Equality California Congratulates Richard Barrera on Victory in California State Superintendent Race

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Equality California, the nation's largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, congratulates Richard Barrera on his election as California State Superintendent of Public Instruction. His victory over Chino Valley Unified School District Board President Sonja Shaw ensures that a champion for all students will serve as California's next statewide advocate for public education.

Equality California Executive Director Tony Hoang released the following statement:

"Richard Barrera's victory is a win for California's LGBTQ+ students, their families, and their teachers. These results are a resounding rejection of Sonja Shaw's campaign to turn California's public schools into a political battleground at the expense of LGBTQ+ students.

Voters have made their choice clear: attacking transgender youth is not a path to victory, nor should it ever be. We hope Sonja Shaw takes this defeat as a message to end her political crusade against transgender children once and for all. California voters have rejected her agenda. It's time for her to leave public office and keep her hands off our kids.

This is a victory for every LGBTQ+ kid who has watched adults in positions of power debate whether they deserve to feel safe at school, and for every parent who has had to fight for their child's rights and safety. To those students and families: you deserve schools where you are welcomed, respected and supported. Your future matters, and we will keep fighting for you.

We are proud to congratulate Richard and look forward to working alongside him to strengthen public education and protect all students across California."

As a member of the San Diego Unified School District Board of Education, Barrera supported the creation of the district's Office of Youth Advocacy, implementation of the SAFETY Act and policies supporting LGBTQ+ students. As a senior adviser at the California Department of Education, he has opposed forced outing policies and defended student privacy.

The contrast with Shaw was central to the race. As Chino Valley Unified school board president, Shaw championed a policy requiring disclosure of students' transgender identities without their consent. In September 2024, a San Bernardino County Superior Court ruled that the policy's discriminatory provisions violated California law and the state Constitution's equal protection clause.

Equality California endorsed Barrera in July 2026, citing his commitment to student safety, inclusive schools and the rights of LGBTQ+ young people.

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