Casper, Wyoming – On August 18, State Representative Steve Harshman emerged as the Republican nominee for Wyoming Superintendent of Public Instruction, according to unofficial results from the Associated Press. The primary, which closed at 7 p.m., was called for Harshman at 9:15 p.m., and he led the Republican field with 56.2% of the vote.
Harshman, a Casper native who spent four decades teaching and coaching at Natrona County High School, has represented House District 37 since 2003. While in the Legislature, he authored the Hathaway Scholarship and Wyoming’s Tomorrow Scholarship programs, both aimed at expanding educational opportunities for Wyoming families. His campaign platform emphasizes support for teachers, protection of local school‑board decision‑making, and a focus on reading instruction and career readiness across public, private, and home‑education options.
Other candidates in the race
Democratic nominee Ana Cordova, originally from Cheyenne, holds degrees in biochemistry, human genetics, and law. She has worked with education nonprofits and taught at Georgetown University’s School of Medicine. Cordova’s platform calls for strengthening public education so families view local schools as their top choice, and she advocates for broader school‑performance metrics that include community strength, teacher retention, and career readiness rather than relying solely on standardized test scores.
Libertarian candidate Ryan Shollenberger also entered the November ballot. Shollenberger serves Laramie County School District 1, previously spent 13 years as an Air Force meteorologist, and three years as a Wyoming Army National Guard field artillery officer. He holds a master’s degree in environmental policy and management, and his platform centers on expanding education choice and raising teacher pay.
What the office entails
The Superintendent of Public Instruction heads the Wyoming Department of Education and sits on the State Board of Land Commissioners, overseeing policy and funding decisions that affect every Wyoming student, teacher, and family.
The primary results remain unofficial until certified by county and state canvassing boards. The upcoming general election in November will determine who leads Wyoming’s education system for the next four years.
Original reporting: Oil City News (Casper WY) — read the source article.
