Superintendent of Public Instruction 2016 Election
The 2016 election for the Superintendent of Public Instruction marked a significant transition in educational leadership and the eventual restructuring of the office. This election pitted the incumbent Democratic leader against a Republican challenger, reflecting the political landscape of the time.
Key Facts
- Winner: Jennifer McCormick (Republican)
- Incumbent: Glenda Ritz (Democratic)
- Total Votes Cast: 2,662,103
- Outcome: Jennifer McCormick won with 53.43% of the vote.
- Historical Significance: This was the final election held for this specific office.
The Path to the General Election
The Democratic nomination was secured by the incumbent, Glenda Ritz, who ran unopposed at the Democratic State Convention on June 18, 2016.
On the Republican side, Jennifer McCormick, who had served as the Superintendent of Yorktown Community Schools since 2010, won the nomination. She defeated Dawn Wooten, an adjunct faculty member at universities in the Fort Wayne area.
Polling and Public Sentiment
Prior to the election, polling indicated a competitive race. A Ball State Hoosier Survey conducted between October 10 and 16, 2016, with a sample size of 544 and a margin of error of ± 4.8%, showed Glenda Ritz leading with 45% compared to Jennifer McCormick's 38%, with 15% of respondents undecided.
General Election Results
Despite the earlier polling, the general election resulted in a victory for the Republican candidate. Jennifer McCormick secured 1,423,042 votes, while Glenda Ritz received 1,240,474 votes.
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| Candidate | Party | Total Votes | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jennifer McCormick | Republican | 1,423,042 | 53.43% |
| Glenda Ritz | Democratic | 1,240,474 | 46.57% |
The Abolition of the Office
The 2016 election was the last of its kind. In 2019, Governor Eric Holcomb signed House Bill 1005. This legislation abolished the elected office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction and replaced it with an appointed position known as the Secretary of Education.
This structural change officially took effect on January 11, 2021, shifting the leadership of public instruction from a popularly elected official to an appointed one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 2016 Superintendent of Public Instruction election?
Jennifer McCormick, the Republican candidate, won the election with 53.43% of the popular vote.
Who was the incumbent during the 2016 election?
The incumbent was Glenda Ritz, a member of the Democratic Party.
What happened to the office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction?
The office was abolished following the signing of House Bill 1005 by Governor Eric Holcomb in 2019.
What replaced the elected Superintendent position?
The elected position was replaced by an appointed position called the Secretary of Education, effective January 11, 2021.
How many total votes were cast in the 2016 election?
A total of 2,662,103 votes were cast in the general election.