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Oklahoma Superintendent of Public Instruction election, 2026

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2022
Oklahoma Superintendent of Public Instruction
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Election details
Filing deadline: April 3, 2026
Primary: June 16, 2026
Primary runoff: August 25, 2026
General: November 3, 2026
How to vote
Poll times:

7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Voting in Oklahoma

Ballotpedia analysis
Federal and state primary competitiveness
State executive elections in 2026
Impact of term limits in 2026
State government trifectas
State government triplexes
Ballotpedia's Election Analysis Hub, 2026
Oklahoma
executive elections
Governor

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Insurance Commissioner
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Superintendent of Public Instruction
Treasurer
Corporation Commission

Oklahoma is holding an election for superintendent of public instruction on November 3, 2026.

Candidates and election results

Note: The following list includes official candidates only. Ballotpedia defines official candidates as people who:

  • Register with a federal or state campaign finance agency before the candidate filing deadline
  • Appear on candidate lists released by government election agencies

Note: At this time, Ballotpedia is combining all declared candidates for this election into one list under a general election heading. As primary election dates are published, this information will be updated to separate general election candidates from primary candidates as appropriate.

General election

The general election will occur on November 3, 2026.

General election for Oklahoma Superintendent of Public Instruction

Jennettie Marshall, John Cox, Ana Landsaw, Rob Miller, and Jerry Griffin are running in the general election for Oklahoma Superintendent of Public Instruction on November 3, 2026.


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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Candidate profiles

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Image of Rob Miller

WebsiteFacebookTwitter

Party: Republican Party

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography "I’m Rob Miller—a Marine Corps veteran, lifelong educator, and recently retired superintendent of Bixby Public Schools. For more than three decades I’ve served Oklahoma students as a teacher, principal, and superintendent, leading with a simple promise: students first, politics last. In Bixby, we expanded high-quality learning opportunities, opened modern classrooms and innovation spaces, strengthened career-ready pathways, and built trusted partnerships with parents, teachers, and community leaders, all while being transparent with taxpayer dollars. I’m running for State Superintendent to restore competence and trust to the agency that serves nearly 700,000 Oklahoma students. That means on-time funds to districts, clear and consistent guidance, lawful and accountable governance, and respectful, honest communication. We’ll support great teaching, ensure safe and welcoming schools, and unite rural and urban communities around what works for kids. I’ve led teams through growth and change; now I’m ready to lead our state education system with steadiness, integrity, and results."


Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.


Students First, Not Politics Focus every decision on learning, safety, and well-being, not headlines. Protect instructional time, strengthen early literacy & math, and expand college/career pathways statewide. Put kids at the center and keep politics out of the classroom.


Competence Over Chaos Run the State Department like a professional service agency: on-time funds, clear guidance, and lawful, transparent governance. 100-Day plan: restore predictable calendars, publish funding & compliance dashboards, and fix customer service. Do the basics brilliantly - fund districts on time, communicate clearly, follow the law, stop the surprise mandates.


Respect & Partnership Listen to parents, empower educators, and unite rural and urban communities around what works. Recruit & retain great teachers, cut red tape, support safe, welcoming schools for every child. Respect people, build trust, deliver results - together.

Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses

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Survey responses from candidates in this race

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Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

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Students First, Not Politics

Focus every decision on learning, safety, and well-being, not headlines.

Protect instructional time, strengthen early literacy & math, and expand college/career pathways statewide.

Put kids at the center and keep politics out of the classroom.

Competence Over Chaos

Run the State Department like a professional service agency: on-time funds, clear guidance, and lawful, transparent governance.

100-Day plan: restore predictable calendars, publish funding & compliance dashboards, and fix customer service.

Do the basics brilliantly - fund districts on time, communicate clearly, follow the law, stop the surprise mandates.

Respect & Partnership

Listen to parents, empower educators, and unite rural and urban communities around what works.

Recruit & retain great teachers, cut red tape, support safe, welcoming schools for every child.

Respect people, build trust, deliver results - together.
Early literacy & core achievement; Teacher pipeline, pay, and respect; Safe, supportive schools & student wellness; Career and college pathways (CTE, dual credit, apprenticeships); Transparent, lawful governance & responsible budgeting; Parent partnership & honest communication; Rural–urban equity and modern facilities; Smarter testing - less time on high-stakes drills, more useful feedback and growth measures.
The State Superintendent is Oklahoma’s top public-education official, elected by voters statewide. They run the State Department of Education and, with the State Board, set the rules schools follow. They make sure districts meet standards, teachers are properly certified, and student results are reported honestly. They are also in charge of sending out and tracking billions in state and federal school dollars - making sure the money goes out on time and is spent legally. When there are disputes (like a district’s accreditation or a teacher’s license), the office acts as a fair referee and follows due-process rules. It also ensures schools follow civil-rights and special-education laws. Because education touches every community and child, this office uniquely combines policy, funding, and enforcement power, and its decisions have a huge impact on student learning, district stability, and Oklahoma’s workforce and future.
I look up to my dad and to Marine Colonel James Sachtleben, my commanding officer from 1986–1989. They taught me the same core virtues: hard work, integrity, self-discipline, and honor. My dad modeled humility and doing the right thing when no one is watching. Col. Sachtleben demanded mission focus, accountability, and taking care of your team. Their example guides me today: tell the truth, keep your word, do the basics brilliantly, and lead with service -always putting people first.
I believe the job is stewardship, not celebrity. Most important: integrity and truth; fidelity to the law and Constitution; competence and reliability - do the basics brilliantly (on-time funds, clear guidance); accountability and transparency - publish data, explain decisions, admit mistakes; respect and civility - listen first, empower educators and parents; nonpartisanship and independence - put students over politics; fiscal responsibility - treat public dollars as sacred; equity and fairness for every community; data-driven results -evidence over ideology; courage and humility - make tough calls, course-correct when wrong.
I believe the State Superintendent’s core duty is stewardship and service: uphold the Constitution and law and run OSDE as a professional support agency that delivers on-time funds, predictable calendars, and clear guidance. Set and sustain high academic standards, support great teaching, and lead a smarter, lighter testing system that provides timely feedback and measures growth. Recruit, develop, and retain excellent educators while cutting red tape. Ensure safe, welcoming schools with strong special education, counseling, and evidence-based interventions, and expand college- and career-ready pathways (CTE, dual credit, apprenticeships). Communicate transparently, publish clear data, own and fix mistakes, and work respectfully with families, the State Board, legislators, tribes, and communities - always putting students over politics.
I want to leave a legacy of steadiness, service, and results: an education system where Oklahoma’s kids read on grade level, feel safe and known, and graduate with real choices - college, career, or military. I want OSDE remembered as a competent, law-abiding service agency that paid districts on time, reduced test clutter, communicated honestly, and respected educators and parents. Most of all, I hope people say we put students first, politics last - and rebuilt trust by doing the basics brilliantly, day after day.
Apollo 11, July 20, 1969. I was eight years old. Watching Neil Armstrong step onto the moon showed me what clear goals, science, and teamwork can achieve - and for a moment it united the country. It sparked a generation of innovation and reminded me that when we invest in learning and work together, we can turn the “impossible” into everyday reality.
I was a dishwasher at the Four Coin Family Restaurant in Sand Springs, OK at the age of 14. Starting as a dishwasher taught me that leadership begins with service. In a hot, fast kitchen you learn to show up on time, work until the job is done, care about cleanliness and details, support the team, and take pride in essential work most people never see.
Drive by Daniel Pink is my favorite because it captures what I’ve seen in classrooms and teams my whole career: people do their best work when they have autonomy, mastery, and purpose. It’s a research-grounded case against pure carrots-and-sticks and for trusting professionals. As a leader, it’s shaped how I empower teachers - clear goals, high-quality materials, coaching, and room to innovate. It also informs my policy views: less test-driven compliance and more meaningful feedback and growth. From the Marines to the superintendent’s office, the lesson is the same -when we respect people’s judgment and give them a mission worth serving, they exceed expectations.
I’ve always wrestled with patience. After major back surgery a few years ago, going from marathoner to measuring progress in five-minute walks was humbling. I had to ask for help, focus on small daily wins, and stick with the plan even when no one was watching. That experience changed how I lead: show up, do the basics brilliantly, communicate honestly, and trust the team. It’s why I’m committed to steady, competent service at the State Department of Education - less drama, more follow-through for Oklahoma’s kids.
The most important responsibilities are, first, to uphold the law and run the State Department of Education like a reliable service agency - predictable calendars, clear guidance, and on-time, accurate funding to every district. Second, to support great teaching and safe, welcoming schools by providing high-quality standards, materials, and practical help. Third, to lead smarter assessment and accountability- fewer, better tests that give timely feedback and measure growth without hijacking instruction. Fourth, to practice rigorous fiscal stewardship and public transparency so taxpayers know where every dollar goes. Finally, to communicate honestly, honor due process, and work respectfully with families, the State Board, legislators, tribes, and educators - always putting students over politics.
Yes, experience in government can help, because this job sits at the intersection of law, finance, and policy. Understanding budgets, rulemaking, and how the Legislature works makes you more effective. But politics should never substitute for real school leadership. The non-negotiable is proven experience running schools. I believe the office should be required to hold a valid administrative certification (principal or superintendent) and have significant experience as a school administrator. That preparation ensures knowledge of school law, special education, finance, HR, and accountability - and firsthand responsibility for students, staff, and families. In short: government experience is useful; administrative certification and real district/school leadership should be mandatory, so the job is done with competence, legality, and a student-first focus.
I believe the State Superintendent needs a blend of executive and instructional expertise: the ability to run OSDE like a reliable service agency (on-time funds, clear guidance, strong project management); deep knowledge of school law and governance (due process, Title IX/VI, IDEA, open meetings/records); sound finance and grants management; and real instructional leadership in literacy, math, special education, and MTSS. Add smart assessment know-how, strong HR/talent skills, data transparency, and calm crisis communication with families, educators, tribes, and legislators. Most importantly, holders should have administrative certification and proven school/district leadership experience.
Democracy works best when everyone participates. I support nonpartisan steps that make voting easier and secure - modernized registration, clear information, convenient voting options, and strong civics education, so every eligible voter can be heard, and leaders stay accountable.
Finalist for National Principal of the Year in 2014. Jenks District Teacher of the Year in 2000.


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Voting information

See also: Voting in Oklahoma

Ballotpedia will publish the dates and deadlines related to this election as they are made available.


Past elections

The section below details election results for this office in elections dating back to 2014.

2022

See also: Oklahoma Superintendent of Public Instruction election, 2022

General election

General election for Oklahoma Superintendent of Public Instruction

Ryan Walters defeated Jena Nelson in the general election for Oklahoma Superintendent of Public Instruction on November 8, 2022.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Ryan Walters
Ryan Walters (R)
 
56.8
 
650,310
Image of Jena Nelson
Jena Nelson (D)
 
43.2
 
495,031

Total votes: 1,145,341
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary runoff election

Republican primary runoff for Oklahoma Superintendent of Public Instruction

Ryan Walters defeated April Grace in the Republican primary runoff for Oklahoma Superintendent of Public Instruction on August 23, 2022.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Ryan Walters
Ryan Walters
 
53.4
 
149,147
Image of April Grace
April Grace
 
46.6
 
130,168

Total votes: 279,315
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

The Democratic primary election was canceled. Jena Nelson advanced from the Democratic primary for Oklahoma Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Oklahoma Superintendent of Public Instruction

Ryan Walters and April Grace advanced to a runoff. They defeated John Cox and William Crozier in the Republican primary for Oklahoma Superintendent of Public Instruction on June 28, 2022.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Ryan Walters
Ryan Walters
 
41.5
 
142,630
Image of April Grace
April Grace
 
30.6
 
105,372
Image of John Cox
John Cox
 
24.1
 
83,065
William Crozier
 
3.8
 
12,950

Total votes: 344,017
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

2018

See also: Oklahoma Superintendent of Public Instruction election, 2018

General election

General election for Oklahoma Superintendent of Public Instruction

Incumbent Joy Hofmeister defeated John Cox and Larry Huff in the general election for Oklahoma Superintendent of Public Instruction on November 6, 2018.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Joy Hofmeister
Joy Hofmeister (R)
 
58.5
 
687,468
Image of John Cox
John Cox (D)
 
33.8
 
396,901
Larry Huff (Independent)
 
7.7
 
90,510

Total votes: 1,174,879
(100.00% precincts reporting)
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary runoff election

Republican primary runoff for Oklahoma Superintendent of Public Instruction

Incumbent Joy Hofmeister defeated Linda Murphy in the Republican primary runoff for Oklahoma Superintendent of Public Instruction on August 28, 2018.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Joy Hofmeister
Joy Hofmeister
 
56.7
 
167,117
Linda Murphy
 
43.3
 
127,732

Total votes: 294,849
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Oklahoma Superintendent of Public Instruction

John Cox advanced from the Democratic primary for Oklahoma Superintendent of Public Instruction on June 26, 2018.

Candidate
Image of John Cox
John Cox

Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for Oklahoma Superintendent of Public Instruction

Incumbent Joy Hofmeister and Linda Murphy advanced to a runoff. They defeated Will Farrell in the Republican primary for Oklahoma Superintendent of Public Instruction on June 26, 2018.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Joy Hofmeister
Joy Hofmeister
 
46.8
 
200,961
Linda Murphy
 
31.0
 
133,230
Image of Will Farrell
Will Farrell
 
22.1
 
94,899

Total votes: 429,090
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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2014

See also: Oklahoma down ballot state executive elections, 2014

Republican Joy Hofmeister won the election on November 4, 2014.

Oklahoma Superintendent, 2014
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Republican Green check mark transparent.pngJoy Hofmeister 55.8% 457,053
     Democratic John Cox 44.2% 361,878
Total Votes 818,931
Election results via Oklahoma State Election Board

Election analysis

This section will contain facts and figures related to this state's elections when those are available.

See also

Oklahoma State Executive Elections News and Analysis
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Oklahoma State Executive Offices
Oklahoma State Legislature
Oklahoma Courts
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Party control of state government
State government trifectas
State of the state addresses
Partisan composition of governors

External links

Footnotes