Brittany Kinser, a former special education teacher and elementary school principal, has officially declared her candidacy for Wisconsin State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Kinser’s platform focuses on restoring high academic standards, preparing students for meaningful careers, and supporting parental rights in education. As a longtime advocate for school choice, Kinser aims to expand educational opportunities and empower parents to make the best decisions for their children’s education.

During her tenure as president of City Forward Collective, a Milwaukee nonprofit supporting charter and private choice schools, Kinser pushed to increase funding for Wisconsin’s Parental Choice Program. This program allows eligible families to use state-funded vouchers to attend private schools, providing access to a wider range of educational options. Kinser campaign sees school choice as a crucial part of her vision to ensure every child, regardless of their ZIP code, has access to quality education.

Kinser has also criticized the Department of Public Instruction’s recent decision to lower performance cut scores on the state’s Forward exam, calling the move a step backward for Wisconsin’s students. “We must prioritize reading, writing, math, and science to give students the foundation they need for meaningful careers and a bright future,” Kinser said. “The kids—and their future—should be the number one priority.”

The race for state superintendent is shaping up to be competitive, with three candidates in the running. Incumbent Jill Underly is seeking a second term with the backing of the Democratic Party, while Sauk Prairie superintendent Jeff Wright has highlighted his independent approach to education and is aligned with the teacher’s unions, setting the country up for an interesting primary on the left flank. Kinser comes from outside of the public education establishment and is running in a lane outside of the Wisconsin Democratic machine and outside the teacher unions.  

All of the campaigns will need 2,000 legal signatures by January 2 to ensure a place on the ballot. 

The primary election will take place on February 18, with the general election on April 1.