California’s next governor to reshape education funding decisions

With school district budget deficits, declining enrollment, and pressure to keep education programs intact, California’s next governor will steer some of the state’s biggest education choices. The race is led by Xavier Becerra at 23%, followed by Steve Hilton

On the May 5, 2026 debate stage in Monterey Park, the candidates talked like the state’s next education chapter would be written soon—because for school districts already balancing budget shortfalls, it may be written almost immediately.

California’s next governor will inherit school district budget shortfalls. declining school enrollment. and pressure to protect education programs championed by Gov. Gavin Newsom. Education has not been a central focus in the crowded gubernatorial race. but the winner will still face major decisions about school funding. college affordability. and what changes—if any—arrive at the California Department of Education.

District leaders struggling with deficits will be watching Sacramento closely for help balancing their budgets. Families, meanwhile, will be looking to whether campaign promises of expanded financial aid for college-bound students become real.

Newsom’s tenure has already set a high bar. The governor increased per-pupil funding significantly. invested in community schools. expanded universal transitional kindergarten. provided free school meals for all students. increased after-school and summer programs. supported teacher recruitment efforts. and approved legislation that changed how children are taught to read. When the next governor takes office, preserving that direction—while paying for it—will be the immediate test.

The next governor could also be asked to execute another major shift shortly after taking office: a plan to move oversight of the California Department of Education from the superintendent of public instruction to a new education commission. if the Legislature approves it. If that happens. the office of superintendent would likely see its role reduced—changing not only who runs the department. but how education programs are evaluated statewide.

That matters in a state where expectations for schools are already high and where districts are dealing with financial constraints. In a race where education has sometimes taken a back seat. the winning candidate may still end up presiding over decisions that directly shape classrooms. student services. and the resources schools depend on.

Polling shows voters have different levels of enthusiasm depending on the job. For governor, Democrat Xavier Becerra—former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services—is leading with 23% support. according to a Public Policy Institute of California poll released May 27. He is followed closely by Republican Steve Hilton, a political commentator and former adviser to U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron, with 20%. Democrat Tom Steyer, a billionaire investor, has 15%, while Republican Chad Bianco, the Riverside County sheriff, has 13%. Democrat Katie Porter, a former congressional representative, has 12% of voter support.

Although 61 candidates are on the ballot, polling suggests most of the other candidates have garnered little voter support. The race also looks different than it did earlier this year: Democrat Eric Swalwell, former U.S. representative for California’s 14th congressional district. was the front-runner before he dropped out on April 12 following allegations of sexual misconduct. Former State Controller Betty Yee also dropped out in April due to lack of financial and voter support.

While the race for governor draws clear competition. the campaign for superintendent of public instruction appears to be drawing less attention. A voter survey released in April by the PPIC found that none of the 10 candidates for the office had more than 10% support among likely voters. About a third of the voters surveyed said they didn’t know who they would vote for in the race.

Among the candidates listed in that survey. the leading contenders include San Diego Unified school board President Richard Barrera. Chino Valley Unified school board President Sonja Shaw. Assembly member Al Muratsuchi. former State Sen. Josh Newman. former Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon. Los Angeles Community College District board member Nichelle Henderson. and San Francisco public school teacher Ainye Long.

The superintendent’s future role may depend on whether lawmakers approve the proposed oversight change. If the Legislature transfers oversight of the California Department of Education from the elected superintendent to a new education commission. the superintendent would likely shift from running the department to evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of state education programs. In other words, the person who holds the title could end up with a different job description entirely.

Across both races, the stakes remain the same: the two top vote-getters will advance to the Nov. 3 general election—at a moment when California districts are already dealing with budget deficits. families are weighing the cost of college. and state education leadership could be restructured before the new term even fully settles in.

California education next governor Xavier Becerra Steve Hilton Tom Steyer Chad Bianco Katie Porter Newsom education priorities school funding college affordability California Department of Education reorganization superintendent of public instruction education commission Nov. 3 general election