Bay Area
California Education Chief Thurmond Considers Run for Governor
California’s chief elected education officer, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, who is the first Afro Latino and second African American to hold the position, is considering a run for governor in 2026.

By California Black Media
California’s chief elected education officer, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, who is the first Afro Latino and second African American to hold the position, is considering a run for governor in 2026.
On July 5, Thurmond announced that he has formed a campaign committee. In a statement, he said “I have formed an exploratory committee to begin that process.”
“Working families across California are facing so many challenges that require our entire state government working together to solve,” said Thurmond in a tweet last week. “Growing up as a Black and Latino kid without my parents, I lived the struggles that so many Californians face every day — that’s why I dedicated my career to fighting for a brighter future for California’s children.
“Right now I’m fully focused on my job as State Superintendent — from taking on MAGA extremists who want to ban books to defending classroom teachers and students against the constant assault on our democracy.”
A 54-year-old Democrat, Thurmond was elected to his position as the state’s top educator in 2018, saying at his inauguration that his own experience as a poor child of immigrants made him realize that all children deserve a first class-education.
“I grew up in poverty and without my parents,” he said then. “But I was raised by a cousin, an amazing woman, who made certain that I got a great education. That’s what got me where I am today, and that’s what I want for my two daughters and all students. I pledge to devote all my energy, talent, experience, and all the powers of my office to ensure all students get a great education.”
Thurmond’s mother, an Afro-Latina who immigrated to San Jose from Panama to become a teacher, died when he was barely old enough to go to school himself.
Upon hearing of Thurmond’s intent, longtime Richmond community organizer and activist Joe Fisher was enthused.
“Oh, he would be good!” Fisher said, recalling that he has watched and supported Thurmond’s leadership since the superintendent’s days on the Richmond City Council. “I think he would be good at it and I think he would have a good shot,” adding that he would even “put a few dollars in the bank” for Thurmond’s campaign. “He’s fair and capable and responsible. He’ll stand strong not just for African Americans but everybody.”
The California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators (CALSA) honored Thurmond with an award for his dedication and commitment to students on July 6, the California Department of Education reported.
The award comes as Thurmond sponsored an Assembly Bill to increase the number of bilingual teachers in the state. “Throughout his tenure, Superintendent Thurmond has fought for all students,” the report said. “He has launched initiatives to close opportunity gaps for African American and Latino students, English learners, students with disabilities, foster and homeless youth, and students from low-income backgrounds.”
A graduate of Temple University and Bryn Mawr College, Thurmond’s early career in social work and nonprofit institutions put him in leadership positions that were a natural segue into elected office.
He formerly served on Richmond’s City Council, the California Assembly and the West Contra Costa Unified School District’s board. He was re-elected to his current position in 2022 and his term ends in 2027.
So far, there are several contenders for governor when Gavin Newsom leaves office also in 2027.
Among them are current Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis and former State Controller Betty Yee have announced their candidacy while State Attorney General Rob Banta and former Los Angles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa have expressed interest. All are Democrats.
Wikipedia, the California Department of Education, and CBS 5. Contributed to this report.
Activism
Former U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee Reflects on Her Career as She Bids Farewell to Congress
“Together, we have raised our voices and pushed the envelope for peace, justice and equity. It has been the honor of a lifetime to provide constituent services, deliver federal investments to my district, speak out, and often times be the only one to take tough votes against the tide. I have, and will continue to, fight for working families, the middle class, low income and poor people,” said Lee On her final day in Congress.

By Bo Tefu, California Black Media
Outgoing Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA-12) expressed deep gratitude to her constituents and marked the end of her 26-year career in public service.
Lee, who is succeeded by Lateefah Simon, a civil rights and racial justice activist, praised people in her community for their support. She also highlighted her dedication to promoting peace, justice, and equity.
“Together, we have raised our voices and pushed the envelope for peace, justice and equity. It has been the honor of a lifetime to provide constituent services, deliver federal investments to my district, speak out, and often times be the only one to take tough votes against the tide. I have, and will continue to, fight for working families, the middle class, low income and poor people,” said Lee On her final day in Congress.
Throughout her tenure, Lee earned a reputation as a principled lawmaker known for taking bold and sometimes unpopular stances. One of her defining moments came in 2001 when she was the sole member of Congress to vote against the Authorization for the Use of Military Force in response to the September 11 attacks. This decision led to death threats but ultimately cemented her legacy of courage.
Lee’s leadership extended beyond her district, where she fought for social justice, the rights of low-income communities, and global health initiatives. She was a key figure in pushing for the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). She was a vocal critic of the Hyde Amendment, which restricts federal funding for abortion services.
The Congresswoman also faced significant challenges in her career, including a failed Senate bid in 2024. Yet, Lee’s efforts have paved the way for more excellent representation, with more Black women now elected to Congress. She worked closely with organizations like Representation Matters to encourage more women of color to run for office.
Lee says she looks to the future, confident that the next generation of leaders will continue her unfinished work, particularly on issues like military force and reproductive rights.
Activism
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Activism
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