{"id":343641,"date":"2026-06-02T23:53:09","date_gmt":"2026-06-02T23:53:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/343641\/"},"modified":"2026-06-02T23:53:09","modified_gmt":"2026-06-02T23:53:09","slug":"californias-next-governor-to-tackle-major-education-decisions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/343641\/","title":{"rendered":"California\u2019s next governor to tackle major education decisions"},"content":{"rendered":"

This story was originally published by EdSource<\/a>. Sign up for their daily newsletter<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Top Takeaways<\/p>\n

District leaders, struggling with budget deficits, will be looking to the new governor for help balancing their budgets.<\/p>\n

Families will be eager to see if the campaign promises of expanded financial aid for their college-bound students come true.<\/p>\n

The governor could oversee a California Department of Education reorganization that minimizes the role of the superintendent of public instruction.<\/p>\n

California\u2019s next governor <\/a>will inherit school district budget shortfalls, declining school enrollment and pressure to preserve education programs championed by Gov. Gavin Newsom. Voters may also elect a state schools chief with a dramatically reduced role<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Although education has not been a central issue<\/a> in California\u2019s crowded gubernatorial race, the next governor will face major decisions about school funding, college affordability and potential changes at the California Department of Education.\u00a0<\/p>\n

District leaders, struggling with financial deficits, will be looking to Sacramento for help balancing their budgets. Families will be eager to see if the campaign promises of expanded financial aid for their college-bound students come true.<\/p>\n

The next governor will likely face high expectations from taxpayers and school districts, despite budget constraints. The new governor will succeed Newsom, who made education a priority by significantly increasing per-pupil funding, investing in community schools, expanding universal transitional kindergarten, providing free school meals for all students, increasing after-school and summer programs, supporting teacher recruitment efforts and approving legislation that changed how children are taught to read.<\/p>\n

Soon after taking on the new role, the governor may also have to execute a plan to move oversight of the California Department of Education from the state superintendent of public instruction to a new education commission<\/a>, if it is approved by the Legislature. <\/p>\n

How are they polling?<\/p>\n

Democrat Xavier Becerra<\/a>, the former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, is leading the race, with 23% support, according to a Public Policy Institute of California poll<\/a> released May 27. He is followed closely by Republican Steve Hilton<\/a>, a political commentator and former adviser to U.K. Prime Minister<\/a> David Cameron<\/a>, with 20%; Democrat Tom Steyer<\/a>, a billionaire investor, with 15%; Republican Chad Bianco<\/a>, the Riverside County sheriff, with 13%; and\u00a0Democrat Katie Porter,<\/a> a former congressional representative, with 12% of voter support.<\/p>\n

Although 61 candidates are on the ballot, polling suggests most of the other candidates have garnered little voter support.<\/p>\n

The race looks different than it did earlier this year. Democrat Eric Swalwell<\/a>, former U.S. representative for California\u2019s 14th congressional district, was the front-runner before he dropped out on April 12 following allegations of sexual misconduct. Former State Controller Betty Yee also dropped out in April due to lack of financial and voter support.<\/p>\n

Voters appear less excited about the race for superintendent of public instruction<\/a> than they do for the gubernatorial race. A voter survey<\/a> released in April by the PPIC found that none of the 10 candidates for the office had more than 10% of support among likely voters. About a third of the voters surveyed said they didn\u2019t know who they would vote for in the race.<\/p>\n

According to the survey, the leading contenders include San Diego Unified school board President Richard Barrera<\/a>, Chino Valley Unified school board President Sonja Shaw<\/a>, Assembly member Al Muratsuchi<\/a>, former State Sen. Josh Newman<\/a>, former Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon<\/a>, Los Angeles Community College District board member Nichelle Henderson<\/a> and San Francisco public school teacher Ainye Long<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The next superintendent of public instruction may have a completely different role if lawmakers approve legislation<\/a> transferring oversight of the California Department of Education from the elected superintendent to a new education commission.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Instead of running the department, the superintendent would likely be charged with evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of state education programs.<\/p>\n

The two top vote-getters in both races will advance to the Nov. 3 general election.<\/p>\n

EdSource election 2026 coverage<\/p>\n

The June 2 California Primary Election promises to be a big one for Californians and public education, and EdSource will be your guide to where candidates stand on key education issues.<\/p>\n

Explore our\u00a0election coverage<\/a>, including our\u00a0superintendent\u00a0candidate guide<\/a> and the latest campaign finance filing<\/a>. <\/p>\n

Candidate profiles in the race for state superintendent of public instruction:<\/p>\n

EdSource hosted forums on April 21 and 22 with candidates discussing issues affecting students, families and schools across California.\u00a0Watch here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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