PRIMARY ‘26: State Superintendent Thurmond focuses on accessibility for Californians in race for governor (with videos)
Third in a series of introductions of candidates for California governor running in the 2026 Primary. The top two vote-getters in the primary election – regardless of party preference – move on to the general election in November, according to the California Secretary of State.
California State Superintendent Tony Thurmond is the son of an immigrant mother and a veteran father, who lost both of them at a young age.
Growing up in poverty and living off government programs, Thurmond understands what it means to push through adversity, earning his undergraduate degree from Temple University and two bachelor’s degrees from Bryn Mawr College.
“We struggled financially, we didn’t have food in the house most of the time,” Thurmond said in a KNX News’ Beer with a Candidate interview. “I grew up on the free lunch program, on food stamps and on government cheese. And so I’m sensitive to those who are hungry in our state, and that’s why I’ve worked so many programs to establish universal meals for California kids.”
Thurmond moved on to social work, helping to create mental health and housing programs for youth. College access and affordability have been the focus of his campaign.
Thurmond proposed AB 1025 in 2025, which established school-based mental health services for students experiencing trauma and other mental health challenges.
He also sponsored AB 673 in the same year, and established the Unaccompanied Youth Support Grant Program, allowing schools to provide housing and other necessary support to improve youth attendance and academic success.
As we near the 2026 California Primary, Thurmond has been appearing on various talk shows and social media posts to show Californians why he should be governor.
“Right now, I’m working to pass a bill that says kindergarten would be a requirement in California because not everybody goes to kindergarten,” Thurmond said in an interview with podcast host Mrs. Frazzled. “And we don’t want to step on anybody’s personal choices, but as you know, so many kids show up to school in first grade. They’re just not prepared; they haven’t had any exposure to school.”
In April, City Times published the 2026 edition of the City College Community Agenda, a survey that identified issues that students, faculty, staff and community members cared about.
City Times Media is using the results to focus its election reporting, breaking down gubernatorial candidates’ statements shared through official sources and made during debates and forums.
Early survey results identified eight issues that matter most to the City College community.
Here is how Thurmond stands on each.
Thurmond sees himself as someone who understands the struggle of having limited access to resources regarding housing and academics.
He’s determined to assist the working class through his tax cuts, his college access and affordability and his universal childcare, ensuring Californians have the resources they need.
Thurmond is currently polling at 1.4%, currently the lowest of the Democratic candidates running for governor.
Voters should receive their mail ballot between 29 to 7 days before Election Day, according to the San Diego Registrar of Voters.
For more coverage of the 2026 elections, visit sdcitytimes.com.
Update, May 13: Story updated to reflect inclusion of videos.
This story was edited by Nadia Lavin and Rosemary Archer.
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