Keeping Promises
Actively advocating for high-quality education for CA students, parent voice, and teacher support.
Friends,
In 2022, I ran for California State Superintendent of Public Instruction because I believed our public education system desperately needed bold leadership and a renewed focus on what matters most—our children and their future. I was honored to earn over 3.2 million votes from Californians across the state who were ready for change, despite being outspent by millions of dollars from entrenched interests desperate to maintain the status quo.
Since then, I have continued to advocate for better education policy and stronger parental involvement through my work at California Policy Center. We have been supporting local school boards, mentoring leaders, fighting for high-quality education options and providing resources to help parents take back control of their children’s education. From classroom safety and fiscal transparency to curriculum reform and parental notification policies, I’ve stayed in the trenches and continue to travel to every corner of the state to be a voice for parents and students, committed to helping communities win real victories where it matters most—at the local level.
As many of you know, I had been prayerfully considering another run for State Superintendent in 2026. I’ve received an outpouring of encouragement from people throughout California urging me to run again. But after deep reflection and heartfelt conversations with my wife and our five children, I’ve made the decision that I will not be a candidate for the 2026 election.
This was not an easy decision. But I believe I can have a greater impact by continuing to mentor reform-minded school board members, equipping parents with tools and training, and helping grow the local, parent-led movement that is gaining strength across our state. I’m filled with hope when I see courageous moms and dads stepping up to serve their communities. We are finally putting parents back into the education equation—and it’s working.
Although I'm not running for office, I still face the financial aftermath of my 2022 campaign. Due to an unfortunate incident involving a FedEx driver who stole over $35,000 in donations from a package I was sending to my treasurer—most of which I’ve never recovered—I am still carrying approximately $25,000 in campaign debt. I humbly ask for your support in helping me close that chapter by contributing whatever you can—whether that’s $25, $100, $500 or the maximum of $8,100 from an individual or corporation. I'm sincerely grateful for any amount you can give because I understand that it likely comes at a personal sacrifice.
While your donation will not fund another campaign, it will help me finish well, with integrity, and continue supporting the movement we’ve built together. Once I reach my fundraising goal of $25,000 dollars, I’ll close my 2022 campaign account for good and move on to assisting other candidates to win important seats across the state. I’m as committed as ever to fighting for academic excellence, transparency, and accountability in our schools. Stay tuned for important endorsement announcements.
I’m grateful for your continued prayers, encouragement, and partnership. We may not be on a ballot in 2026, but we are still very much in the fight—and together, we will keep winning.
With resolve and gratitude,
Lance Christensen
