Richard Barrera
Democratic candidate for Na in California
California Superintendent of Public Instruction winner?
$1.7K
NOV 7, 2026
General Election
Voters choose the office holder.
Live Odds — California Superintendent of Public Instruction winner?
Current prediction-market probability for the candidate, updated as market prices change.
79%chance to win
$1.7KNOV 7, 2026Candidate Overview
Key details about the candidate’s background, party, office sought and current campaign.
Current roleSchool Board Member
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyProgressive Democrat
GenderMale
LocationCalifornia
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BackgroundSan Diego Unified School District Board Member (District D)
EducationEl Cajon Valley High School (graduate)
Notable personal detailsRichard Barrera is a San Diego Unified School District Board of Education member representing District D, first elected in 2008 and re-elected multiple times, most recently in 2024. He has served as board president and is also a senior advisor at the California Department of Education under State Superintendent Tony Thurmond. He has a background in labor and community organizing, including serving as secretary-treasurer of the San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council. He earned a B.A. in history from the University of California, San Diego and a Master of Public Policy from Harvard Kennedy School.
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Political Positions
Economy & Taxes
Barrera supports raising revenue from wealthy taxpayers and directing that money into public schools. He also calls for increased education funding, reinvestment in California’s public schools, and more local funding measures to support schools.
Immigration & Border
Barrera has publicly supported protecting immigrant families and students from immigration enforcement impacts, including school pick-up and drop-off zones as sanctuary zones off limits to ICE. He has described immigration raids as harmful to school attendance and school community trust, and his campaign materials emphasize protecting immigrant students and equal access regardless of immigration status.
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Climate & Energy
Richard Barrera has backed climate-focused school district actions, including a youth climate action resolution and a district climate plan commitment to 100 percent renewable energy by 2035. His 2026 candidate statement also says he helped secure voter approval for replacing aging schools with environmentally sustainable buildings.
Public Safety & Guns
Supports banning assault weapons and argues that school safety requires addressing access to firearms, not relying only on school security measures. Describes sensible gun policy as including restrictions on assault weapons and says people should not have access to those weapons.
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