Arizona’s top education job is up for grabs in 2026, and the two candidates vying for it hold starkly different visions for the state’s public schools. From teacher shortages to school vouchers, the race for Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction will shape how hundreds of thousands of students are educated for years to come.
Two candidates — one Democrat, one Republican — survived their respective primaries and are now competing for the office. Here is what voters need to know about each of them. For a broader look at Arizona’s electoral landscape, KJZZ has compiled a full Arizona Voter Guide to help residents navigate the ballot. You can also watch a video overview of the candidates for more context.
Teresa Leyba Ruiz — Democrat
Teresa Leyba Ruiz is making her first run for public office. A former math teacher who later rose to serve as president of Glendale Community College, Ruiz brings a classroom-to-administration career arc that she says informs her policy priorities. She secured the Democratic nomination after defeating primary challenger Brett Newby by a wide margin. Her campaign website is drruizforarizona.com.
On policy, Ruiz has called for stronger requirements on Arizona’s private school voucher program. Her stated top priority, however, is tackling the state’s persistent teacher shortage — an issue that has long strained public school districts across Arizona. She is also facing scrutiny on the campaign trail: a complaint was filed alleging her campaign brought political activity too close to Arizona classrooms through photo opportunities staged at school sites.
Kimberly Yee — Republican
Kimberly Yee is the current Arizona State Treasurer and a veteran of the state Legislature. She won the Republican primary by defeating incumbent Superintendent Tom Horne — a notable upset that cleared the way for a fresh face on the GOP ticket. Her campaign website is kimberlyyee.com.
Yee enters the general election with backing from prominent conservative organizations, including Turning Point USA and the state Legislature’s far-right Freedom Caucus, though she has not received an endorsement from President Trump. She is a vocal supporter of Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Accounts — the state’s private school voucher program. In March 2026, Yee called for improvements to the voucher payment platform, saying the system must be updated to protect taxpayer dollars. Her top stated priority for the superintendent’s office is improving Arizona students’ standardized test scores.
The race touches on some of the most debated questions in Arizona education today — including school choice, teacher recruitment and retention, and student academic performance. Voters can stay current on this and other Arizona elections and track developments in state politics as the November race draws closer. Reporting on this race has been covered by Camryn Sanchez, Wayne Schutsky, and Bridget Dowd at KJZZ.
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