State Superintendent Tony Thurmond is positioning himself as one of the most progressive candidates in a crowded Democratic field for California governor. Scott and Marisa sit down with Thurmond to discuss his vision for the state and why he believes his experience in nonprofits and as the California’s top education official puts him ahead of his fellow contenders.
Thurmond also reflects on his upbringing — navigating poverty as an Afro-Latino kid who relied on public assistance programs — and how it prepared him to be California’s next governor.
This interview is part of a series of conversations with the 2026 gubernatorial candidates for California. The primary election is June 2.
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