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The nonprofit Contemporary Policy Institute (CPI), in partnership with the American Association of University Women of CA, is proud to present an online, public forum for voters to hear directly from candidates for the California Superintendent of Public Instruction. Seven of 10 candidates are confirmed: Richard Barrera, Wendy Castaneda-Leal, Nichelle M. Henderson, Frank Lara, Gus Mattammal, Al Muratsuchi and Anthony Rendon. 

This role is an important, high-profile elected position responsible for leading the California Department of Education and overseeing public education for more than 6 million K-12 students. 

“Educating our young people is the most important thing the State of California does,” says Forum Moderator Andy Thorburn, CPI President.  

The State of California spends more than a third of its estimated $248.3 billion General Fund Budget on K-12 education. The state Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) is an important, high-profile elected position responsible for leading the California Department of Education (CDE) and overseeing public education for more than 6 million K-12 students.

In the upcoming June Primary Election, Californians will be voting for a new superintendent. The top two vote-getters will advance to the General Election in November. To help voters with this critical decision, CPI and co-host AAUW California are hosting a free, open-to-the-public online candidate forum.

All declared candidates have been invited to share their views on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 9 am to 10:30am. Seven of 10 candidates are confirmed to participate: Richard Barrera, Nichelle M. Henderson, Frank Lara, Wendy Casteneda Leal, Gus Mattammal, Al Maratsuchi, and Anthony Rendon. Not attending due to schedule conflict: Ainye Long, Josh Newman, and Sonja Shaw.

Pre-registration is required at https://www.mobilize.us/cpihub/event/924105/.

Can’t attend? Sign up anyway, and we’ll send you the video.