Arizona voters have elected Teresa Leyba Ruiz as the state’s next superintendent of public instruction, making her the first Latina to hold the position. The Associated Press called the race Thursday night, reporting that Ruiz led Republican Kimberly Yee by more than 138,000 votes as of 8:50 p.m. local time.

From Classroom to State Capitol

Ruiz, a lifelong Arizonan and former president of Glendale Community College, began her campaign while teaching a math class for returning adult learners. In a written statement released after the win, she said, “I began this campaign while teaching a math class for returning adult learners. A year and a half, 15 counties, and countless miles later, I am humbled and honored to be Arizona’s next Superintendent of Public Instruction.” She added that she ran because she was “fed up” and believed Arizona’s students deserved better.

Policy Priorities

During the campaign, Ruiz pledged to rein in Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program – the state’s school voucher system – and to end the automatic approval of expenditures of $2,000 or less. She also called for private schools that accept ESA money to meet the same accountability standards as public schools, and she promised to eliminate the Empower Hotline, a tool that allows anonymous complaints about teachers.

A state audit released in May found the voucher program lacked adequate oversight and resulted in wasteful spending. Ruiz’s focus on tighter controls aligns with concerns from parents and educators who want assurance that public funds are used responsibly.

Education Funding and Workforce Challenges

Ruiz, a first‑generation college graduate raised in south Phoenix, will inherit a teacher shortage and a growing financial crisis for many school districts. She has advocated for full funding of full‑day kindergarten, a step she says will give Arizona’s youngest learners a stronger start.

In addition to budgetary pressures, Ruiz will need to address the integration of artificial intelligence in classrooms, ensuring that new technology supports, rather than replaces, quality teaching.

Community Roots

As a third‑generation Arizonan, Ruiz emphasizes her deep ties to the state’s communities. Her background as an educator and community‑college leader gives her a practical perspective on the challenges facing Arizona’s schools.

“A new chapter for public education in Arizona begins now. I hope you’ll write it with me,” Ruiz wrote, inviting families, teachers, and faith‑based groups to join her in shaping the future of the state’s education system.

What’s Next

Ruiz’s victory sets the stage for potential reforms to the ESA program, increased funding for early childhood education, and a renewed focus on teacher recruitment and retention. Stakeholders across the state will be watching closely as she moves from campaign promises to policy implementation.

Original reporting: azfamily KTVK/KPHO Phoenix (news) — read the source article.