Arizona Treasurer Kimberly Yee Challenges Schools Chief Tom Horne 2026

Arizona State Treasurer Kimberly Yee announced her bid to challenge incumbent Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne in the 2026 Republican primary. Yee, who is term-limited as treasurer, criticized Horne's administration of the Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) voucher program, arguing that Horne has overstepped by arbitrarily denying certain parental expenses such as a luxury watch and a golf simulator. She advocates for stronger school choice options and insists that decisions regarding voucher spending should not be made unilaterally by the superintendent but follow the law and legislative intent. Yee has a long history in education policy and legislative experience, positioning herself as a statewide advocate partnering with parents to protect educational freedoms. Her campaign is supported by conservative lawmakers frustrated with Horne, especially members of the Arizona Freedom Caucus who view him as a threat to the voucher program. This sets up a notable primary contest between two Republicans with differing views on voucher administration and educational policy.