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Glenda Ritz announced Thursday morning she will join the Democratic race for governor.
file photoINDIANAPOLIS (AP) — State schools Superintendent Glenda Ritz has jumped into the Democratic race for governor in hopes of ousting Republican Indiana Gov. Mike Pence from office.
Ritz made a campaign announcement Thursday morning at Ben Davis High School in Indianapolis, and was scheduled to follow it up with events around the state later Thursday and Friday.
She joins a Democratic field that already includes 2012 gubernatorial candidate John Gregg and state Sen. Karen Tallian of Portage.
Ritz has clashed with Pence and Republican lawmakers since her 2012 election over control of education policy, including differences over the A-F grading system for schools, private school vouchers and the state takeover of poorly performing schools.
During the announcement, Ritz mentioned the connection between education and the economy, cooperation between state and local governments, and civil rights. She downplayed any personal animosity towards Pence, insisting her decision to run for governor was based on policy differences.
This story will be updated.
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