Sonja Shaw, a candidate for California superintendent of public instruction, stated she is "energized and focused" heading into Tuesday's election and is prepared to assume office, vowing to challenge recent legislative changes that diminish the superintendent's power. Shaw, who is the Chino Valley Unified school board president, is running against San Diego Unified school board president Richard Barrera. Shaw led a 10-candidate field in the primary election, securing more than 250,000 votes over Barrera.
Shaw told the California Post that parents and families are seeking schools that deliver tangible results in reading, writing, and math, and that ensure fairness and safety for girls. "I'm grateful for the support and ready to get to work," she said.
Despite running as a Republican in a predominantly Democratic state, Shaw believes her focus on core educational issues transcends partisan divides. "The core problems aren’t partisan," Shaw stated. "Less than half of California students can’t read and write at grade level. Families want transparency on what’s being taught and how money is spent. Girls deserve fair competition and dignity in their private spaces."
Shaw's platform emphasizes a return to "proven instruction" in fundamental subjects, with early intervention for struggling students and transparent reporting on progress. She also indicated that girls' sports and facilities would adhere to Title IX, and resources would be directed toward classrooms and effective teachers rather than administrative bureaucracy.
The race has seen discussions around issues such as transgender athletes, parental rights, standardized testing, and Donald Trump, though Trump is not on the ballot. Barrera has attempted to link Shaw to Trump, a characterization Shaw denies.
Whoever wins will inherit a significantly altered role. Assembly Bill 181, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, transfers control of the California Department of Education to an appointed education commissioner starting Jan. 15, 2027. The elected superintendent will retain the title but lose direct management of the department, instead serving on the State Board of Education, the UC Board of Regents, and the community college board.
Shaw views this change as unconstitutional, stating, "It is my belief that the change is not consistent with our state’s constitution, which established this as an independent role accountable to the people. To that effect, I will challenge the implementation of this law through the courts if elected."
She maintains that the superintendent's office, even with reduced administrative power, can still serve as an independent voice to "publish results, call out waste, demand fiscal transparency and push for a back-to-basics focus in our schools."
Shaw gained prominence during disputes in Chino Valley regarding parental notification policies and transgender athletes. Barrera, a senior policy adviser at the state Department of Education, has advocated for protecting LGBTQ+ students and supports increased school funding, smaller class sizes, and more counselors and nurses.
Shaw's campaign has framed the election as a critical moment for academic standards, urging voters to support a return to fundamental education principles for California's students.