Superintendent of Public Instruction Idaho in Statewide, Idaho

2026 Primary Election

• Teresa Roundy — Candidate for Superintendent of Public Instruction in Garden City, ID

  Teresa Roundy is a Constitution Party candidate seeking the office of Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction in 2026. With a background as a former firefighter and an educator whose classroom achieved top test scores in California, she identifies as a human behavior and development expert. Roundy’s campaign focuses on creating emotionally safe classrooms and communities, arguing that learning requires a trauma-free environment. Her policy proposals include advocating for transparent reporting of child sexual abuse by teachers, critiquing "predator safety first" policies, and integrating daily "groomer safety" education through emotional safety curriculum. She asserts her qualifications to address significant issues within Idaho’s education system.

• Becky Sundin Mitchell — Candidate for Superintendent of Public Instruction Idaho in Caldwell, ID

  Becky Sundin Mitchell, a Democratic candidate for Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction, is a relative political newcomer with over two decades of classroom experience. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in chemistry education, a Master of Science in science education, and a Doctor of Education. Originally from Oregon, she moved to Idaho in 2009. Disheartened by political rhetoric concerning teachers, she switched her voter registration to the Democratic Party. Mitchell aims to bring her extensive experience to the role, emphasizing the importance of listening sessions with educators and families across the state to understand local educational needs and concerns about campaign donations influencing Idaho education. She previously explored a legislative run before focusing on the superintendent race due to newly available time.

• Debbie Critchfield — Incumbent Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction in Oakley, ID

  Debbie Critchfield is Idaho's Superintendent of Public Instruction, serving since January 2023, and is running for re-election. A fourth-generation Idahoan with a background as a substitute teacher and extensive experience on education boards, she focuses on "back to the basics" education. Her priorities include phonics-based reading, financial and digital literacy, empowering parents, and strengthening local control. Critchfield highlights an 11% improvement in K-3 reading, Idaho's highest graduation rate in 10 years, and a top ranking in career and technical education under her leadership. She aims to prepare students with critical skills for the workforce and promote American values, promising strong leadership for a strong Idaho.