Incumbent Reykdal leading challenger in OSPI race
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
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.