(CALIFORNIA) - Gloria Romero, a former California state senator and former majority leader of the California State Senate, is campaigning for lieutenant governor on a platform centered on education reform, college affordability and government accountability.
Photo Credit: https://www.gloriaromero4ltgov.com
In an interview with OpGov.News, Romero discussed her background in education and public service, her decision to leave the Democratic Party and her proposed approach to addressing challenges in California's education system.
Romero is a lifelong educator who studied and taught across California's three public higher education systems: the California Community Colleges, California State University and University of California systems. She also operates a small business in Los Angeles and became the first woman elected majority leader of the California State Senate.
One of the accomplishments Romero highlighted was authoring the Parent Empowerment Act, commonly known as the Parent Trigger Law. Signed into law in 2010 by then-Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, the legislation established a process through which parents could petition for changes at certain underperforming public schools.
Romero said the law reflected her longstanding belief that parents should have greater authority over their children's education and should not be limited to underperforming schools because of where they live.
Education Reform at the Center of Her Campaign
Romero identified California's literacy and mathematics proficiency levels as major concerns, arguing that the state needs to confront academic shortcomings rather than allow students to advance without mastering foundational skills.
"We have to have the courage to no longer be blind to what is happening in our school system on a daily basis," Romero said.
She argued that students from low-income families and minority communities are disproportionately affected by underperforming schools. Romero attributed these disparities to systemic problems in public education rather than students' backgrounds or abilities.
As a potential lieutenant governor, Romero said she would advocate for what she calls a transitional kindergarten-through-16 education pipeline, connecting early education, K-12 schools and higher education into a more coordinated system. Romero argued that shortcomings in elementary and secondary education can affect students when they enter college, potentially leaving some unprepared for college-level coursework.
She also expressed support for incorporating standardized academic measures, such as the SAT or ACT, into University of California admissions as part of a broader evaluation process. She emphasized that standardized tests would not necessarily be the sole factor in admissions decisions.
Romero said she would use the lieutenant governor's position to advocate for education reform and innovation, emphasizing that academic preparation is important not only for college students but also for Californians entering the workforce. She also criticized the political influence of teachers' unions, arguing that elected officials have been reluctant to challenge them over education policy.
College Affordability and University Spending
As lieutenant governor, Romero would serve on the governing boards of California's public higher education systems, including the University of California Board of Regents, the California State University Board of Trustees and the California Community Colleges Board of Governors.
Romero said college affordability would be another major priority, arguing that rising education costs have made public universities increasingly difficult for middle-class and working-class families to afford. During the interview, she cited an estimated annual cost of $47,000 to attend a University of California campus, including housing and fees. She argued that the cost places higher education beyond the reach of too many California families. Romero called for a review of administrative expenses and university leadership salaries, contending that too much funding is directed toward management rather than classroom instruction, student resources and academic support.
"We've got to start with the biggest sector because that's who education is supposed to be serving," Romero said, referring to students.
She proposed examining university budgets from the bottom up, prioritizing student needs when determining funding decisions.
Romero also voiced support for expanding student representation on university governing boards, including giving student representatives voting rights rather than limiting them to advisory roles. She argued that students should have a meaningful role in decisions affecting their education, particularly as they navigate the costs of tuition, housing and other expenses.
Why Romero Left the Democratic Party
Romero discussed her transition from the Democratic Party to the Republican Party, describing the decision as the culmination of longstanding disagreements over education policy and broader political issues. She said her primary frustration with the Democratic Party was what she viewed as its unwillingness to challenge teachers' unions and support greater school choice for families.
Romero also cited disagreements over social issues and her objections to the way Democratic leaders handled the 2024 presidential nomination process following President Joe Biden's withdrawal from the race. She characterized the party's handling of the nomination as a departure from democratic principles and said the experience contributed to her decision to leave.
Romero argued that the Democratic Party had moved away from the principles she once associated with it, ultimately leading her to become a Republican.
A Campaign Focused on Political Independence
Asked what distinguishes her from other lieutenant governor candidates, Romero emphasized her legislative experience, background in education and willingness to challenge political institutions. She argued that California needs leaders prepared to question established practices and hold the government accountable.
Romero also criticized what she characterized as the influence of public-sector unions in Sacramento. She argued that political relationships and special interests can interfere with effective governance.
"I'm very much common sense,” Romero said. “I believe in putting the state, the interests of the state over the interests of a political party.”
She described herself as an independent thinker who prioritizes California's interests over party loyalty. Romero also contrasted her approach with that of her political opponents, whom she criticized for their relationships with public-sector unions. Romero said her experience as both a legislator and educator gives her a perspective on California's challenges, particularly the relationship between education, economic competitiveness and the state's future workforce.
Throughout the interview, Romero returned to education as the defining issue of her campaign, connecting school performance and college affordability to broader questions about opportunity and government spending.
To add to or correct any information in this report, please email me at yashi.s@lead4earth.org or leave a comment below.
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