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Superintendent of Public Instruction

Statewide ·See your exact ballot on VoteIdaho

Clear pick Draft: awaiting review

Becky Sundin Mitchell D

With no poll, the method points to the Democrat. Her party took about 30 percent here in 2022, while Constitution candidates drew 4 to 5 percent in other statewide races. This is a roughly 40-point race. One nuance: Critchfield supports parental choice but says the school choice tax credit policy "lacks transparency and accountability" (CBS2/KBOI survey), while both challengers oppose the credit (Idaho Education News).

Method rule 2 · How we pick

What this office controls

The Superintendent leads the State Department of Education. The department carries out State Board of Education policy for K-12 schools, distributes state school funds, runs statewide testing and licenses educators. Local districts and charter schools run day-to-day operations, and the Legislature sets school funding. (source)

Candidates

Debbie Critchfield R

Republican · incumbent

Superintendent since 2023; from Oakley; former Cassia County school board member and former State Board of Education member.

“Four years ago, I promised to put Idaho’s students first and lead with integrity and common sense. I’m proud of the progress we’ve made together for Idaho’s students, families, schools and communities. There is still important work ahead, and I’m ready to keep building on what we’ve started.”

Answer to "why should people vote for you?" in the CBS2/KBOI 2026 candidate survey. · 2026-08-24 · CBS2 / idahonews.com: 2026 general election survey, Superintendent of Public Instruction, 2026-08-24

Website

What your vote does

If you support Teresa Roundy

If you mainly want a change from the incumbent, the method says the Democrat is the non-Republican with a track record of real vote share in this race. If you agree with Roundy's platform, voting your values is also a legitimate choice.

Past results

2022 Idaho Superintendent of Public InstructionCritchfield (R) 69.8, Gilbert (D) 30.2R+39.6source
Still being checked (1)
Sources (3)