California's future is determined by the start we provide for our students. As an instructor at USC and El Camino College and the son of a teacher, Eric Alegria has seen firsthand the transformational power of a good education. As a member of the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District Board, he works every day to ensure their schools remain among the top performing in the state — championing student safety, mental health support, and smart investments in aging facilities.

He believes every student in California should have equal access to opportunities, no matter their background or zip code. That's not just a policy position — it's the fair starting line.

The Challenge:

Too many students face obstacles that have nothing to do with their effort or ability — underfunded schools, outdated facilities, and policies that don't put their needs first. California currently ranks 18th in per pupil spending among states, and when differences in labor costs are accounted for, we drop to 34th. Our students deserve better than that.

At the same time, federal threats to public education funding — including efforts to dismantle the Department of Education and divert taxpayer dollars to private schools — put California's students at even greater risk. We need state leaders who will stand firm to protect our public schools and remove the barriers that prevent every student from getting the fair start they deserve.

How Eric will lead:

Eric doesn't just talk about education — he governs it. Drawing from his experience as an educator, school board member, and father of four kids in public schools, Eric will:

• Protect public education funding — standing firm against any effort to transfer taxpayer dollars away from our public schools and into wealthy private institutions.

• Support the people who make our schools work — ensuring teachers, counselors, and school staff have the resources they need in the classroom, while making sure parents have a meaningful voice in their children's education.

• Demand accountability for every education dollar — promoting oversight to ensure funding reaches students, teachers, and classrooms — not bureaucracy.

• Close the opportunity gap — because where you grow up shouldn't determine whether you can achieve your dreams. Every zip code deserves great schools.

• Make our schools the safest in the nation — so students and teachers can thrive without the threat of violence.

• Strengthen our libraries — so kids, families, and all residents have access to community centers that contribute to learning and thriving neighborhoods.

• Expand access to higher education — creating greater pathways to UC, Cal State, and community colleges while reducing the cost of earning a degree.

• Build career pathways that don't require a college degree — expanding job training and apprenticeship programs that lead to good-paying careers in healthcare, clean energy, construction, and advanced manufacturing.