Cisneros supports Newman’s mission to deliver equitable and effective public education
ORANGE COUNTY, CA — U.S. Congressman Gil Cisneros, a decorated Navy Veteran and passionate advocate for education, has officially endorsed Josh Newman for California State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Cisneros brings a veteran’s discipline and a philanthropist’s heart to the campaign, adding powerful federal momentum to Newman’s mission of accessible, equitable, and effective education for all students.
As co-founder of the Gilbert & Jacki Cisneros Foundation, Congressman Cisneros has devoted his career to expanding college access and fostering equity in education. His endorsement reflects deep confidence in Newman’s leadership, integrity, and commitment to improving student outcomes, supporting teachers, and driving systemic reform.
In announcing the endorsement of Newman, Congressman Cisneros released the following statement:
“At the federal level, I see firsthand the complex pressures and challenges that shape education nationwide,” said Cisneros. “Josh Newman has the integrity, experience, and passion to navigate those challenges and stand up for California’s students and families. He’s the partner we need to ensure every student has access to opportunity and success.”
“I’m honored to have Congressman Cisneros’ support,” said Newman. “His deep dedication to education and public service reflects my commitment to ensuring that every student in California has access to quality education and the opportunity to succeed.”
A former State Senator and U.S. Army veteran, Newman continues to earn the support of leaders from all over California, united by a shared belief in his vision for a public education system that is student-centered, accountable, and ready to meet the demands of a changing world.
Recently, Josh Newman released the following statement in launching his campaign for State Superintendent:
“I’m running for State Superintendent because California’s students deserve a public education system that truly works for all of them — one that prepares every child not just to succeed, but to thrive.
As a former State Senator, Chair of the Senate Education Committee, public school parent, and Army veteran, I’ve spent my career focused on practical solutions that lift students, support educators, and strengthen our schools. I’ve fought for increased education funding, modernized facilities, stronger early learning programs, and better mental and physical health support for students. I’ve never been afraid to challenge the status quo when the system falls short.
I know firsthand the power of public education to open doors and shape futures. And, a strong, equitable education system is one of the greatest tools we have to advance opportunity, dignity, and progress.
That’s why I’m running — to bring steady, principled, and student-focused leadership to the State Superintendent’s office. In a time of division and disinformation, our students deserve leaders who will listen, lead with facts, and build coalitions to get things done.
I’m proud of our accomplishments. There is still work to be done — especially for the students who are most often left behind. In the months ahead, I’ll be traveling across the state, listening to students, parents, and educators to ensure every child in California has access to the public education they deserve.”
Josh Newman has quickly built a diverse coalition of early support from local, state, and federal elected leaders, along with classroom educators, including:
- Congressman Mike Levin
- Congressman Gil Cisneros
- Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley
- State Senator John Laird
- State Senator Dave Cortese
- State Senator Melissa Hurtado
- Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris
- Assemblymember Sharon Quirk Silva
- Senator Susan Eggman (Ret.)
- Senator Scott Wilk (Ret.)
- Santa Clara Valley Water District Director, State Senator (Ret.) Jim Beall
- Orange Unified School District Board President Kris Erickson
- Orange Unified School District Board Vice President Andrea Yamasaki
- Orange Unified School District Board Clerk Ana Page
- Orange Unified School District Board Trustee Sara Pelly
- Orange Unified School District Board Trustee Matthew Thomas
- Orange Unified School District Board Trustee Sierra Vane Ph.D.
- Orange Unified School District Board Trustee Stephen Glass Ed.D.
- Newport Mesa Board Vice President Leah Ersoylu Ph.D.
- Newport Mesa Board Trustee Carol Crane
- Newport Mesa Board Trustee Michelle Murphy
- Anaheim Union P.E. Teacher Mike Flinner
- Coast Community College District President Liz Dorn Parker Ed.D.
- SOCCCD Board Trustee T.J. Prendergast
- SOCCCD Board Vice President Ryan Dack
- SOCCCD Board President Carolyn Inmon
- Costa Mesa Mayor John Stephens
- Fullerton School Board President Beverly Berryman
- Fullerton School Board Vice President Ruthi Hanchett
- Fullerton School Board Clerk Aruni Thakur
- Former OUSD School Board Member Kathy Moffat
- Buena Park Mayor Joyce Ahn
- Buena Park Vice Mayor Connor Traut
- Buena Park Council Member Susan Sonne
- Buena Park Council Member Carlos Franco
- Buena Park Council Member Lamiya Hoque
- Anaheim Union Math Teacher James Goran
- Laguna Beach Mayor Alex Rounaghi
- Fullerton Union High School District Trustee Lauren Klatzker
- Fullerton Union High School District Trustee Joanne Fawley
- Fullerton Union High School District Trustee Chester Jeng
- Fullerton City Council Member Shana Charles Ph.D
- Fullerton Union High School Math Teacher Jennifer Thien
- Fullerton Union High School Social Studies Teacher Sharon Hollon
- Rowland Heights School Board President Agnes Gonzalez
- Lancaster Mayor Rex Parris
- Placentia-Yorba Linda Board Vice President Carrie Buck
- Fullerton Unified School Teacher Pam Keller
- Capistrano Unified Trustee Krista Castellanos
- Walnut Valley School Board President Layla Abou-Taleb
- Diamond Bar Council Member Andrew Chou
- La Habra City School Board President Adam Rogers
- La Habra City School Board Vice President Justin Rodgers
- Walnut Valley School Board Clerk Tony Torng Ph.D
- Orange City Council Member Arianna Barrios
- Westminster School Board Trustee David Johnson
- Diamond Bar Council Member Stan Liu
- Laguna Niguel Council Member Stephanie Oddo
*Titles listed for identification purposes only.
ABOUT JOSH
Josh Newman is a former California State Senator who represented the 29th District, spanning communities across Orange, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino counties. During his time in the State Senate, Newman chaired the Senate Committee on Education and served on key committees including Transportation; Elections & Constitutional Amendments, Energy, Utilities & Communications; and Budget & Fiscal Review.
Newman’s work has earned wide recognition, including Legislator of the Year honors from the University of California, American Academy of Pediatrics of California, and the California Optometric Association; the Senator of the Year award from the CalAsian Chamber of Commerce; and environmental and innovation accolades from the California Product Stewardship Council and Hydrogen Car Owners Association.
A veteran, entrepreneur, and public servant, Newman’s career has been defined by service—first as a United States Army officer, then as a private-sector executive in tech startups, and later as the founder of ArmedForce2Workforce, an initiative helping young veterans in Southern California transition to meaningful civilian careers.
A graduate of Yale University with a degree in History focused on 20th-century American politics, Newman earned his Army commission through Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia. His military service included postings in South Korea with a nuclear artillery unit and in Hawaii with the 25th Infantry Division. He and his wife, Darcy Lewis, live in Fullerton with their daughter and three delightfully eccentric rescue Chihuahuas.
For more information, please visit newmanforspi.com