The race to lead the state education department pits the teachers union-backed incumbent, Jill Underly, against consultant Brittany Kinser, a supporter of the private school voucher program who is endorsed by Republicans.

The level of spending in the DPI race featuring incumbent Jill Underly and GOP-backed Brittany Kinser was unprecedented for a state superintendent race.

The state superintendent has broad authority to oversee education policy, from dispersing school funding to managing teacher licensing.