Glenda Ritz
Glenda Neubauer Ritz (born 1954) is an American educator and politician who formerly served as the former Superintendent of Public Instruction for Indiana. She was elected in 2012, defeating incumbent Superintendent Tony Bennett. She was the first Democrat to serve in the office in 40 years and the first Democrat to win any down ballot race in the state since 1996. She, along with Senator Joe Donnelly, are the most recent Democrats to have held a statewide office in Indiana.
Glenda Ritz | |
|---|---|
Ritz in 2016 | |
| 43rd Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction | |
| In office January 19, 2013 – January 9, 2017 | |
| Governor | Mike Pence |
| Preceded by | Tony Bennett |
| Succeeded by | Jennifer McCormick |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Glenda Sue Neubauer 1954 (age 69–70) Lafayette, Indiana, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic (since 2008) |
| Other political affiliations | Republican (until 2008) |
| Spouse |
Gary Ritz (m. 1977) |
| Children | 2 |
| Alma mater | Ball State University (BA, MA) Indiana University–Purdue University, Indianapolis (MA) |
On June 4, 2015, Ritz declared she would run for governor in 2016. On August 7, 2015, Ritz announced that she would no longer seek the nomination for governor, but rather seek re-election for Superintendent of Public Instruction. Ritz was defeated by Republican challenger Jennifer McCormick.