Idaho Superintendent Candidates Will Debate This Monday
Three candidates are scheduled to participate in an upcoming livestreamed debate regarding state education leadership.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Administration
Live Poll
Should all candidates be included in public debates regardless of their campaign fundraising?
Idaho News 6 will host a debate featuring state superintendent candidates Debbie Critchfield, Becky Sundin Mitchell, and Teresa Roundy this coming Monday, October 12, 2026. The event offers voters a chance to see all three candidates on the ballot share equal speaking time.
Why it matters
The inclusion of all three candidates provides residents a broader look at the platforms competing to oversee the state school system. This session follows a previous debate held two weeks ago that featured only two of the participants.
The debate features three superintendent candidates and is set to begin at 7 p.m. Monday. Notably, Teresa Roundy is included despite spending no money on her campaign, which previously kept her from meeting fundraising thresholds required for earlier debates.
The players
Debbie Critchfield
A state superintendent candidate who previously withdrew from a separate scheduled debate.
Becky Sundin Mitchell
A state superintendent candidate participating in the upcoming debate.
Teresa Roundy
A state superintendent candidate who is participating in this debate after previously failing to meet fundraising thresholds.
Idaho News 6
The local news organization hosting and livestreaming the upcoming debate.
The details
The event will feature a moderated format designed to ensure fairness, with each of the three candidates receiving equal speaking time and strictly timed responses. Idaho News 6 will facilitate the event via a livestream, providing remote access to citizens across the state.
Timeline
Two weeks prior to October 6, 2026: Previous debate between Critchfield and Sundin Mitchell.
Prior to October 6, 2026: Debbie Critchfield withdrew from a KTVB-scheduled debate.
October 12, 2026: Upcoming debate scheduled for 7 p.m.
The Home Front
This debate arrives as a notable development in the state superintendent election cycle, where candidate participation has previously been influenced by campaign finance benchmarks. It reflects a shift toward more inclusive candidate forums heading into the final stages of the race.
Families across Idaho should consider watching the livestream to understand how each candidate plans to handle state education logistics. Reviewing candidate platforms now will help you prepare for upcoming decisions regarding school policy and leadership.
The takeaway
Voters can view the candidates' positions during the livestream starting at 7 p.m. this Monday. Reviewing the event is a simple way for parents to stay informed about the leadership direction for their local schools.
Further reading
For more information on the oversight of state educational institutions, visit Administration.
Live Poll
Should all candidates be included in public debates regardless of their campaign fundraising?
