Los Angeles Community College District Trustee Nichelle Henderson has joined a growing list of candidates who have formally announced their run to become California’s next top schools chief.

The 56-year-old Henderson, who said she’d be the first Black woman to serve as state superintendent of public instruction if elected, has nearly three decades of experience in public education.

Henderson teaches in a California State University teacher preparation program in Fresno. Earlier in her career, she was a teaching assistant in the Los Angeles Unified School District and taught math and science in Compton.

“I stand on the shoulders of generations of educators, teachers and community leaders who taught me the power of courage, conviction and showing up for public schools — especially when it matters most. Now is that moment,” Henderson said in a statement announcing her candidacy on Monday, April 14.

She added: “I am unapologetic about who I am and what I stand for — racial equity, social justice and opportunity for all. I’m not just running to make history. I’m running to create positive change.”

Henderson is seeking to replace current Superintendent Tony Thurmond, who will be termed out next year and is running for governor.

The Democrat from Gardena said her focus is to fully fund public schools and that her priorities include:

• Expanding dual enrollment opportunities to give students access to college and career pathways while in high school;

• Advocating for early education and universal pre-K;

• Strengthening workforce development;

• Ensuring transparency and equity in public education funding; and

• Expanding mental health and wellness services for students.

“Our students deserve schools that are fully funded, inclusive and innovative,” Henderson said. “Our communities deserve a leader who has first-hand experience within and beyond the classroom — from early childhood to college, from classroom conditions to career pathways.”

Henderson is endorsed by Assemblymember Sade Elhawary, D-South Los Angeles, and L.A. County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, according to her campaign.

Eleven people have so far filed statements of intent to run for the position of superintendent of public instruction in 2026, according to the secretary of state’s website.

Among those who have formally announced their candidacies are: Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, D-Torrance, who chairs the Assembly Education Committee; Chino Valley Unified School District board president Sonja Shaw, a Republican who has pushed for conservative policies such as notifying parents if their child identifies as transgender; and former state Sen. Josh Newman, a Democrat who once chaired the Senate Education Committee.

The office of the superintendent of public instruction is considered nonpartisan. Whoever wins the election will head up the California Department of Education, which oversees policies impacting some 5.8 million public school students.

California’s primary is June 2, 2026. The top two vote-getters in the primary, regardless of party affiliation, will face off in the November 2026 election.