Glenda Ritz Ends Race For Governor, Will Focus on Re-election As State Superintendent

Indiana Schools Superintendent Glenda Ritz has ended her 2016 bid for Indiana governor. Ritz announced this afternoon she wants to focus her effort on helping the state's children and families by seeking re-election as superintendent.

Ritz, a Democrat, announced two months ago that she would challenge Republican Gov. Mike Pence in the election. Ritz and Pence have clashed over education policy since they took office in 2013. 

During the 2015 legislative session, Republican lawmakers attempted to reduce Ritz's education oversight through various bills. In the end, Pence signed a bill that requires the state education board to elect its own chair in 2017, instead of the state superintendent automatically taking that role.

“Indiana does deserve better,” Ritz said April 30 when announcing she was considering a run for governor. “Perhaps the power of Indiana’s politics will see balance after the 2016 election.”

Two other Democrats remain in the 2016 race: John Gregg, a former Indiana House speaker and Pence's 2012 challenger, and State Senator Karen Tallian of Portage.

Ritz campaign statement: 

"Over a million school children are starting school. They begin this school year with the hope and optimism that education can make a difference in their lives. The best use of my time and talents will be to serve our children, their families and the taxpayers of Indiana as Superintendent of Public Instruction. I must continue to be 110% engaged in supporting public education.

Now is not the right time for me to run for governor. Under my leadership, I have brought the discussion of public education into the public discourse and have started to fundamentally change how we support schools. My work is not finished, and my passion is stronger than ever. I am resolutely dedicated to educators, students, and families from Pre-K to graduation.

Recent stories in the news media have pointed out that we do indeed have major issues that impact our families. Two of them particularly concern me---a rising childhood poverty rate and a major decrease in the numbers of college-level students pursuing majors that will lead to teaching. Both of these issues require a redoubling of my commitment to serve as Superintendent to provide the needed wrap-around services to our children and to address the barriers that have been put in place to attract and retain teachers.

The people of Indiana know we need a new governor, a governor that supports public education that directly affects their abilities for better jobs and stronger communities. As Superintendent, I will continue to advocate for what is right to educate our children to improve our economy for all Hoosiers. With the help of all of you, we will keep education the focal point of the gubernatorial race.

Many of my supporters will be disappointed in my decision, but I know that we share a vision for education. My heartfelt thanks goes out to all who have so passionately supported my campaign for governor.

With my personal commitment to doing what is needed to prepare this and future generations for the challenges of tomorrow, I will enthusiastically seek re-election as your Superintendent of Public Instruction. "

Gregg out-fundraised Ritz in recent months. Ritz ended June with about $110,000 in campaign funds, far behind the $1.8 million Gregg had in the bank.

In a statement, Gregg said he would support Ritz's re-election campaign. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Contact WFYI education reporter Eric Weddle at eweddle@wfyi.org or call (317) 614-0470. Follow on Twitter: @ericweddle.