Terry Leyba Ruiz, a first-time candidate, aims to reshape Arizona schools and rein in Empowerment Scholarships in bid for state superintendent

PHOENIX — On a bright, warm day at the Arizona Capitol, the sound of cheers echoed through the crowd as Terry Leyba Ruiz stepped forward Friday with a milestone in hand—more than 13,000 signatures.

“For us, this is historic,” she told supporters, her voice filled with emotion. “Today, we are officially on the ballot.”

RELATED: School choice advocates, including Arizona Treasurer Kimberly Yee, call for reforms in Empowerment Scholarship program following 12News investigations

For Ruiz, a longtime educator with a Ph.D., this campaign is about more than just politics—it’s about change.

 If elected, she said she would become the first Latina to oversee Arizona’s public school system, a milestone that reflects both her personal journey and a broader shift in leadership.

Though new to the political arena, Ruiz is not entering it alone. 

Standing behind her at the campaign kickoff were several prominent Democratic lawmakers, signaling early confidence in her candidacy. Among them was state Sen. Analise Ortiz, who praised Ruiz’s background and vision.

“This incredible educator, woman, and public school advocate—I’m so proud to support her,” Ortiz said.

At the heart of Ruiz’s campaign is a major and increasingly controversial issue in Arizona education: Empowerment Scholarship Accounts, or ESAs.

The program, designed to give families more control over their children’s education funding, has rapidly expanded. Today, it serves more than 100,000 students and costs the state over $1 billion annually. 

While many families use the funds appropriately, 12News Investigates has found millions of taxpayer dollars spent on unapproved items like luxury goods and electronics. Even some approved expenses, including millions spent on items like Legos and global trips to zoos and aquariums, have raised questions about oversight.

Ruiz has made her stance clear.

“We will protect taxpayer dollars and rein in the out-of-control ESA voucher system,” she said.

She’s not alone in that position. 

Fellow Democrat Brett Newby, who is also running for the same office, has similarly called for major changes to the ESA program.

But whoever wins the Democratic primary will face a challenge in the general election. 

On the Republican side are two well-established figures: current schools chief Tom Horne and state Treasurer Kimberly Yee, who was the top vote getter for all statewide candidates four years ago.

Both are strong supporters of school choice and the ESA system, setting up a clear policy divide for voters. 

Arizona’s primary election is July 21.

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