Singer and education activist John Legend announced his support for State Superintendent of Public Instruction candidate Marshall Tuck by tweeting his support from the road of his “All of Me” tour and releasing the following statement:

“As you know, I believe it’s so important that every kid in the country has equal access to a great education–and I’m dedicated to helping turn around our schools.

“There is nothing more significant we can do for our kids than ensure that every child has a great teacher and a real chance to succeed. Yet in California we are fundamentally failing to provide that opportunity.

“That’s why I am joining thousands of Californians–liberal and conservative–in supporting Marshall Tuck for State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Because when it comes to our kids, we need major change, now. A vote for Marshall Tuck is a vote for a ‘kids first’ agenda when it comes to education.”

Beyond his accomplishments as a talented and popular singer, Legend is known for his commitment to education, serving on the boards of Teach for America, Harlem Village Academies, and Stand for Children.

Legend’s endorsement adds to the growing momentum for Tuck, who was most recently leading in the polls and has received the support of every major newspaper in California.

The normally quiet race for California’s top education official is shaping up to be the most heated on the ballot and is seen nationally as a referendum on change vs. the status quo, with leaders like Legend siding firmly with Tuck.

“One-in-eight kids in public school in America is in California public schools, yet our schools rank 45th in the nation in reading and math,” Legend continued. “That’s unacceptable. In Tuck we have the chance to change the lives of the millions of kids in California, and to help lead a nation that must do better by its kids.”