State Superintendent Glenda Ritz Friday announced she is dropping out of the race for governor just a couple months after kicking off her campaign.
Ritz’s gubernatorial campaign has been beset by problems since its start only two months ago, from an apparent lack of campaign staff to poor fundraising totals, and then questions about the legality of some campaign contributions.
In a statement, Ritz says while the state needs a new governor, now isn’t the time for her to run. She says her work as superintendent isn’t finished and pledges to dedicate herself to students, educators and families.
Ritz’s move leaves just two Democrats in the race, former House Speaker John Gregg and State Senator Karen Tallian (D-Portage).
In a statement, Gregg – who is now the frontrunner in the Democratic primary – says the superintendent’s decision is another example of Ritz putting the best interests of school children first.
The Tallian campaign issued a statement saying in part: "Superintendent Ritz has been a champion for students, parents, and educators and I know that she will continue her outstanding work to ensure all
Hoosier students have access to a high-quality education in our state.”