Multiple candidates join 2026 race to become state superintendent of public instruction
Ana Davine Landsaw, of Tahlequah, and Riley Williams, of Calera, joined current Bixby Public Schools Superintendent Rob Miller in formally filing paperwork to enter the race on the Republican side. Current state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters, also a Republican, hasn't yet announced if he will be running for reelection, for another office or not at all.
Landsaw said on her campaign website she grew up in Bristow and now works as the assistant director of the Alternative Certification for Educators (ACE) Institute at Northeastern State University, which provides training for career professionals transitioning into a teaching career.
She said one of her campaign priorities is to provide an 'open forum' at the Oklahoma State Department of Education 'where all Oklahomans can access educational resources, receive professional development, and voice concerns freely without backlash.' She also wants to 'reclaim control of education by empowering local communities, educators and families to have a stronger voice in shaping policies that impact students.'
According to her LinkedIn page, Williams spent more than five years with the Federal Aviation Administration, most recently as a radiation safety program manager. In December, she started the 'Innovating Education' podcast, with a focus on discussions on education reform, policy advancements and innovative teaching practices.
Her campaign website notes she has 'two children who need extra educational support, including a son with Down syndrome.' Among her ideas to improve Oklahoma education are 'competency-based, personalized learning,' the thought that students should advance based on understanding and skill development, not seat time.
Multiple Tulsa-area media outlets have reported that former Tulsa Public Schools board member Jerry Griffin also will run for state superintendent. Griffin sent out a press release saying, 'It's time to put education back in the hands of educators, strengthen our schools, and prepare students for a future of success.'
It's unclear if Griffin, who served on the Tulsa school board from June 2020 through January 2024, is running for a party nomination or as an independent. As of Thursday, he hadn't yet filed campaign paperwork with the Ethics Commission.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: 3 more candidates say they're entering race for state superintendent
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