Michele Cantwell-Copher, the incumbent, is running for re-election as Fresno County Superintendent of Schools in November 2026 against Dr. Eimear O’Brien, after neither candidate reached a majority in the June 2026 primary, where Cantwell-Copher led with about 43% to O’Brien’s 30%. First elected in 2022 as the first woman to hold the office, she is campaigning on continuity, citing gains in English language arts and math proficiency since taking office, twelve new student wellness and mental health centers, and $175 million secured in community schools funding. She has said, “Fresno County’s children don’t have time for a learning curve. They need a superintendent who already knows what works.”
