Thomas Horne
Superintendent of Public Instruction
Republican
http://www.tomhorne.com
Tom Horne is Arizona’s Superintendent of Public Instruction and a former Arizona Attorney General. He has dedicated his career to improving academic achievement, strengthening school safety, and expanding educational opportunity for Arizona families. Since returning to office in 2023, Horne has increased the number of police officers in schools from 190 to 565,established free tutoring statewide, and led initiatives that have helped participating schools double reading progress and triple math progress compared to the state average. Previously, Horne served as Arizona Attorney General and as a member and President of the school board in one of Arizona’s largest districts.
Tom Horne believes every child deserves a high-quality academic education and parents deserve meaningful choice in their children’s schooling. As Superintendent, Horne has refocused the Arizona Department of Education on academic excellence. Through Project Momentum, participating schools have achieved double the state’s average progress in reading and triple the progress in math. In struggling schools, 80% have moved out of the bottom 5% statewide after receiving targeted support. He redirected federal funds to provide free tutoring for families who requested it, with many students making six months of academic progress in just six weeks. Horne supports greater parental choice, expanding opportunities for families to select the educational setting that best meets their child’s needs. Under his leadership, participation in Arizona’s ESA program has grown significantly, empowering parents to make decisions about their children’s education. He also championed keeping cell phones out of classrooms to reduce distractions and maximize instructional time, ensuring students stay focused on learning. In addition, Horne has strengthened school safety by increasing the number of police officers on campuses, helping protect students and staff. Tom Horne is committed to strong academics, parental involvement, safe schools, and preparing every Arizona student to graduate college or career ready.
Teresa Leyba Ruiz
Superintendent of Public Instruction
Democratic
https://www.drruizforarizona.com
Dr. Teresa Leyba Ruiz, a native Arizonan and first-generation college graduate, has dedicated 35 years to advancing education and strengthening communities. As a math teacher, a community college president, and a nonprofit executive, she has worked tirelessly to create opportunities for students and educators. Her leadership extends beyond the classroom, serving on the Glendale Chamber of Commerce Board, WestMarc Board, various nonprofit boards, and national commissions advising the U.S. President on education policy. Now, Dr. Ruiz is running for State Superintendent of Public Instruction, to ensure every Arizona student has access to the same education opportunities she did.
Her platform includes increasing transparency and accountability, protecting taxpayer dollars, stabilizing the teacher workforce, upholding high academic standards with strong support systems, and expanding post-secondary education and training pathways. As a former community college president and nonprofit executive, Dr. Ruiz understands the importance of transparency, accountability, and fiscal responsibility when managing budgets and is committed to protecting taxpayer dollars being spent on non-educational materials. Having spoken to educators across all 15 counties, she plans on supporting her fellow teachers through professional development, support systems, and advocacy for higher wages. As Superintendent, Dr. Ruiz will work to enhance student systems that promote academic excellence while expanding career opportunities and pathways for students across the state. She believes that when our schools succeed, our state succeeds.
Brett Matthew Newby
Superintendent of Public Instruction
Democratic
http://www.brettnewby.com/
Brett Newby is an educator, behavior analyst, and father dedicated to strengthening Arizona’s public schools. With over two decades of experience supporting children, families, and educators, he brings a practical, student-centered approach to leadership. As a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and university professor, Brett has trained future educators while advocating for compassionate, evidence-based practices. He is committed to fully funding public education, supporting teachers, and ensuring every student thrives in every zip code. Grounded in empathy, values, and community, Brett Newby seeks to unite Arizona around a shared vision of opportunity, accountability, and success for all learners.
I am running for Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction because I believe our students, educators, and families deserve strong, fully supported public schools. My career has been dedicated to helping children succeed-as an educator, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, and university professor training future educators. I’ve worked directly with families and schools, so I understand the real challenges we face across Arizona. I’m also a proud Arizona public school dad, and this work is personal to me. Every child, in every zip code, deserves access to a high-quality education and the opportunity to thrive. That’s why I am committed to fully funding public education, increasing teacher pay, and retaining and developing the incredible educators who make a difference every day. I lead with empathy, values, and cultural responsiveness. I believe in bringing people together to solve problems, not dividing them. My focus is on practical, student-centered solutions that create lasting impact. I’m ready to serve Arizona with integrity, accountability, and heart-so together, we can build stronger schools and brighter futures for every student.
Kimberly Yee
Superintendent of Public Instruction
Republican
https://kimberlyyee.com/
Born in Arizona, Kimberly is the daughter of a public school teacher of 38 years. Kimberly has an extensive policy background in K-12 and higher education spanning 30 years, serving two gubernatorial administrations, a State Board of Education and Senate Education Committee. Kimberly advanced school choice, school safety, civics education, financial literacy and vocational education as a former Senate Education Committee chairman and State Charter Schools Board member. She's endorsed by four former Republican Arizona State Superintendents. A graduate of Pepperdine University with an M.P.A. from ASU, Kimberly is married with two children and active in her church and community.
Kimberly Yee is one of the most respected statewide leaders, currently State Treasurer, bringing 30 years of experience in K-12 education policy with an extensive background in school finance and fiscal accountability. A longtime advocate of school choice in Arizona, Kimberly began her career drafting laws giving families the freedom to attend schools outside of their residential zip code with open enrollment and charter schools. She believes parents should have the opportunity to select the education that best fits their child's unique needs and a pathway to academic success no matter where they live. She supports ALL forms of education, including public schools, charter schools, private schools, homeschools and tribal schools. Kimberly is a strong supporter of teachers as the daughter of a 38-year veteran public school teacher in Arizona. With student proficiency in reading and mathematics ranked at the 25th percentile, Arizona deserves better leadership in education. The current State Superintendent is asleep at the wheel. Kimberly's plan to bring back phonics-based reading instruction and traditional mathematics will ensure we get back to the basics, with a focus on real-world life skills in home economics and shop classes to encourage the trades, including vocational and workforce development. Visit www.KimberlyYee.com