2025/2026 Candidate Endorsements
2025/2026 State Candidate Endorsements
For over 50 years, Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA) has been at the forefront of advancing and electing leaders who reflect our values of equity, justice, and community empowerment. Our endorsements represent more than a political choice — they are a commitment to uplifting candidates who will fight for policies that strengthen Black women, families, and communities across California.
Below you will find BWOPA’s current list of endorsed candidates. Each has demonstrated alignment with our mission and dedication to creating lasting change in the areas of economic security, education, health, and criminal justice reform.
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Tony Thurmond for Governor of California
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Throughout his career, Tony has demonstrated unwavering commitment to working families, grounded in service, integrity, and results. As a lifetime BWOPA member and former BWOPA Man of the Year, he has long stood shoulder to shoulder with Black women in the fight for equity and justice. From local government to the State Assembly to his tenure as California’s Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tony has delivered transformative policies—advancing universal school meals, expanding access to health care, investing in educators, and creating paid pathways for young people. At a critical moment for our state and nation, BWOPA PAC believes Tony Thurmond’s leadership is exactly what California needs. We are proud to support his historic candidacy to become California’s first Black Governor. |
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Nichelle Henderson CA Superintendent for Public Instruction
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Nichelle Henderson is a college faculty and union organizer that advocates for and builds capacity around the issues of education, labor, women's reproductive health and political empowerment. As a Member of the Los Angeles Community College District Board, Nichelle has been a tireless advocate for students and educators. Today, we are seeing relentless attacks on public education, including dictating what our students can read and learn in the classroom, from the Trump administration and its allies. Will you join us and elect Nichelle as our next Superintendent? |
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Lauren Babb Tomlinson for US Congress
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Lauren is a dynamic advocate whose leadership, policy acumen, and commitment to equity have long distinguished her as a powerful voice for women, families, and underserved communities. As a proud alumna of BWOPA’s Dezie Woods-Jones (DWJ) Public Policy Fellowship, Lauren embodies the very mission of our organization — developing, elevating, and advancing Black women leaders who drive real change. |
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Hon. Steven Bradford
for Insurance Commissioner
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Steven Bradford long-standing leadership in the California State Legislature — particularly his steadfast advocacy on issues impacting the Black community — has been unmatched. From his pioneering role in developing California’s historic Reparations Recommendations to his authorship of key legislation advancing public safety, criminal justice reform, economic opportunity, and protections for communities most in need, Senator Bradford has consistently delivered results rooted in equity and accountability.
As California faces mounting challenges in its insurance market, we are confident that Senator Bradford brings the experience, integrity, and vision required to protect consumers and ensure fairness for every Californian. BWOPA PAC stands firmly with Steven Bradford as he continues his important work championing justice, access, and economic security for all. |
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ReElect Malia for State Controller
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Malia has dedicated her career to public service, focused on making our public dollars work for each and every one of us. From her time on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors and CA Board of Equalization to now as State Controller, Malia has been a steadfast advocate for accountability over our hard earned taxes, and a champion for women and working families. Malia will serve as an independent budget hawk bringing visibility, insight, and equity into how the State spends your money. With a second a term, we know she will push the envelope further on behalf of 40 millions Californians. Can we count on you to re-elect Malia as State Controller? |
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Hon. Michael Tubbs for Lt. Governor
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BWOPA PAC is proud to endorse Michael Tubbs for Lieutenant Governor. His groundbreaking leadership as Mayor of Stockton and his statewide advocacy for economic mobility, guaranteed income, and equity-centered policymaking have transformed lives and set new standards for what bold, community-rooted public service can achieve. Mayor Tubbs has been a steadfast champion for working families, marginalized communities, and those too often excluded from opportunity. Join BWOPA PAC in supporting Mayor Tubbs as our next Lt. Governor? |
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Esmeralda Soria for State Senate
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“A proud member of Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA) through the Fresno / Joaquin Valley Chapter, Assemblymember Esmeralda Soria is a proven champion for Central Valley women, workers, and families. She has delivered meaningful progress on affordable housing, healthcare access, economic mobility, public safety, and educational opportunity—policies that uplift working people and strengthen our region. BWOPA PAC is proud to support her leadership and urges voters to elect Esmeralda Soria to the State Senate.” |
Written by LaNiece Jones
August 24, 2025