Background
Gloria J. Romero earned an associate degree from Barstow Community College, a bachelor's degree from California State University, Long Beach, and a Ph.D. from the University of California, Riverside. Her career experience includes working as an educator.[2]
- Ph.D:
- University of California, Riverside
- Associates:
- Barstow Community College
- Bachelor's:
- California State University, Long Beach
- High school:
- Barstow High School
In their own words
Who are you? Tell us about yourself.
I am the former Majority Leader of the California Senate. I was a Democrat. I walked away after years of trying to reform the Party. As Ronald Reagan said, he didn't leave the party; the party left him. Same for me. I joined the Republican Party because I was fed up with how Democrats completely capitulated to the far-left woke wing of the party. I am a trailblazer in school reform and a strong supporter of parental rights and school choice. I am the author of the historic "Parent Trigger" law in California, which gave parents real rights to transform failing schools. I have been a lifelong educator, named Professor Emeritus at the California State University system. I am a strong advocate for meritocracy, ending social promotion and grade promotion, and the implementation of the science of reading in our schools. I believe that education is the key to the American Dream, which is why I've dedicated my life to education. My mother had a sixth-grade level of education—I hold a PhD. Her life experiences and quest for education for her children shaped my dreams and experiences. I am a businesswoman who understands the challenges of taxation, fees, and maintaining growth in my small business. I am a mother—not a birthing person—and know what a woman is. Hence, I strongly defend Title IX for girls/women in sports. I am Catholic. I am a proud owner of my little rescue dog, Tubby, and a staunch advocate for the humane treatment of animals.
Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?
End one-party monopoly rule in California, which has contributed to the lack of bipartisan efforts to seek common-sense solutions to California's problems. The shutting out of diverse political perspectives and participation has led to excessive taxation, regulations that have strangled small businesses, and an outsized debt. As Lieutenant Governor, I will work with people from both parties to ensure that Californians are represented in the government they pay taxes to.As Lieutenant Governor, I will serve on every segment of higher education in California: as a Regent for the University of California, a Trustee for the CA State University, and as a Governor for the Board of Governors of the Community College system. I am a product of all three, both as a student and a Professor. CA spends almost half its entire state budget on education, yet the student achievement outcomes are in crisis. Over 50% of our students are not at basic levels of proficiency in reading/math and Mississippi has bypassed CA in student achievement. As Lieutenant Governor, I will create a TK-16 education pipeline with a focus on the science of reading, workforce and college preparedness, and meritocracy in education.As Lieutenant Governor, I will actively lead the Coastal and Land Commissions to implement common-sense fire mitigation policies, ensuring California never mismanages a wildfire again. The far-left policies led to the burning down of key, population-dense communities and delayed permitting and rebuilding authorization. I will ensure that we can clear underbrush on a regular basis, enact environmentally protective means of tapping into natural energy sources for California, and prioritize saving lives and homes when a fire erupts. I will work with our Governor to review the necessity of many of our laws and regulations, which have created hardships in homebuilding, driving up the cost of living and decreasing homeownership rates.
What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
As a former Senate leader and widely respected elected official, I have great experience in many aspects of public policy. As I mentioned before, my strongest passion lies in education, particularly in ensuring that California embraces parental rights and offers a wide array of school choice options. I have worked extensively with parents in creating new opportunities for community-based schools.
What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?
California Republican Party
ReformCalifornia
California Young Republicans
California Congress of Republicans
Silicon Valley Chinese Association
Lincoln Clubs throughout California
Vietnamese Americans of Northern California
Santa Monica Republican Women
And so many more!!!!
On the 2026 ballot
Links
Compiled from the candidate’s published profile as of September 30, 2026.
Source(opens in new tab)