Tom Torlakson

Tom Torlakson
27th California State Superintendent of Public Instruction
In office
January 3, 2011 – January 7, 2019
GovernorJerry Brown
Preceded byJack O'Connell
Succeeded byTony Thurmond
Member of the California Senate
from the 7th district
In office
December 4, 2000 – November 30, 2008
Preceded byRichard Rainey
Succeeded byMark DeSaulnier
Member of the California State Assembly
from the 11th district
In office
December 1, 2008 – November 30, 2010
Preceded byMark DeSaulnier
Succeeded bySusan Bonilla
In office
December 2, 1996 – November 30, 2000
Preceded byBob Campbell
Succeeded byJoe Canciamilla
Personal details
Born (1949-07-19) July 19, 1949 (age 75)
San Francisco, California, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic
Spouse(s)Diana (m. 1970s, div. 2008)
Mae Cendana
(m. 2009)
Children2
EducationUniversity of California, Berkeley (BA, MA)
Military service
Allegiance United States
Branch/service United States Marine Corps
Years of service1967–1971
UnitUnited States Merchant Marine
Battles/warsVietnam War

Thomas Allen Torlakson (born July 19, 1949) is an American educator and politician from California. In 2010, he was elected to the position of California State Superintendent of Public Instruction, a position he served in until 2019. He is a member of the Democratic Party.

He previously served three terms in the California State Assembly, representing the 11th district, which consists of northern portions of Contra Costa County. He also served two terms in the California State Senate, representing the 7th district.