Oklahoma Sen. Adam Pugh Launches State Superintendent Bid Focusing on Education Reform

Oklahoma State Senator Adam Pugh, a Republican and chairman of the Senate Education Committee, has announced his candidacy for Oklahoma State Superintendent of Public Instruction in the 2026 election. Pugh emphasizes education reforms focusing on raising academic standards, increasing teacher salaries, empowering parents, and improving early childhood literacy programs. He brings legislative experience including helping pass teacher pay raises and advocating for policies aligning education with workforce needs, while also highlighting his perspective as a father of three public school students and a small business owner. Pugh positions himself as attentive to teachers' voices and supportive of their needs, contrasting his approach with that of former Superintendent Ryan Walters. He plans to continue serving in the Senate during his campaign and joins a competitive race against multiple candidates from both major parties. His campaign message centers on uniting Oklahomans around the importance of education and ensuring children have every opportunity to succeed.