Who is running for State School Superintendent in 2026?
Here are the candidates for State School Superintendent on the November 3, 2026 ballot. This race is on the ballot for all voters in Georgia.
Positions come only from each candidate's own votes, official actions, statements and questionnaire answers, never from party labels. Every item links to its source.
Side by side
Each candidate's position on the issues this office handles, from their own record. Details and sources are in each profile below.
| Issue | Lydia PowellDemocrat | Richard WoodsRepublican |
|---|---|---|
| School choice | No, keep public money in traditional public schoolsSaid · low | No public position |
| Transgender athletes | No public position | No, teams should be based on biological sex, with open or coed optionsSaid · medium |
Lydia Powell
DemocratEducator
Lydia Powell is the Democratic nominee for State School Superintendent on the Nov. 3, 2026 ballot1. Her campaign says she has more than 26 years in education, including 11 years in educational leadership, and that she was named Educator of the Year at the 16th Annual RICE Awards2.
Where they stand 1 issues · tap any issue for the evidence
School choiceNo, keep public money in traditional public schoolslow
Said · low confidence- In her Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey, listed "School Choice & Vouchers (SB 233), which can potentially defund public schools" among the policy areas she is passionate about. (2025) source
No public position found on: Curriculum and books, Religion in schools, Transgender athletes, DEI programs, Kids online, School vaccines, Gender care for minors.
Richard Woods
Republican · IncumbentGeorgia State School Superintendent (since 2015)
Richard Woods is the incumbent Republican State School Superintendent and is on the Nov. 3, 2026 ballot for re-election1. His campaign says he has more than 32 years in education, including 15 years as a classroom teacher and more than 10 years as state superintendent2.
Where they stand 1 issues · tap any issue for the evidence
Transgender athletesNo, teams should be based on biological sex, with open or coed optionsmedium
Said · medium confidence- Said in an August 2022 interview that boys should compete against biological boys, as assigned at birth, and girls against girls. (2022-08-12) source
No public position found on: School choice, Curriculum and books, Religion in schools, DEI programs, Kids online, School vaccines, Gender care for minors.
Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Spotted something wrong? Every claim links to its source so you can check it yourself.