Top California schools official Tony Thurmond announces run for governor against Newsom partner

California’s top schools official announced he is running for governor of the Golden State in 2026 in an effort to succeed term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA).

California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced his gubernatorial run in a video posted to X, formerly known as Twitter, on Tuesday.

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“I didn’t come from money, power, or influence. I’m running for Governor to be a voice for those who need one — because California may be working for millionaires and billionaires but for the rest of California — we need real change,” Thurmond wrote.

The video — featuring clips of former California Govs. Ronald Reagan and Pat Brown, among others — contrasts his life story to previous governors of the Golden State.

Thurmond was elected to his position as superintendent of public instruction in 2018 and 2022 after serving in the state assembly from 2014 to 2018.

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The head of schools in the Golden State becomes the latest entry into the 2026 gubernatorial race despite the election being more than three years away. Democratic Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis launched her gubernatorial campaign in April, while state Attorney General Rob Bonta is reportedly considering a run. Former state Controller Betty Yee also announced her candidacy earlier this year.

Newsom was overwhelmingly elected in 2018 and 2022 and survived a recall effort in 2021 but cannot run for a third term due to the state’s term limits. Rumors have swirled about Newsom making a run for the White House, but the California governor has denied any talk of a 2024 bid and is supporting President Joe Biden for reelection. If Newsom were to run and win the presidency in 2024, Kounalakis would ascend to the governor’s mansion based on state law.