Humboldt deputy superintendent Colby Smart withdraws congressional bid

Dr. Colby Smart, deputy superintendent at the Humboldt County Office of Education, announced on Jan. 14, 2026 that he was withdrawing from the race for California’s U.S. House District 2. Smart said he could not commit the time and energy required for a serious campaign while also meeting responsibilities to his family and to his work in Humboldt schools. He told supporters he will return donations and stressed his continued commitment to education and community service in the region.

Smart’s departure comes just months after he launched his campaign and immediately changes the contours of the emerging 2026 field in a district that includes Humboldt County. For local voters and stakeholders, the decision removes an education-sector voice from the federal contest and preserves continuity in county education leadership. As deputy superintendent, Smart occupies a role that engages directly with school administrators, district boards, and education programs across the county; his remaining in that post maintains an institutional continuity many schools rely on.

Politically, the withdrawal alters fundraising dynamics and the allocation of attention among remaining hopefuls. Campaigns in this early stage often compete to define issue priorities; Smart’s exit reduces pressure on other candidates to foreground K-12 concerns coming from a sitting county education official. That may open space for other contenders to court educators, school boards and parent groups, but it also raises questions about how vigorously education policy will be debated at the congressional level in this cycle.

Institutionally, Smart’s reasoning highlights the practical and ethical tensions that arise when local public servants consider federal office. Running a credible congressional campaign demands sustained travel, fundraising and public engagement that can conflict with the day-to-day responsibilities of running education programs. Returning donations signals an effort to avoid even the appearance of impropriety and preserves public trust in the County Office of Education’s stewardship.

For civic engagement in Humboldt, the development underscores the importance of watching candidate fields early and holding campaigns accountable on specific policy proposals rather than personality or title. Voters who prioritized an education-focused candidacy will need to press remaining and prospective candidates for detailed plans on school funding, workforce development and student services. Local education leaders and advocacy groups now have a renewed opportunity to shape the agenda by engaging directly with other campaigns.

As the 2026 race unfolds, residents should expect further shifts in the candidate roster and renewed efforts by campaigns to define themselves on issues affecting Humboldt classrooms and communities. Smart’s choice to stay in local education leaves intact the county’s leadership during a school year and shifts the political debate to who will take up education as a central campaign plank.