06/04/2026
Thank You, California!
What an incredible journey this campaign has been. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to every voter, volunteer, supporter, donor, friend, family member, educator, parent, and student who believed in our vision for California’s public schools.
While we did not win this election, earning 3rd place statewide is an accomplishment we can be proud of. We competed against candidates backed by millions of dollars, yet our campaign was powered by something far more meaningful: people.
Every conversation, every shared post, every phone call, every donation, and every vote made a difference. Together, we proved that everyday educators and community voices belong in this conversation.
This is not the end of our movement—it is the beginning. We have built relationships, inspired new advocates, and started important conversations about the future of education in California. There is still work to do, and there is still hope.
Over the next four years, we will continue listening, learning, growing, and fighting for students, families, and educators across our state.
Thank you for believing in me and in what we can accomplish together.
This is not goodbye. This is “see you soon.”
¡Adelante!
Wendy Castañeda-Leal
Candidate for California State Superintendent of Public Instruction
