Idaho’s largest teachers’ union, the Idaho Education Association (IEA), announced that its political action committee, PACE, will endorse Republican Rep. Debbie Critchfield in her bid for a second term as state superintendent. The endorsement was part of a broader slate of more than four dozen candidates the union evaluated and supported across the state.
Union review process and endorsement criteria
PACE sent questionnaires to each candidate and conducted interviews before voting. “IEA members know pro‑public education candidates come from every party,” said IEA President and PACE committee chairwoman Peggy Hoy in a release. “Educators vetted each of these candidates. They understand that our schools, students and educators need respect and meaningful support to do their best work.”
Critchfield, who is seeking a second term, was praised for her “first term, past positions, advocacy experience, and overall engagement,” which the union said were “carefully scrutinized and verified” during the formal review process.
Election field and other endorsements
In the upcoming election, Critchfield will face Democrat Becky Sundin Mitchell and Constitution Party candidate Teresa Roundy. The union’s endorsement comes as the IEA chose not to back any candidate in the governor’s race, after earlier issuing a vote of no confidence in Gov. Brad Little for signing a bill that barred public schools from using taxpayer resources to accommodate teachers’ unions.
PACE also endorsed independent Todd Achilles in his challenge to incumbent U.S. Sen. Jim Risch, as well as Democrat Kaylee Peterson in her bid to unseat U.S. Rep. Russ Fulcher. In total, the committee backed 48 candidates across dozens of Idaho Legislature races.
What the endorsement means for voters
Critchfield expressed gratitude on social media, noting that the endorsement reflects a “formal review process led by educators across Idaho.” She emphasized that the union’s support signals confidence in her ability to lead the state’s public‑school system and continue policies that prioritize student achievement and teacher professionalism.
For Idaho voters, the endorsement provides a clear signal from the state’s primary education advocacy group. While the union did not weigh in on the governor’s race, its focus on the superintendent contest underscores the importance of steady, experienced leadership in overseeing curriculum standards, school funding formulas, and statewide educational initiatives.
Looking ahead
The election is scheduled for next week. As Idaho’s education community watches the race, the IEA’s endorsement of Critchfield adds a significant voice to the conversation about how the state’s schools will be managed in the coming years. Voters who prioritize continuity in education policy and a candidate vetted by educators may find the union’s backing a compelling factor when they head to the polls.
Original reporting: Idaho Education News — read the source article.
