Barrera seeks California schools chief post Nov. 3

Richard Barrera, a San Diego Unified School Board member since 2008, is running for California superintendent of public instruction in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election.

He faces Sonja Shaw in the nonpartisan statewide race, according to the California Secretary of State’s voter guide. Voters in Walnut Creek will help choose the state’s elected education leader, whose responsibilities include advocating for public schools with the Legislature and governor.

The Walnut Creek Record candidate questionnaire was sent to Richard Barrera’s campaign. No response was received as of Oct. 26, 2026. The policy positions below are drawn from his public campaign website and public records.

Candidate information

Political affiliation: Democrat; the office is nonpartisan.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in history, University of California, San Diego; master’s degree in public policy, Harvard University.
Background: San Diego native and graduate of El Cajon Valley High School.

His school district biography describes his family’s immigration history: His father came from Colombia, and his grandparents immigrated through Ellis Island.

Experience and public service

Barrera represents District D on the San Diego Unified School Board and serves as board president. He was first elected in 2008 and reelected in 2012, 2016, 2020 and 2024, according to his district biography.

His career also includes community and labor organizing and service as secretary-treasurer of the San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council.

The California Department of Education lists him as a senior policy adviser. His district biography describes work on educator housing, student attendance, immigrant students and student wellness.

In 2022, the San Diego County School Boards Association named him School Board Member of the Year, according to the district.

On the issues

Barrera’s proposals below are drawn from his campaign priorities page.

School funding: Barrera supports increasing ongoing education funding, advocating for federal support for special education and helping districts pursue local funding measures. His platform also calls for reviewing spending to direct more resources to classrooms.

“We need serious, long-term investment in our education system that ensures every student gets the education they deserve,” his website states.

Student mental health: Barrera proposes expanding access to counselors and school health services, including mental health care. He supports peer counseling in every high school and including students’ social and emotional development in measures of school success.

Teacher recruitment and housing: Barrera supports paid teaching apprenticeships, tuition assistance for people who commit to teaching in California public schools and partnerships between districts and colleges.

He also proposes helping districts obtain funding for employee housing and connecting them with development and labor partners.

“Teachers shouldn’t have to choose between serving their students and affording a place to live,” his website states.

Early childhood education: Barrera proposes free preschool and other early education options for all California 3-year-olds. His platform also calls for better compensation and support for early childhood educators.

College and career access: Barrera supports making university-preparatory coursework available at every high school. He also proposes expanding technical education, apprenticeships and vocational programs for students pursuing careers that do not require a four-year degree.

Inclusion and equity: Barrera supports protecting LGBTQ students from discrimination and bullying. He also proposes expanding programs that teach students in two languages.