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Making Education a Priority in California’s

2026 Elections

Making Education a Priority in California’s

2026 Elections

California’s Students Deserve Bold Leadership & Real Solutions 

Despite California’s dedication to innovation and notable economic standing, significant shortcomings in the state’s education systems are continuing to hold back our state’s prosperity and students of color, low-income students, English learners, and other underserved populations. 
The Alliance for Candidate Engagement in Education is a group of prominent nonpartisan 501 (c) (3) education, civil rights, and legal advocacy organizations in California that are aligned on the educational equity goals of improving student outcomes and increasing access, quality, funding, and workforce investments in our early learning, TK-12, and higher education systems in our state.  Together, we’re calling on all candidates to commit to real solutions and to ensure education and California’s students are at the forefront of the 2026 election.

A Critical Moment for California’s Future 

In November 2026, California voters will elect a new governor, lieutenant governor, and superintendent of public instruction. Three leadership roles with profound influence over education policy, funding, and practice across the state. As the election cycle gains momentum, The Alliance for Candidate Engagement in Education, a coalition of nonpartisan 501 (c) (3) education, civil rights, and legal advocacy organizations, is coming together to ensure that education is front and center in the minds of every candidate.

Overview Brief

Education Equity Issue Briefs

This set of briefing papers presents an Education Agenda for the next five years for
California’s leaders and the public to consider.

An Education Equity Agenda for California 

The accompanying briefing papers outline a set of key problems and evidence-based solutions needed to improve California’s education systems equitably and effectively.
Download Overview Brief

Modernizing Statewide Coordination 

Improve alignment across education systems to better serve students from early learning through college.
Key Insights: 
  • California lacks a statewide coordinating body to align TK–12, higher education, and workforce systems, limiting progress toward shared goals and student success. 
  • Policy solutions include establishing a higher education coordinating entity with authority to advise state leaders, set strategic goals, and oversee funding, data, and accountability across systems. 
  • Coordinated governance would improve transfer pathways, close equity gaps, and ensure investments support college access, workforce preparation, and economic mobility for all Californians. 
Download Overview Brief

Diversifying California’s Educator Workforce: State Policy Solutions to Advance Equity and Excellence 

Support policies that recruit and retain diverse, well-prepared educators.
Key Insights: 
  • California’s teacher workforce lacks diversity, with systemic barriers limiting entry and retention for educators of color. 
  • Policy solutions include raising teacher pay, expanding affordable credentialing pathways, and supporting mentorship and inclusive school climates. 
  • Statewide coordination and data systems must be strengthened to track progress and guide investments in diversifying the educator pipeline.
Download Overview Brief

Implementing Early Education Rate Reform: Fully Funding the Mixed-Delivery System of Early Learning and Care  

Affordable, high-quality early learning is out of reach for many families. Reforming provider reimbursement rates is key to expanding access and improving quality.

Key Insights: 
  • Most eligible children are not enrolled due to limited funding and access. 
  • Reimbursement rates don’t reflect the true cost of providing quality care. 
  • Low wages and unstable funding threaten the early learning workforce and system quality.  
Download Overview Brief

Improving Higher Education Affordability 

Reduce financial barriers to college completion, especially for low-income students.
Key Insights: 
  • California’s financial aid system needs modernization to prioritize low-income students and cover full college costs, including housing, food, and transportation. 
  • Policy solutions include expanding Cal Grant and Middle Class Scholarship programs, increasing emergency aid, and investing in basic needs resources.  
  • Statewide coordination and outreach are essential to ensure equitable access to financial aid and student support services 
Download Overview Brief

Ensuring Adequate & Stable Funding for Public Education: Restoring California’s Leadership in Funding Public Education 

Ensure schools have the necessary resources to serve all students equitably.
Key Insights: 
  • California ranks low in per-pupil spending despite its economic strength. 
  • Existing funding formulas improve equity but don’t guarantee adequacy. 
  • Long-term investment and new revenue strategies are needed to meet student needs. 
Download Overview Brief

Events & Engagement Opportunities

Candidate Questionnaires

Where Do They Stand? 

Education is an essential issue in California’s future, and voters deserve to know where candidates stand. We are inviting individuals running for governor, lieutenant governor, and superintendent of public instruction to respond to a set of nonpartisan questionnaires focused on key education topics.

These topics include: 

  1. Early Education Rate Reform
  2. Adequate & Stable Funding for Public Education
  3. Diversifying the Educator Workforce
  4. Higher Education Affordability
  5. Statewide Coordination Across Education Systems
What You’ll Find

View unedited answers from candidates who chose to participate.