Arizonans are not exactly thrilled with Arizona’s incumbent Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tom Horne, since his taking office in 2023. Critics, including educators, parents, and political opponents, cite several issues fueling the dissatisfaction. Horne’s restrictive oversight of the Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program, which funds school choice, has drawn ire.
Horne approved a draft ESA handbook that contains non statutory rules and arbitrary spending limits for approved items and programs. Conversely, Horne’s failure to curb questionable ESA purchases (e.g., luxury items) has frustrated those demanding stronger accountability, highlighting inconsistent program management.
A 2024 report showed Arizona’s teacher salaries ranked 49th nationally, and ConsumerAffairs.com published a report last year showing Arizona ranked dead last for overall public education. Horne’s initiatives, like incomplete textbook reviews, have also been criticized.
Additionally, Horne’s inflammatory rhetoric and past controversies, including a 2010 hit-and-run incident, FBI investigation into alleged campaign finance violations from Horne’s 2010 campaign, and his extramarital affair, have damaged his credibility. Critics also point to his age (79) and long political history as signs he’s out of touch.
Republican challenger Kimberly Yee announced her candidacy for Superintendent of Public Instruction in 2026, on May 28th, leveraging her extensive experience and focus on school choice to address Arizona’s educational challenges.
Arizona’s Treasurer since 2019, Yee is a strong contender due to her proven leadership, fiscal expertise, and commitment to educational accountability. Yee’s successful tenure as Treasurer demonstrates her ability to manage complex budgets, a critical skill for overseeing Arizona’s $7 billion education budget. As Treasurer, Yee increased total investment earnings to over $4.5 billion, leading the Treasury’s record-high performance for earnings under the state land endowment, and distributing over $2.43 billion to Arizona schools.
With Yee administering the statewide AZ529 Education Savings Plan helping families save for higher education since October 2020, AZ529 accounts increased by 54,178 new accounts, with $2.46B in assets under management, in 54 months. Her prior legislative experience, which includes serving as Senate Majority Leader and Chairwoman of the Arizona Senate Education Committee, and her involvement in the ESA program’s creation, gives Yee insight into school choice, a priority for many Arizona voters. Yee emphasizes that ESA spending rules should be set by the Legislature, not arbitrary superintendent policies, reflecting her respect for legal boundaries and transparency.
Backed by AZ Senator and AZGOP National Committeeman Jake Hoffman, Yee’s campaign has sparked excitement with conservative voters who see her as a defender of school choice against Horne’s “government overreach.” Her ability to unite Republicans positions her to energize the GOP base in the 2026 primary.
As stated in her campaign announcement, Yee’s commitment to “real results” for students, teachers, and families, underscores her vision for a student-centered education system. By tackling chronic issues and leveraging her statewide name recognition, Kimberly Yee offers a pragmatic alternative to Horne’s divisive tenure.