Wyoming Superintendent Candidates Opposed Voucher Programs
Both candidates for state superintendent have expressed opposition to public funding for private school vouchers.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Primary Education
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Wyoming superintendent candidates Ana Cordova and Steve Harshman have declared their opposition to state-funded school voucher programs. The candidates, who are vying for the position recently vacated by Megan Degenfelder, have raised concerns about the potential for fiscal mismanagement and constitutional conflicts.
Why it matters
The candidates' stances could fundamentally alter how Wyoming allocates state tax dollars for education and manages private school subsidies. Both participants cite the need to prevent waste and ensure that public funds remain under state oversight rather than flowing to entities outside government control.
Candidate Ana Cordova aims to preserve 80% of current policy while tracking fund distribution through an application process. Steve Harshman, a state representative, suggests using Department of Education employees to certify providers to avoid voucher-related inefficiencies.
The players
Ana Cordova
A Democrat and candidate for Wyoming superintendent of public instruction who emphasizes maintaining current policy standards.
Steve Harshman
A Republican candidate for superintendent and a state representative who has previously worked on University of Wyoming scholarship programs.
Megan Degenfelder
The former Wyoming superintendent of public instruction whose departure created the vacancy for the current election cycle.
The details
Steve Harshman advocates for a rigorous certification process where state employees vet education providers to ensure transparency. Ana Cordova proposes a new application system to monitor how public money reaches private individuals. Both candidates prioritize oversight to address concerns that voucher programs may lead to inefficient spending or violate existing state constitutional standards.
Timeline
The Wyoming Constitution Article 16 Section 6 was ratified in 1890.
The initial school choice bill was introduced in 2024.
Ana Cordova was interviewed by KHOL on September 15, 2026.
Steve Harshman was interviewed by KHOL on September 22, 2026.
The Home Front
The debate over school vouchers in Wyoming is currently centered on interpreting the constraints set by the Wyoming Constitution Article 16 Section 6. The candidates' opposition to vouchers follows an ongoing legal challenge regarding whether such programs violate the state constitution.
Parents and taxpayers should monitor the upcoming Wyoming Supreme Court ruling, as it will determine the legality of current school choice funding. Consider reviewing the candidates' specific oversight proposals if you are weighing how future state education funding might impact your local district.
The takeaway
The race for superintendent centers on whether tax dollars should remain strictly under state control or be distributed through private voucher programs. Voters should track the pending state supreme court decision, as it will define the future of education funding in the state.
Further reading
For more information on the evolving landscape of local schooling, visit Primary Education.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wyoming Public Media.
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