Democrat David Garcia, who is facing Republican Diane Douglas in the race for State Superintendent of Public Instruction, has landed the support of two former Republicans who held the post, Lisa Graham Keegan and Jaime Molera.

The press release from Team Garcia:

Former Republican and Democratic Superintendents of Public Instruction announced their endorsement of Dr. David Garcia as Arizona’s next Superintendent of Public Instruction.

“I am supporting David Garcia for state school superintendent because the state needs an education leader who seeks the best in education for all students, informs his decisions with honest data, and understands integrity in office is everything,” declared Independent education advocate and former state superintendent Lisa Graham Keegan. “I have watched David bring these strengths to his work, and look forward to his leadership.”

“As a strong believer in conservative principles and of the Republican party, and as someone who believes in and is backing the statewide GOP ticket, I am supporting David Garcia because I believe he is the right person for this important job,” said Republican and former state superintendent Jaime Molera.

Molera went on to say, “Arizona does not need someone who will bring extreme and nonsensical views into our K-12 system. David worked as a top advisor to me when I served as state superintendent. I know he has a strong work ethic and will lead based on sound research, not distorted ideological views.”

Dr. Carolyn Warner, Democratic state superintendent from 1974-1986 commented, “Our children are the future of Arizona, and our schools are central to how our children will be their ‘future best.’ David Garcia knows this, and he knows the vital role that his leadership plays in this future.

"I served as Arizona’s Superintendent of Public Instruction for 12 years. I was committed to an education that prepared our children for a life of success. David Garcia has that same commitment. He knows that ‘career and college ready’ isn’t just a slogan. It is an imperative, and I believe that his wisdom, knowledge and experience will help move our schools and our state forward!”

David Garcia responded to the endorsements by saying, “Though elections are partisan, good education policy is not. I’m honored to have the support of both Democratic and Republican education leaders, and I am committed to doing what’s in the best interest of our students, our schools and our state.

"I will work across the aisle with legislators, educators and business leaders to implement policies that put our state in a position to compete nationally and internationally and ensure strong public schools for every student.”

Dr. Garcia is an Arizona native, U.S. Army veteran and product of Mesa Public Schools. The former Associate Superintendent of Public Instruction for Standards and Accountability, Garcia is widely regarded as a national expert on education policy and research. He currently teaches future education leaders at Arizona State University and has two daughters in public schools.