Managing threads for executing on a computing device based on a power state of the computing device. A power priority value corresponding to each of the threads is compared to a threshold value associated with the power state. The threads having an assigned power priority value that violates the threshold value are suspended from executing, while the remaining threads are scheduled for execution. When the power state of the computing device changes, the threads are re-evaluated for suspension or execution. In an embodiment, the threads on a mobile computing device are managed to maintain the processor in a low power state to reduce power consumption.