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.

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“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. 

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