CALIFORNIA EDUCATION CHIEF TONY THURMOND SAYS HE IS RUNNING FOR GOVERNOR IN 2026

California’s top education official, Tony Thurmond, on Tuesday announced his bid for governor in 2026, a move that comes amid debates about the rights of students and parents, and what role the state should play as school boards approve class materials. If elected, Thurmond, the state superintendent of public instruction, would be the first Black person to become California's governor. He says he wants to address income inequality, ensure schools are better funded and speed up the state's transition to renewable energy.

He joins an already crowded race for governor, though the election is more than three years away. California Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis and former state Controller Betty Yee, both Democrats, have also announced their own bids, and Democratic Attorney General Rob Bonta said he is considering joining the race.

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