By Joe W. Bowers Jr.
As he campaigns for the 2026 governor’s race, Tony Thurmond says California is at a crossroads and needs leadership grounded in lived experience, accountability and practical problem-solving.
A former social worker and former state assemblymember representing
Richmond and parts of Contra Costa County, Thurmond is
serving his second term as California’s state superintendent of public instruction, overseeing the nation’s largest public school system. He said the role has afforded him the opportunity to continue work focused on education, equity and expanding opportunity — themes he is promoting in his bid for governor.
California Black Media (CBM) spoke with Thurmond about his campaign and priorities. His answers have been edited for length and clarity.
What made you decide to run for governor of California?
It goes back to my experience. I’m looking at the affordability crisis where people can’t afford to pay for anything and they’re going to be driven out of the state.”
As governor, I plan to provide a tax credit to working people and middle-class people in our state, so they would have more in their pocket to pay for the high cost of gas, groceries and housing.
I look back on my own experience as someone born in this state into a family that struggled — where we depended on public assistance, food stamps, free lunches and government cheese.
You’re entering a crowded field with several well-known candidates. What sets you apart from the rest of the race?
I’ve got specific plans for housing, specific plans for helping to address homelessness, and specific plans to create job opportunities that are good-paying jobs so that Californians can stay here.
I’ve had 18 years as an elected official — council member, school board member, state legislator, twice as state superintendent. I also have lived experiences. I know what it’s like to go without food. I know what it’s like to not be able to pay bills and to have to tighten your belt or work a second job. You can’t tell me that everyone in this race has that livedexperience.
Last year, Gov. Newsom pushed to redraw California’s congressional maps ahead of the 2026 elections. Did you support that effort?
I supported Prop. 50 wholeheartedly. I sponsored the legislation to help it get on the ballot. I campaigned up and down the state for Prop. 50. I believe in it.
California is facing a significant budget gap. How should the state close it without harming working families?
I think we have to approach it in different ways. We have to live within our budget.
There are billions lost in insurance fraud in this state every single year. We lose billions inEDD fraud every year. We have to stamp out the fraud and have more enforcement of employers who mischaracterize the employment of their employees and cost the state money.
I’m open to the idea of a wealth tax to provide for some of the services that we need. California currently does not have an inheritance tax, and for those who inherit large sums of money, a tax on that transaction could generate billions.
Deportations and immigration enforcement are major concerns. What role should the state play?
California must continue to protect immigrant families, especially children, while focusing enforcement on serious crimes.
We have to make sure that families feel safe sending their kids to school and accessing services.
There’s growing momentum around reparations in California. Do you support moving those recommendations into law?
I support reparative justice and believe California has a responsibility to address historic and ongoing harms.
We have to acknowledge the harm and make real investments in housing, education, mental health, and economic opportunity.
Crime and public safety remain top concerns for many Californians. What is the state getting right — and wrong?
The only way we’re going to really address crime issues is to have a combination of police officers who are accountable to the community and intervention programs that create job opportunities. I don’t think we can police our way out of all the challenges.
Addressing mental health and economic instability is also essential to long-term safety.
Housing costs and affordability continue to push families out of California. What would you do differently as governor?
I have a plan to build two million housing units by the year 2030, using the surplus property that exists on school district land in every county in this state.
I’m working on a $10 billion plan to build affordable housing. Families should not have to leave California to find stability and opportunity.
California faces increasing risks from wildfires, drought, and climate change. How should the state balance environmental goals with affordability and jobs?
We have to build, build, build. We can create clean energy jobs and protect communities at the same time.
What do you love most about California?
Our state’s promise of opportunity.
This life has given me so much and helped me overcome very humble beginnings. That’s the California story, the California dream.
If you’re elected governor, how do you want Californians to remember your leadership?
I hope to be remembered as an honest and caring leader.
I want the 40 million people in this state to say Tony Thurmond was a great governor. We may not have agreed with everything, but they knew I cared.
Editor’s Note:
This California Black Media Q&A series with California’s gubernatorial candidates is intended to inform voters about where the candidates for governor stand on key issues. The opinions, assertions, and claims expressed are those of the candidates and have not been independently verified; they may or may not be supported by publicly available data.