Barrera and Shaw Will Contest Superintendent Election
The November 2026 race features candidates with contrasting visions for California's schools.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Administration
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Richard Barrera and Sonja Shaw are set to face off in the November 2026 nonpartisan election for California superintendent of public instruction. The candidates hold diverging platforms as they campaign to lead an office recently transitioned to an oversight role.
Why it matters
The election reflects a broader debate over the priorities of California education, pitting Barrera’s focus on teacher wages against Shaw’s push to centralize parental influence. These campaigns occur as the state prepares to shift control of the California Department of Education to a governor-appointed director in 2027.
In the 2024-25 school year, San Diego Unified saw 56% English and 45% math proficiency, while Chino Valley Unified reported 62% English and 49.8% math proficiency. Barrera has secured over $600,000 in contributions, compared to $500,000 for Shaw.
The players
Richard Barrera
He currently serves as the president of the San Diego Unified school board.
Sonja Shaw
She currently serves as the president of the Chino Valley Unified school board.
Gavin Newsom
He is the Governor of California who signed legislation modifying the superintendent's role.
The details
Barrera, the San Diego Unified school board president, emphasizes increasing teacher compensation and tracking educational spending. Conversely, Shaw, president of the Chino Valley Unified school board, advocates for banning transgender athletes from girls' sports and increasing parental involvement in school policy.
Timeline
July 2026: Legislation reduced the superintendent role to an oversight position.
2024-25 school year: Academic proficiency data was recorded for the candidate home districts.
November 2026: The election for California superintendent of public instruction takes place.
January 2027: Control of the California Department of Education shifts to a governor-appointed director.
Need to Know
This election follows the July 2026 legislation that stripped the superintendent of direct control, reducing the office to an oversight role. The result marks a departure from historical governance, as authority shifts to a governor-appointed director beginning in January 2027.
Residents should note that regardless of the election winner, the superintendent will hold an oversight role rather than direct control over department operations. This change affects how local districts interact with state educational policies and administrative mandates starting in 2027.
The takeaway
Voters are electing an official whose primary function will be oversight rather than broad executive management of the state's schools. This contest highlights the ongoing debate regarding local versus state control in California's K-12 education system.
What happens next
The election will be held in November 2026, followed by the formal transition of department control to a governor-appointed director in January 2027.
Further reading
For more background on state leadership, visit the California Administration section.
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