Republican Susie Hedalen will assume the role of Superintendent of Public Instruction for Montana, following her statewide victory. Hedalen, currently Superintendent of Public Schools Townsend, maintained a 20-point lead over Democrat Shannon O’Brien. By Wednesday morning, with 60% of precincts reporting, she had secured over 100,000 more votes, totaling 310,245 to O’Brien’s 209,189. The Associated Press confirmed Hedalen’s win on Wednesday.
Hedalen expressed her gratitude on Twitter, acknowledging her supporters and praising Republican President-elect Donald Trump. She stated, “As I take a moment to reflect on this journey, my heart is filled with gratitude for all of the support I have received. A special thank you to my husband, family, and friends. I’m excited for Tuesday’s results and the opportunity to serve as MT’s next State Superintendent!” View Tweet
The Montana Superintendent race featured two seasoned educators. Hedalen has led public schools in Townsend, while O’Brien has been an educator, a college dean, and served as an education adviser to former Montana Gov. Steve Bullock. Hedalen will succeed outgoing Republican Elsie Arntzen, who was the first Republican in nearly 40 years to serve consecutive terms in a role traditionally dominated by Democrats.
Arntzen, a veteran lawmaker from Billings, had an unsuccessful bid for the Republican nomination for Congress in Montana’s Second District, losing to Troy Downing in a competitive primary. Hedalen faces significant challenges, including addressing a recent audit revealing potential mismanagement of $67 million in federal funds. She will also oversee the new public charter school programs, which have been well-received.
The superintendent’s office will tackle contentious issues prevalent in national public school debates, such as transgender athletes’ participation in sports, book banning, and the movement for increased parental rights.
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