Incumbent Reykdal leading challenger in OSPI race
CHERYL SCHWEIZER | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 week, 1 day AGO
Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal, pictured during a June visit to the Wahluke School District, has a sizeable in the race to retain his office.
FILE PHOTO
Senior Reporter Cheryl Schweizer is a journalist with more than 30 years of experience serving small communities in the Pacific Northwest. She began her post-high-school education at Treasure Valley Community College and enerned her journalism degree at Oregon State University. After working for multiple publications, she has settled down at the Columbia Basin Herald and has been a staple of the newsroom for more than a decade. Schweizer’s dedication to her communities and profession has earned her the nickname “The Baroness of Bylines.” She covers a variety of beats including health, business and various municipalities. | November 6, 2024 5:55 PM
OLYMPIA — Incumbent Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal is leading opponent David Olson in the race to retain his job.
In unofficial results updated Wednesday, Reykdal had 1,280,272 votes (53.61%) to 1,094,645 (45.84%) for Olson. The Superintendent of Public Instruction is a nonpartisan office.
Olson held a commanding lead over Reykdal in Grant County, with 11,529 (67.58%) votes to 5,454 (31.97%) for Reykdal. Olson also had a big lead over Reykdal in Adams County, with 1,662 (66.8%) votes for Olson to 799 (32.11%) for Reykdal.
In a statement released after the race was called Tuesday night, Reykdal credited a coalition of supporters that helped him win. He added that schools continue to need support.
“We have a large body of work in front of us to ensure, first and foremost, that our public schools are fully and amply funded. I am thankful to Washington voters for trusting my team and OSPI to lead the charge on full funding,” Reykdal wrote.
He expressed appreciation to his opponent, Republican David Olson.
“David elevated critical issues that he and I will continue to advocate for with a common voice,” Reykdal wrote.