Kimberly Yee’s Superintendent Bid: A Game-Changer for Maricopa Schools

PHOENIX — State Treasurer Kimberly Yee has officially announced her campaign for Arizona’s superintendent of public instruction, preparing for a Republican primary against incumbent Tom Horne. Her campaign revolves around frustrations with school choice management and stagnant academic outcomes, particularly in rural areas.

At her campaign kickoff, Yee hosted state legislators, conservative advocates, and families, positioning herself as a necessary reformer. She criticized current leadership at the Arizona Department of Education, stating, “For far too long, the leadership has missed the mark, and our children and teachers are paying the price.” Yee emphasized the need for improved academic performance, highlighting alarming graduation rates.

Yee’s announcement underscores a growing rift within Arizona’s Republican Party regarding the Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program. The program, designed to allow families to use public funds for private schooling and other educational expenses, has expanded to serve over 86,000 students at a projected cost to taxpayers of more than $700 million.

Criticizing Horne’s administration, Yee asserted that recent actions reflect government overreach. “He is determining how to administer the ESA program outside of his executive authorities,” she said, a claim echoed by state Sen. Jake Hoffman and former Horne supporter Merissa Hamilton. Hamilton emphasized parental frustration, claiming families feel sidelined in decisions affecting their children’s education.

In response, Horne defended his approach, framing it as a necessary protection for taxpayer dollars. He rebuffed Yee’s assertions, insisting, “I’ve established two principles: spending must be for a legitimate educational purpose and must reflect reasonable market prices.” Horne referred to denied reimbursement requests as evidence of the need for oversight to prevent misuse of funds.

Maricopa, which has seen a significant shift in state education funding due to the ESA, illustrates the ongoing debate. The district has reported a graduation rate lower than the state average, particularly among economically disadvantaged students. Yee pointed out that rural districts are at a disadvantage, arguing they require more educational opportunities and fewer bureaucratic obstacles.

Despite Horne’s claims of positive initiatives, such as a mentoring program that improved math scores in underperforming schools, skepticism remains among some parents. Hamilton noted a disconnect between rural families and decision-makers in Phoenix, capturing the essence of the concerns voiced at Yee’s announcement.

The 2026 Republican primary for superintendent is set for August 4, followed by the general election on November 3. Yee is part of a cadre of candidates backed by conservative factions within the party, creating a challenging landscape for Horne, who is seeking reelection at 80 years of age.