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2026 Voters Slate

The November 2026 midterm elections includes critical local and down-ballot races that will directly shape our public schools, neighborhoods, and communities. This voter slate reflects our support for candidates and measures that strengthen public education and invest in thriving, inclusive communities. We encourage every voter to stay informed, participate in every race on the ballot, and make their voice heard this election season. Please use this as a reference as you cast your Lift Up Public Schools ballot to support candidates, measures, and props. 

Alameda County Races

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Chabot-Las Positas Community College District, Area 2

Linda Granger

Linda, an experienced educator and current Chabot-Las Positas trustee, has served as a teacher, administrator, and superintendent, bringing decades of educational leadership and community service.

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Chabot-Las Positas Community College District, Area 3

Harris Mojadedi

A Chabot-Las Positas trustee since 2022, Harris is a UC Berkeley higher-education leader and longtime community advocate focused on student success, equity, and expanding access to public education.

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Chabot-Las Positas Community College District, Area 6
Dr. Hal G. Gin

A longtime Chabot-Las Positas trustee, Hal brings more than three decades in education and student affairs, along with extensive community leadership and public service experience.

Dublin Unified School District, Area 5

Seema Badar

Seema is a DUSD parent and Bond Oversight Chair with deep fiscal experience. She is dedicated to supporting students, empowering teachers, and championing tolerance across all district schools.

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Hayward Unified School District, Area 2
Joann Guzman

Joann is a longtime Hayward parent advocate and community leader with experience as a PTA president, Parent Ambassador, School Site Council chair, and Bond Oversight Committee member, dedicated to strong, inclusive public schools.

Hayward Unified School District, Area 4
Michelle Fernelius

Michelle is a Hayward parent leader with years of special education advocacy experience and service as Parent Ambassador Lead, SPEDAA Vice Chair, and School Site Council member, committed to inclusive schools and family voice.

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Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District, Area 2
Tara Boyce

A parent of students in LVJUSD, Tara's financial acumen will make an immediate impact. Rebuilding trust is her top priority through respect and accountability. Serves on LCAP and Budget Advisory Committee. 

Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District, Area 3
Angela Brady

A district parent and Data Analyst, Angela advocates fiercely for student protection. She leverages data to champion critical mental health resources, Special Education support, and LGBTQIA+ safety.

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Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District, Area 5
Christiaan VandenHeuvel

As a parent, pastor, former substitute teacher, and current Trustee, Christiaan brings a unique perspective. He supports all students through multi-level academic resources, open dialogue, and strong teacher advocacy.

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Pleasanton Unified School District, Area 5
Karen Fletcher

A Livermore High robotics teacher who raised four children in the district, Karen focuses on improving PUSD’s financial health while driving academic success and achievement for every student.

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Sunol Glen Unified School District
Gail René Turnbull

René, former professor at Diablo Valley College and former Dean of STEM at Contra Costa College, brings extensive higher-education experience and a commitment to inclusive public education.

Sunol Glen Unified School District
Karen Ruth Newcomb

Karen, a retired investment strategist, brings strategic planning experience and a strong record of involvement in the Sunol community, with experience supporting local organizations and addressing community needs.

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Contra Costa County Races

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Acalanes Union High School District, Area 1 
Nithin Iyengar

A longtime Walnut Creek resident and former teacher at Pittsburgh High School, Nithin is a passionate advocate for public education. He has acted on his commitment by serving in diverse leadership roles, in nonprofits championing equity through social change, and in several school districts. 

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Acalanes Union High School District, Area 1 
Stacey Schweppe

Currently serving on the AUHSD Governing Board, Stacey brings thoughtful leadership grounded in years of executive experience with the Las Trampas Creek Council of PTAs, the AUHSD Coordinating Council, and AUHSD Citizens Oversight Committees for Measures G and A.

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Antioch Unified School District, Area 5
Brandon Kenyetta Dawkins

Brandon is a healthcare worker, labor and community organizer, and father of five committed to strong public schools, student well-being, academic excellence, and a thriving Antioch community.}

Contra Costa County Board of Education, Area 2
Sarah G. Butler

A public education champion running for re-election, Sarah will continue prioritizing: academics that support diverse career pathways; transparency and accountability; strong oversight; school safety; mental health resources and counselors; and diversity, equity, inclusion and access. 

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Contra Costa Community College District, Ward 1
Raquel Donoso

Raquel brings significant executive experience leading strategy development, thought leadership, policy and systems change, and evaluation research in organizations that improve education, health, and economic outcomes for California communities.

Contra Costa Community College District, Ward 1
Cameron Sasai

Cameron, a four-year Pinole City Councilmember and Mayor, brings legislative experience advocating for equity, ethnic studies and student opportunity, with a commitment to inclusive public education.

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Contra Costa Community College District, Ward 3
Rebecca Faith Barrett

Rebecca, an experienced education policy leader and community college trustee, champions accessible public education, student success, workforce pathways, and support for first-generation and underserved students.

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Mt. Diablo Unified School District, Area 2
Jane Baulch-Enloe

Jane is a longtime educator and student advocate with 35 years of classroom experience, committed to strong public schools, empowered teachers, accountable leadership, and putting students first.

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Mt. Diablo Unified School District, Area 2
Dorothy Weisenberger

Dorothy is a 25+ year parent advocate and special education leader, dedicated to supporting students with diverse needs, empowering families, and strengthening inclusive public schools through community service.

Mt. Diablo Unified School District, Area 4
Brian Thomas Lawrence

Brian is a longtime MDUSD leader who served on the board from 2014–2022 and returned by appointment in 2025. He is committed to strong public schools, student success, and responsible stewardship.

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Orinda Union School District
Edda Collins Coleman

An OUSD Trustee and communications executive, Edda co-founded a civic engagement nonprofit. Her priorities include strict fiscal responsibility, robust student mental wellness initiatives, and enhancing the district's curriculum.

Orinda Union School District
Katie Shogan

Katie currently serves as President of the OUSD Board. She has diverse experience as a classroom teacher and school administrator. Her priorities are academic excellence, fiscal responsibility, and teacher and staff support.

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Orinda Union School District
John Chabalko

An elementary Parents’ Club Co-President with two decades of tech management experience, John champions transparency, fiscal responsibility, and collaboration to maintain OUSD’s educational excellence and strengthen community partnerships."

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San Ramon Valley Unified School District, Area 5
Rachel Madeline Schneider Hurd

Rachel has served on the SRVUSD board since 2006, bringing 20 years of leadership and deep parent advocacy experience, with a commitment to academic excellence, inclusive schools, and student success.

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Walnut Creek School District
Heidi Hernandez Gatty

A WCSD Trustee since 2018 and philanthropy COO, Heidi brings deep PTA leadership and foundation experience to public education advocacy, focusing on strict organizational governance and student success.

Walnut Creek School District
Wenlei Hu Johnson

An incumbent on the WCSD Board since 2022, Wenlei also has served on the District's Equity and Strategic Planning Committees. She has been active in the Indian Valley Elementary School community, as a founding member of the IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Awareness) Committee as well as the PTA and Traffic & Safety Committee.

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Walnut Creek School District
Eryn Holl King

With ten years of WCEF board leadership, Eryn leverages expertise in school finance and nonprofit governance to make smart student investments, champion transparent decision-making, and build community trust.

Walnut Creek School District
Geetha Ganti

Geetha is a Walnut Creek parent and public-school graduate with health tech, biotech, and journalism experience, committed to academic excellence, supporting teachers, transparent leadership, and strong public schools for every student.

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Serving Alameda and Contra Costa Counties in California.

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Disclaimer: Lift Up Public Schools (LUPS) is a coalition of civic education, partisan and non-partisan organizations and their members, that does not endorse candidates. LUPS educates voters (and potential volunteers) about pro-public education candidates and campaigns that align with our mission and values.

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