San Diego’s Richard Barrera leads in California superintendent race

Early results show San Diego Unified School Board President Richard Barrera leading Chino Valley Unified Board President Sonja Shaw in the race for California Superintendent of Public Instruction, according to the Times of San Diego.

The position is officially nonpartisan, but this year endorsements and campaign support largely aligned with party lines. Barrera received backing from the California Democratic Party and the California Teachers Association, while Shaw was endorsed by Republicans, FOX 5 San Diego reported.

During an October debate, Barrera accused Shaw of following the “Donald Trump playbook,” and Shaw responded by accusing Barrera of having “Trump Derangement Syndrome,” according to the Times of San Diego.

If Barrera’s lead holds, he will bring nearly 20 years of experience in education administration to the role, having served on the San Diego Unified School Board, FOX 5 San Diego noted.