Chris Reykdal won’t seek reelection as state superintendent, weighs run for another office

Washington State Superintendent Chris Reykdal announced Monday that he will not seek a fourth term in 2028.

Reykdal cited the importance of term limits and said he may consider running for another office at either the state or federal level.

“Public institutions are strengthened when leadership changes, new voices emerge, and those entrusted with public office understand that the position belongs to the people, not to the person holding it,” Reykdal said in a statement. “While our state does not have term limits for statewide office, I believe we should impose those limits on ourselves to ensure new energy and new opportunities are always created.”

Chris Reykdal weighs another campaign or leaving elected office

In the coming months, Reykdal said he and his wife will discuss his next steps, while remaining committed to serving Washington and its young people.

“I will ultimately decide whether to run for a different statewide office in 2028, seek federal office, or walk away from elective office altogether,” he stated. “My wife Kim and I will continue to weigh each of those paths, and I will be transparent about that decision along the way. No matter what I decide, service to our state and our youth will remain the core value that guides my next steps.”

Reykdal added that serving as state superintendent has been one of the greatest honors in his professional life.

“Together, we have navigated extraordinary challenges, fought for stronger and more equitable school funding, expanded opportunities for students, including career and technical education, defended public education, and kept our focus on the promise that every student deserves an exceptional public education,” he stated.

Reykdal noted he will continue to focus on his work as superintendent, particularly around equitable school funding, student well-being, academic achievement, holding elected officials accountable, and ensuring students have meaningful opportunities after high school.

“I am profoundly grateful to the people of Washington for the trust they have placed in me,” Reykdal added. “Public service is a privilege, never an entitlement, and I intend to serve the next two years with all of the hard work, passion, and conviction that I first promised voters in 2016. Thank you, Washingtonians!”

Jake and Reykdal clash on federal scholarship tax credit

Last month, Reykdal and KIRO host Jake Skorheim disagreed on “The Jake and Spike Show” on KIRO Newsradio over the federal scholarship tax credit. Reykdal urged Governor Bob Ferguson not to opt in, while Jake questioned whether the state is giving up money that could help families.

Jake pointed out that 31 other states, including New York and Colorado, have opted into the federal scholarship tax credit. Reykdal argued the program would cost about $1 billion in Washington if 25% of residents participate. He contended that Congress could have spent that money on special education.

“So when people say it doesn’t cost anything, that’s a billion dollars we didn’t fund special ed with,” Reykdal said.

He explained that taxpayers would donate to nonprofits and claim a credit the following year. In his view, the structure exists to send public money to private schools.

“It is the only way where they can divert taxpayer money to fund private school tuition for families,” Reykdal said.

Jake defended the program as a way to give families options.

“I think we’re going to disagree on this one,” Jake said.

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