Wisconsin's political theater will see an act devoid of party lines, as the state superintendent primary narrows down the field to two. On Tuesday, citizens across Wisconsin took to the polls in an election characterized by its nonpartisan nature, one that will shape the future of education for the state. The position, vital to the direction and oversight of public instruction, has three candidates vying for the chance to make it to the April ballot: incumbent State Superintendent Jill Underly, challenger Brittany Kinser, an education consultant, and Jeff Wright, superintendent of the Sauk Prairie School District, as per CBS 58.
Finances have drawn lines in the sand, with Kinser currently outpacing her opponents, thanks primarily to hefty donations totaling $301,316, as reported by CBS 58. Major GOP donors like Dick and Liz Uihlein and Diane Hendricks, along with the Republican Party of Wisconsin, stand behind her campaign. Conversely, Underly's campaign collected $81,773, while Wright followed, raising $34,804 in the pre-primary period. According to WPR, the electorate will also encounter local races and proposals on their ballots in some jurisdictions, adding to the day's significance beyond the superintendent race.
All three candidates have skated around partisan affiliations, despite donations suggesting otherwise. Underly and Wright have Democratic leanings, while Kinser positions herself as a moderate. "We have to help all the kids and help partner with parents whether they are Democrat or Republican," Kinser stated in an interview prior to her campaign launch, a sentiment reflective of the race's purported nonpartisan heart. This quote was reported by CBS 58 in their coverage.
The primary's outcome eagerly waiting by the educators and parents alike, is more than just about selecting two candidates to move forward. It is a testament to the vision that Wisconsinites hold for their education system. Locale-specific concerns and proposals punctuate the ballots on this day, with the superintendent race at the foreground. Interviews with TMJ4 shed some light on Wright and Kinser's qualifications and stances on pressing issues facing the Department of Public Instruction. Unfortunate weather conditions led to the cancellation of Underly's interview, who was unable to reschedule before the primary, as reported by TMJ4.
