WISCONSIN — Wisconsin’s incumbent State Superintendent Jill Underly and education consultant Brittany Kinser have advanced to the April 1 general election after emerging as the top two candidates in Tuesday’s three-person primary.
With 99% of precincts reporting, Underly secured 177,098 votes (37.0%), while Kinser followed closely with 160,966 votes (35.0%). Sauk Prairie Superintendent Jeff Wright finished third with 127,968 votes (27.0%), eliminating him from the race.
Underly, who is backed by Democrats, is seeking a second term as the state’s top education official. Kinser, a private school advocate, has the support of conservatives. Their head-to-head matchup in April is expected to draw significant attention as both candidates seek to court Wright’s supporters.
Following the primary results, both Underly and Kinser released statements reacting to their victories.
Jill Underly Statement
“I am deeply grateful to the voters of Wisconsin for their support in this primary election. We have a shared commitment to Wisconsin’s public schools, educators, and most importantly, our kids. Throughout my tenure as State Superintendent, I helped pass a new bipartisan literacy law, implemented higher standards for math and science, and expanded career and technical education. Today, our graduation rate is the highest in state history and our schools are ranked 6th in the nation by U.S. News and World Report - up from 14th in 2020.
But there’s a lot more work to be done.
My opponent, Brittany Kinser, is a former lobbyist who has never held a teaching license in the State of Wisconsin. She has lobbied to drain funds from our public schools and give it to private schools. She’s even advocated to remove teacher licensing requirements. Those policies will put our public schools on a dangerous race to the bottom.
I remain committed to tirelessly advocating for better local public schools so every kid can get the best education.”
Brittany Kinser Statement
“I am inspired and humbled by the level of support my campaign has received in just a few short months. From now until April 1, I will continue to travel the state and share my plan to bring a clean slate, a fresh start, and a fundamentally new approach to DPI.”
“Jeff Wright ran a strong race and we agree on several important issues like restoring the high standards Jill Underly lowered for our children. I am committed to restoring those standards and ensuring every child has the opportunity to go to college, get a meaningful job, or master a trade. I welcome Jeff, his supporters, and all Wisconsinites – regardless of their political beliefs – who agree that our kids deserve SO MUCH better to join our campaign.
“This victory would not have been possible without the help of thousands of Wisconsinites who supported and uplifted my candidacy through grassroots advocacy and generous financial support. My team and I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all who have helped us along the way.”
The election for State Superintendent will take place on April 1, 2025.
[Image: L/R: Jill Underly; Brittany Kinser]
Last Update: Feb 19, 2025 7:58 am CST
