CFA Makes Dual Endorsement for California Governor

CFA is endorsing Xavier Becerra and Tony Thurmond for California Governor ahead of the June 2026 Primary Election.

Both candidates have proven track records of partnering with, and delivering results for, CFA members and higher education at large. Becerra and Thurmond made it clear in their questionnaires and interviews that they are aligned with our values and unapologetically center anti-racism and social justice in their work.

“As a racial and social justice union, it is imperative that we support candidates who share our values and are courageous enough to prioritize the resources that Californians deserve,” said Melina Abdullah, CFA Political Action and Legislation Committee chair and CSU Los Angeles professor. “Both Xavier Becerra and Tony Thurmond have a demonstrated and stated commitment to deeply investing in quality, accessible, liberatory public higher education. CFA is excited to offer our endorsement and support.”

CFA invited all 113 filed candidates to participate in our multistage endorsement process. We had meetings where we analyzed and then graded all completed questionnaires using a rubric developed by CFA member leaders.

As a racial and social justice union, it is imperative that we support candidates who share our values and are courageous enough to prioritize the resources that Californians deserve,”

– Melina Abdullah, CFA Political Action and Legislation Committee chair and CSU Los Angeles professor. , CFA Political Action and Legislation Committee chair and CSU Los Angeles professor.

On February 11, ten candidates participated in our Endorsement Forum with CFA officers and members of the Political Action and Legislation Committee. Candidates answered five questions prepared by the officers, councils, and Political Action and Legislation Committee.

“Becerra and Thurmond impressed us with their commitment to workers, higher education, and anti-racism and social justice,” said Margarita Berta-Ávila, CFA president and Sacramento State professor. “We look forward to helping either of them get elected and working with one of them as California’s next Governor.”

Xavier Becerra is a lifelong advocate for working families and equal opportunity in California. The son of Mexican immigrants and a first-generation college graduate, he has spent decades fighting for affordable health care, fair wages, and justice. In Congress, he helped pass the Affordable Care Act; as California’s Attorney General, he defended families and the state’s values by repeatedly suing the Trump Administration; and as U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary, he worked to lower drug costs and expand care. Now running for Governor, Becerra is focused on tackling California’s affordability crisis and building an economy where all can thrive.

During the CFA Endorsement Forum, Becerra said CSU lecturers shouldn’t have to make financial sacrifices to keep teaching. He gave examples of how he has increased pay for undercompensated workers , including putting forward a regulation to give Head Start teachers a $10,000 raise and passing a rule that 80% of Medicaid dollars must go to home care workers.

“I’m running for governor not because I’m gonna promise you to change things,” Becerra said. “It’s because in my previous roles as Secretary of Health and Human Services or as Attorney General, I’ve done these things.”

Tony Thurmond is a dedicated educator and public servant whose life story mirrors his mission: to expand opportunities and uplift underserved communities. Beginning as a social worker, he advanced through roles on the Richmond City Council, the West Contra Costa School Board, and the California State Assembly before being elected the 28th California State Superintendent of Public Instruction in 2018 and reelected in 2022. Today, he leads efforts to secure universal meals, mental-health support, and early-childhood education so that every child in California can thrive.

Thurmond told CFA members he would address the need for reliable funding for the CSU by working on measures to provide permanent revenue for the state. He added that he supports taxing billionaires.

“As a legislator I always prioritized getting more money for the CSU and will work with the legislature as Governor to maximize that,” Thurmond said. “But the most important thing we can do is pass new revenue and again, for the 200 billionaires who are living in the state, their time has come where they must pay more so we have more for higher education, for K-12 education, and for health care.”

The California 2026 Primary Election is June 2. Stay tuned for updates on how CFA members will turn out to help advance Becerra and Thurmond to the November Election.