Teresa Leyba Ruiz

Teresa Leyba Ruiz (Democratic Party) is running for election for Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction. She is on the ballot in the general election on November 3, 2026. She advanced from the Democratic primary on July 21, 2026.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Protect Taxpayers: Arizona taxpayers have a right to know how their money is being spent. Our current Superintendent conceals records surrounding Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) spending. In fact, he is being sued for withholding this information from Arizonans; I will prioritize transparency with your taxpayer dollars. As your Superintendent of Public Instruction, I will:

1) Create an ESA dashboard for transparent access to expenditures made with your tax funds.

2) End the automatic approval of ESA expenditures of $2,000 or less, which have cost the state over $124M.

3) Establish rigorous audit protocols to ensure every tax dollar is spent for the intended purpose of educating Arizona’s students.Prepare Every Student: Arizona public schools serve all of our students. No matter their ability or background, every Arizona student deserves access to a high-quality education and the chance to succeed. As your Superintendent of Public Instruction, I will:​​

1) Expand access to early learning opportunities, such as literacy and universal pre-K.

2) Strengthen CTE and dual enrollment pathways by partnering with our labor unions.

3) Ensure students are safe and secure by increasing access to mental health professionals, free and reduced lunches, and enrichment activities.

4) Support dual language learners through robust immersion programs.

5) Broaden tutoring and after-school programs for students who need extra support.Respect Educators: As an educator of 35 years, I understand the challenges both in and outside of the classroom here in Arizona. Our current Superintendent uses his position and our resources to sow mistrust against educators. It’s time to flip the script. As your Superintendent of Public Instruction, I will:​

1) Address the teacher shortage by restoring respect and trust towards educators.

2) Partner with community colleges and universities to create teacher recruitment pipelines and retention programs that provide support.

3) Advocate for increased teacher compensation so that our hardworking educators know they are valued.

4) Work with County Superintendents and rural districts to reinstate professional development programs.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

For 35 years, I’ve served in various roles within public education. Initially a math teacher, I later became a school administrator, and finally served as the 8th president of Glendale Community College. My journey in public education started as a student in the Roosevelt Elementary School District and the Phoenix Union High School District, eventually leading me to Arizona State University where I received my Doctor of Education (Ed. D.) in Higher & Post-Secondary Education. I am deeply passionate about education policy believe in the promise and the power of public education and have seen it firsthand in my life and the lives of my former students. Now, I hope to use my 35 years of experience to stand up for Arizona education.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Former Superintendent Kathy Hoffman, in addition to various state legislators, city councilmembers, and school board members.

Unions like Ironworkers Local 75 and the Arizona Building and Construction Trades Council.