McAlester Native Ryan Walters to Run for State Superintendent

A McAlester native hopes to become Oklahoma's next State Superintendent. Ryan Walters, who's the current Secretary of Education, announced his plans to run Monday night.

Walters kicked off his campaign in Oklahoma City along with family, friends, and a major endorsement from Governor Kevin Stitt. "This is a young man that is passionate about doing the right things for kids, and always putting students first in education," said the governor.

The endorsement should not come as a surprise since Governor Stitt chose Walters to be Oklahoma's Secretary of Education in September 2020. At 35 years old, Walters is the youngest person in state history to hold the position.

Walters continued to teach AP history at McAlester High School and Millwood Public Schools while holding his cabinet position. Walters told News On 6 that he does plan to continue teaching in the fall semester, despite running a campaign and performing his duties as Secretary of Education, and is currently working on the logistics of how he would perform all of the duties.

He joins the race alongside two current school superintendents: Shawnee Public Schools Superintendent April Grace and Peggs Public Schools Superintendent John Cox.

During his announcement Monday night, Walters told supporters what he will do if elected. "I'm going to support teachers, I'm going to support parents because our kids are worth it, and I'm going to do all that I can to make sure every Oklahoma student has an opportunity to be successful."

The election will take place in November 2022. Current State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister took office in 2015 but is term-limited, meaning she can't run for re-election.