in debt ($13.9K owed, minimal cash)
- Tutoring business invites "profiteering from education" criticism from left
- Republican label hurts in blue California, even in nonpartisan race
- Charter school/homeschool support worries traditional public school defenders
Ainye Long Dem Age 41 Long Shot
8th Grade Math Teacher / Department Chair • San Francisco
Fifth-generation public school teacher. BA in Economics & American Studies from UC Santa Cruz (2006). 19 years as a math teacher in Oakland, Richmond, LA, and San Francisco. Previously served as Director of Family & Community Engagement at CA Charter Schools Association and Oakland Regional Superintendent at Amethod Public Schools (charter network). Currently an 8th grade math teacher and department chair at Willie L. Brown Middle School in SFUSD. Ran in 2022: came within <1% of making the runoff (699,331 votes — just 46K behind Lance Christensen). Had the ballot designation "public school teacher" which boosted her performance.[21]
Top Issues / Platform
- Schoolhouse voices: Elevate teachers, students, and families in policymaking
- Measurable impact: Connect all initiatives to schoolhouse needs and outcomes
- Public investment: Informed and engaged public as education stakeholders
- Back to basics: Grade-level proficiency in reading, writing, and math for every student
- Shift to enrollment-based funding: Away from attendance-based (ADA) model[22]
Key Endorsements
- None reported this cycle
- Ballot designation: "public school teacher" (same as 2022)
Strengths ▲
- Strong 2022 performance (699K votes) shows real voter appeal
- Authentic "public school teacher" ballot designation resonates
- Actively teaching — most direct classroom perspective in the race
Weaknesses ▼
- Minimal fundraising — no campaign finance reports of significance
- Very low-key campaign with little media coverage this cycle
- Charter school background may create suspicion among anti-charter voters
- Hard to break through in a crowded field without money or endorsements
Wendy Castañeda Leal Dem Age N/A Long Shot
Superintendent, Semitropic Elementary School District • Kern County
Career educator: worked in NYC (Native American Education Program), Georgia, South Dakota (Pine Ridge and Rosebud reservations), and California. Served as school principal, then Director of Whole Child Education for Roseland School District. Holds a PhD in Curriculum & Instruction and an MA in Administrative Leadership from Capella University. Currently Superintendent of Semitropic Elementary School District in Kern County. No campaign finance filings reported as of April 2026. Initial campaign website was non-functional, later launched with a platform.[23]
Top Issues / Platform
- Funding reform: 25% increase in per-pupil funding for high-poverty schools (70%+ FRL)
- Dual immersion: Expand K-12 bilingual pathways statewide
- Title I boost: $2,500/student additional funding to Title I campuses
- Special ed incentives: $7,500 bonuses for special education credentials
- Community schools: Mental health care, free meals, transportation services[24]
Key Endorsements
- None reported
Strengths ▲
- Only candidate currently serving as a school district superintendent
- PhD in curriculum and instruction — strong academic background
- Deep experience with underserved communities (Native American reservations, low-income districts)
- Detailed platform with specific funding proposals
Weaknesses ▼
- No fundraising reported — essentially a volunteer campaign
- Almost no media coverage; very limited name recognition
- Smallest district (Kern County elementary) — not a statewide profile
- Age and personal background not publicly available
Race Summary & Outlook
This is a wide-open race with 10 candidates, no clear frontrunner, and 32% of likely voters still undecided according to the most recent polling. The office is nonpartisan, but party affiliation matters enormously in practice. Key dynamics:
- The money race: Anthony Rendon leads with ~$1M cash on hand, followed by Al Muratsuchi ($349K) and Sonja Shaw ($167K). But name ID and endorsements may matter more than cash in a low-turnout primary.
- The union split: CTA (largest teachers union) backs Barrera. CFT and CSEA back Muratsuchi. CA Labor Federation backs Rendon. No single union has consolidated labor — this splintered support could help Shaw.
- The Democratic dilemma: Six Democrats (Barrera, Muratsuchi, Rendon, Newman, Henderson, Long) plus one Democrat-adjacent (Castaneda Leal) are splitting the left-of-center vote. If the Democrat vote fragments badly, Sonja Shaw (R) could slip into the top 2 with ~15-20% of the vote.
- Polls: 32% undecided; Long and Rendon at 9% each; Barrera and Shaw at 7%; Muratsuchi and Newman at 6%; Henderson at 5%. No one has broken away.
- Wild card: Gov. Newsom's proposal to transfer the superintendent's powers to a governor-appointed commissioner. All candidates oppose it, but if it gains traction before November, it could reshape the office the winner will actually hold.
Likely top-two: Conventional wisdom says two Democrats or one Democrat + Shaw. The most plausible scenarios: Rendon + Muratsuchi (two established legislators), Rendon + Shaw (Dem split lets Shaw through), or a surprise surge from Barrera (CTA organizational power) or Long (2022 near-miss momentum).
Primary: June 2, 2026 — General: November 3, 2026