2025–2026 BWOPA State Candidate Endorsements
For more than five decades, Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA) has stood at the forefront of advancing and electing leaders who embody our core values of equity, justice, and community empowerment. Our endorsements are more than political support—they represent a principled commitment to candidates who will lead with integrity, courage, and accountability to the communities they serve.
Our state BWOPA-PAC endorsed candidates have demonstrated a clear alignment with our mission and a proven dedication to advancing policies that strengthen Black women, families, and communities across California. Their leadership reflects a shared commitment to progress in the critical areas of economic security, education, health equity, and criminal justice reform.
Below is BWOPA-PAC’s current list of endorsed candidates for the 2025–2026 election cycle—state leaders we trust to fight for meaningful change and to help build a more just and inclusive California.
Tony Thurmond for Governor of California
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BWOPA's State PAC proudly endorses Tony Thurmond for Governor of California. A lifetime BWOPA member and BWOPA’s 2008 Man of the Year, Tony Thurmond has demonstrated unwavering commitment to working families, grounded in service, integrity, and results. From his early advocacy for disenfranchised youth to his leadership in local government, the State Assembly, and as California’s Superintendent of Public Instruction, he has delivered transformative, people-centered policies—advancing universal school meals, expanding access to health care, strengthening investments in educators, and creating paid pathways to opportunity for young people. At this critical moment for California, BWOPA PAC believes Tony Thurmond’s leadership is exactly what our state needs, and we are proud to support his historic candidacy to become California’s first Black Governor. Join us to support our longtime lifetime member Tony Thurmond as CA Governor. |
Nichelle Henderson for CA Superintendent for Public Instruction
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BWOPA's State PAC proudly endorses Nichelle Henderson, a college faculty member and union organizer who has consistently fought to strengthen public education, protect workers’ rights, advance women’s reproductive health, and expand political empowerment. As a Member of the Los Angeles Community College District Board, Nichelle has been a tireless advocate for students and educators—building capacity, defending academic freedom, and ensuring our institutions remain accessible and accountable. At a moment when public education faces relentless attacks—from efforts to censor what students can read and learn to broader assaults led by the Trump administration and its allies—BWOPA PAC believes Nichelle Henderson’s principled, values-driven leadership is exactly what our communities need. Will you join us and support Nichelle as our next Superintendent? |
Lauren Babb Tomlinson for US Congress
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BWOPA's State PAC proudly endorses Lauren Babb Tomlinson for U.S. Congress. A BWOPA member of our Sacramento Chapter and an alumna of the Dezie Woods-Jones (DWJ) Public Policy Fellowship, Lauren embodies our mission to develop, elevate, and advance Black women leaders who drive real change. Through her proven leadership advocating for reproductive freedom and health equity at Planned Parenthood, she has stood firmly for bodily autonomy and access to care—especially for women and families too often pushed to the margins. Her policy acumen, lived commitment to equity, and community-rooted advocacy make her a powerful voice for women, families, and underserved communities, and BWOPA State PAC is proud to support her principled, justice-centered leadership. |
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Hon. Steven Bradford for CA 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's State PAC stands firmly with Steven Bradford as he continues his important work championing justice, access, and economic security for all.
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Hon. Malia Cohen for CA State Controller |
BWOPA's State PAC proudly endorses the re-election of Malia Cohen for California State Controller. A lifetime BWOPA member, Malia has dedicated her career—from the San Francisco Board of Supervisors and the California Board of Equalization to her leadership as State Controller—to making public dollars work for the people who need them most. She is a proven champion for women, working families, and economic security, and understands that advancing economic justice for Black women—by closing wage and wealth gaps, supporting caregivers, and expanding access to capital and entrepreneurship—strengthens families and our entire state. As an independent budget hawk, Malia brings transparency, equity, and accountability to how California invests public resources. With a second term, BWOPA PAC is confident she will continue delivering results for the more than 40 million Californians who rely on responsible, people-centered leadership. Can we count on you to join us to re-elect Malia as State Controller? |
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Hon. Michael Tubbs for Lt. Governor |
BWOPA's State PAC is proud to endorse Michael Tubbs for Lieutenant Governor. A BWOPA California Man of the Year honoree (2015), Tubbs embodies the values of bold, people-centered leadership that our organization champions. His groundbreaking tenure 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 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—and his leadership continues to inspire a more just and inclusive California. Join BWOPA PAC in supporting Mayor Tubbs as our next Lt. Governor? |
Esmeralda Soria for State Senate
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A proud member of Black Women Organized for Political Action's (BWOPA) Fresno / San 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's State PAC is proud to support her leadership and urges voters to elect Esmeralda Soria to the State Senate. |


