Debbie Critchfield, the Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction, announced on Wednesday her intention to seek a second term in office. In a campaign launch video, the Republican official emphasized her commitment to returning education “back to the basics,” highlighting improvements made during her first term, including a notable increase in elementary literacy and the state’s highest graduation rate in a decade.
Critchfield’s tenure has seen significant advances, particularly in career readiness. She pointed to the success of the Idaho Career Ready Students Program, which received an initial investment of $45 million to support career and technical education for students in grades seven through twelve. “From reading proficiency to career pathways and real-world readiness, we are focused on results that matter to Idaho families,” Critchfield stated in her campaign video.
In addition to her focus on education fundamentals, Critchfield has prioritized parental involvement in their children’s education. “I remain committed to clear, practical priorities, responsible use of taxpayer dollars and supporting local schools as they meet the unique needs of their communities,” she noted.
Critchfield has a background in education governance, serving as a trustee for the Cassia County School District for ten years and as a board member on the Idaho State Board of Education for seven years. She was first elected to her current position in 2022 for a four-year term and has lived in Oakley, Idaho, with her husband, where they raised four children.
Throughout her first three years in office, Critchfield has experienced mixed legislative outcomes. While she successfully passed three bills in 2023, including the career readiness initiative, she has faced challenges in updating Idaho’s K-12 funding formula, which has remained unchanged since 1994.
In her first year, she successfully advocated for House Bill 92, which mandates financial literacy classes in high schools, and House Bill 163, reinforcing parental rights in education. Despite her successes, a proposed bill outlining training requirements for school trustees did not advance.
During the 2024 legislative session, Critchfield helped secure $145 million for school districts to address funding gaps resulting from a shift to attendance-based funding. Nevertheless, two significant bills aiming to revise the state’s school funding formula did not pass. Critics have pointed to a lack of movement on this critical issue as a significant setback.
In 2025, Critchfield supported a new funding formula designed to better address the needs of special education students, English language learners, economically disadvantaged students, and those in rural areas. Although Senate Bill 1096 passed in the Senate, it did not receive consideration in the House. Another proposed fund aimed at assisting high-needs students with disabilities also failed to progress.
As the 2025 session approaches, Critchfield has already adjusted her legislative priorities. In August 2023, she proposed a $50 million investment in special education but withdrew the request in light of the state’s budget shortfall. “We want to be careful, we want to be deliberate in what we ask,” she explained to members of the State Board of Education in December. “The first priority for me is to maintain current budget levels.”
Currently, Critchfield does not face any challengers within her party or from the Democrats. She is the only candidate for state superintendent to file financial paperwork with the secretary of state, a necessary step for running. However, Idaho Democrats are actively seeking a challenger, with Party Chair Lauren Necochea indicating that securing a candidate by the end of January would provide sufficient time for campaign preparations.
Critchfield’s campaign has raised $72,000 for the upcoming 2026 election cycle, including a $5,000 contribution from Micron Technology. The filing period for candidates in Idaho runs from February 23-27, with the primary election scheduled for May 19 and the general election on November 3. As Critchfield embarks on her re-election campaign, she remains focused on the objectives she believes will enhance education in Idaho.
