Tony Thurmond

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Thurmond earned his bachelor's degree in psychology from Temple University. He went on to earn his master's degree in social work and master's in law and social policy from Bryn Mawr College.[1]

Professionally, Thurmond has pursued a career in social work. At the time of his tenure, he was the youth education director at the Lincoln Child Center. He served on the Richmond City Council from 2005 to 2008 and as Council Liaison to Richmond’s Youth Commission and Workforce Investment Board and the Council Liaison to the West Contra Costa Unified School District. He was also a member of the California League of Cities Environmental Policy Committee and the West Contra Costa Transportation Advisory Committee. He was a Fellow in the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Children and Family Fellowship program.[1]

Additionally, he served on the West Contra Costa County School Board from 2008 to 2012.[1]

Tony Thurmond did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

Tony Thurmond did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

What would be your top three priorities, if elected?

1. Lead California's fight against Donald Trump and Betsy DeVos's anti-education agenda: I will fight to keep public schools public, protect California's ban on school vouchers, and eliminate for-profit charter schools. 2. Invest in great teachers: We should give teachers the flexibility to do more than just teach to the test. I believe schools should teach students creativity and critical thinking skills, including improved arts and music education. 3. Prepare students for the jobs of the 21st century: I will ensure every California student has the resources they need to develop their capabilities in science, technology, engineering, and math to succeed in our fast-growing, 21st century economy.[14][15]

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? Why?

I am passionate about improving public education for all of California's kids. Education saved my life, enabling me to overcome humble beginnings. My mother emigrated from Panama to San Jose to teach, and raised four children on her own until she lost her battle to cancer. I was raised by a cousin whom I'd never met and who ensured I received a great education. It was my public school education that prepared me for college, where I became student body president, and for a twenty-year career as a social worker and twelve years working in schools. Ultimately I was inspired to serve on the West Contra Costa Unified School District Board, the Richmond City Council, and now in the California State Assembly, where I have moved millions of dollars into local public schools. As Superintendent, I'll work to make California's public schools the best in the nation so that every child can succeed. Learn more about my plan at www.tonythurmond.com.Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; invalid names, e.g. too many[15]

Thurmond submitted the following statement to [the profile publisher]"[1]

I am running for Assembly because I believe that California can do better—in public education, job creation, worker protections, crime prevention and healthcare accessibility and affordability. If I am elected, I plan to continue my work of improving our schools, reducing dropout rates, providing youth with alternatives to crime and drugs, promoting family wellness and access to affordable healthcare, supporting the rights of California’s teachers and public employees and creating sustainable jobs and job-training programs to give youth real opportunities to succeed in a 21st century workforce.[15]