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yesterday

Anthony Rendon Launches Campaign as Field Grows for California Schools Chief

Leading contenders are outlining plans to defend California schools against federal funding cuts, expand early learning and strengthen student mental health support.

Former Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, D-Lakewood, is running for state superintendent of public instruction in 2026. Rendon was the second-longest-serving speaker in state history. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli, File)
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Overview

  • Former Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon officially entered the 2026 superintendent race on July 28 with a platform centered on youth mental health, early childhood education restoration and resisting President Trump’s proposed funding cuts.
  • Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi highlighted his record authoring AB 49 to limit immigration agents in schools, AB 477 to boost K-12 funding and leading the $10 billion Proposition 2 school facilities bond last year.
  • Ex-State Senator Josh Newman pledged to revitalize the California Department of Education, improve student physical and mental health resources and enhance civics instruction to tackle stagnant test scores.
  • Chino Valley school board president Sonja Shaw is campaigning on requiring parental notification for students identifying as transgender and refocusing curricula on core academics rather than social justice topics.
  • The open contest follows term-limited Superintendent Tony Thurmond’s gubernatorial bid and arrives as California education leaders prepare to counter anticipated federal policy shifts and funding reductions.