Who is running for Superintendent of Public Instruction in 2026?
Here are the candidates for Superintendent of Public Instruction on the November 3, 2026 ballot. This race is on the ballot for all voters in Idaho.
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 | Teresa RoundyConstitution | Debbie CritchfieldRepublican | Becky Sundin MitchellDemocrat |
|---|---|---|---|
| School choice | No, keep public money in traditional public schoolsQuestionnaire answer · medium | No single answer fits; see evidence | Only public charter schools, not private schoolsQuestionnaire answer · medium |
Teresa Roundy
ConstitutionEducator and advocate (Garden City)
Teresa Roundy is the Constitution Party candidate for Superintendent of Public Instruction1. She describes a background in neuropsychology, education and wildland firefighting, with a postgraduate degree in education and teaching experience in several counties1. She says she co-founded the Idaho chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense1.
Where they stand 1 issues · tap any issue for the evidence
School choiceNo, keep public money in traditional public schoolsmedium
Questionnaire answer · medium confidence- In the CBS2/FOX9 survey she said she is not in favor of the Parental Choice Tax Credit and that the state should put its resources into strengthening public schools instead of subsidizing alternative education. (2026-08) source
No public position found on: Curriculum and books, Religion in schools, Transgender athletes, DEI programs, Kids online, School vaccines, Gender care for minors.
Debbie Critchfield
Republican · IncumbentIdaho Superintendent of Public Instruction
Debbie Critchfield is the Republican incumbent Superintendent of Public Instruction1. She describes her background as a former substitute teacher and College of Southern Idaho GED instructor, a 10-year Cassia County school board member, and a member of the Idaho State Board of Education before her four years as State Superintendent1. She says her record includes the highest K-3 reading scores since 2007 and more than 170 new or expanded career technical programs1.
Where they stand 1 issues · tap any issue for the evidence
School choiceNo single answer fitsmedium
Questionnaire answer · medium confidence- In the CBS2/FOX9 survey she said she supports parental choice, that the current school choice tax credit law lacks transparency and accountability, and that any paid choice should not come at the expense of public schools. (2026-08) source
- After the governor signed the private school tax credit, she said public schools remain the schools of choice for most Idaho parents and that Idaho needs to support all parent choices, including public education. (2025-02) source
No public position found on: Curriculum and books, Religion in schools, Transgender athletes, DEI programs, Kids online, School vaccines, Gender care for minors.
Becky Sundin Mitchell
DemocratMiddle school science teacher (Caldwell)
Becky Sundin Mitchell is the Democratic candidate for Superintendent of Public Instruction1. She teaches middle school science in Caldwell and has more than 25 years in education as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, university professor and educational leader1. She was named the 2018 Idaho Teacher of the Year1.
Where they stand 1 issues · tap any issue for the evidence
School choiceOnly public charter schools, not private schoolsmedium
Questionnaire answer · medium confidence- In the CBS2/FOX9 survey she said she is not in favor of continuing the school choice tax credits and supports parent choice among public schools, public charter schools and virtual public schools, but not taxpayer subsidies for private education. (2026-08) source
No public position found on: Curriculum and books, Religion in schools, Transgender athletes, 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.