Arizona Freedom Caucus Aims to Oust Public Instruction Superintendent

By Staff Reporter |

The Arizona Freedom Caucus (AFC) has announced plans to challenge Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne in the upcoming 2026 election. AFC Chairman and State Senator Jake Hoffman expressed concerns about Horne’s dedication to the Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) Program during a press briefing on Monday.

Hoffman criticized Horne for relying on the state legislature’s efforts to safeguard school choice while labeling him “the single greatest threat” to the ESA Program. He emphasized that Horne’s actions could jeopardize nearly 100,000 families currently benefiting from these educational options.

“Thanks to the legislature and the conservative leadership that we have, Katie Hobbs is unable to make serious, negative, adverse reforms to school choice in this state. However, Tom Horne is the single greatest threat to school choice,” Hoffman stated, making it clear that he will seek a candidate to run against Horne.

In response, Horne defended his record, recalling his role in championing charter schools in Arizona during the 1990s. “I’ve fought to keep ESAs and school choice from an Attorney General and Governor who want it gone. I’m happy to debate you anytime on these issues,” he remarked, demonstrating his willingness to engage in public discourse regarding education policy.

Hoffman recently criticized the proposed 2024-2025 ESA Handbook, prompting a letter from him and other GOP members to the Arizona State Board of Education (ASBE) urging its rejection. The ASBE ultimately postponed a decision on the handbook, with Horne being the only board member to propose a vote on it during their last meeting.

Horne views himself as a key defender of the ESA Program, asserting that limitations on program expenditures are essential to prevent abuse. He pointed out instances where parents attempted to misuse funds for non-educational items, such as a $5,000 Rolex watch or a $24,000 golf simulator. “There have to be some limitations,” Horne concluded, reinforcing the need for oversight.

Furthermore, Horne has countered claims from Attorney General Kris Mayes and Governor Katie Hobbs, both critics of the ESA Program. He maintains that his administration has prioritized combating fraud within the system by referring cases for investigation and expanding auditing capabilities.

“Under my leadership, the department has done a full-court press against waste and fraud. I require that every expenditure be for a valid educational purpose,” Horne stated, addressing concerns about accountability within the ESA Program.

As of the latest count, nearly 87,800 students are enrolled in the ESA Program, underscoring the significance of the ongoing debate concerning educational choice in Arizona.