29 State Leaders Selected for Elite Bipartisan Education Fellowship

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Jonathan Ortiz

jortiz@hunt-institute.org | (984) 256-8548

New Hunt-Kean Leadership Fellows cohort brings together senior officials from across the country to collaborate on student-focused education solutions.

Cary, NC. – At a time when education policy has become increasingly polarized, a new class of 29 senior state officials is stepping forward to collaborate on a different path forward. The Hunt Institute today announced its twelfth cohort of Hunt-Kean Leadership Fellows—a bipartisan program that has become the nation’s premier training ground for education policymakers, with alumni now including 11 sitting governors, 2 former governors, and leaders from all 50 states. 

The Fellowship brings together lawmakers, governors, attorneys general, and other state leaders who share a common goal: moving beyond partisan divisions to develop education policies that work for students. Since its inception, the program has equipped 292 elected officials with the research, strategy, and collaborative networks needed to drive meaningful reform in their home states. 

By investing in America’s political leaders, we’re cultivating informed, motivated change agents with the influence to strengthen state education systems and improve outcomes for students. The bipartisan Hunt-Kean Leadership Fellows program: 

• Engages Fellows with the latest research and insights on effective, forward-thinking education policies and practices; 

• Creates space for open, respectful dialogue that welcomes diverse perspectives and fosters thoughtful debate on complex education challenges; and 

• Connects leaders with peers and innovators across the nation who are driving meaningful reform in their states and communities. 

“Every child in America deserves a fair shot at a great education. That means not just access to school, but access to excellent teachers, rigorous curriculum, and the supports children need to thrive.” said Secretary Arne Duncan, Former U.S. Secretary of Education and Board Chair, The Hunt Institute. “This Fellowship creates space for leaders to rise above partisanship and work together on education solutions that put students first. I am excited for their commitment and the impact they will make to their communities.” 

The program’s alumni represent all 50 states and the District of Columbia, with notable participants including: Governor Katie Hobbs of Arizona, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders of Arkansas, Governor Maura Healey of Massachusetts, Governor Kim Reynolds of Iowa, Governor Brad Little of Idaho, Governor Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, Governor Tate Reeves of Mississippi, and Governor Spencer Cox of Utah, Governor Mike Kehoe of Missouri, Governor Josh Stein of North Carolina, and Governor Bob Ferguson of Washington.   

“I’m honored to welcome Cohort 12 of our Hunt-Kean Leadership Fellows,” said Dr. Javaid Siddiqi, President & CEO of The Hunt Institute. “At a time when education faces complex challenges, bringing elected leaders together to find common ground is more critical than ever. I’m eager to see how these leaders build on the legacy of Governors Hunt and Kean to deliver real results for students in their states.” 

 The 2025-2026 cohort represents leadership from across the political spectrum and every level of state government:  

• The Honorable Nancy Gutierrez, State Representative | Arizona 

• The Honorable Mike Fong, State Assemblymember | California 

• The Honorable Jacque Patterson, President, State Board of Education | D.C. 

• The Honorable Kerri Evelyn Harris, State Representative | Delaware 

• The Honorable Kevin Cook, State Senator | Idaho 

• The Honorable Chris Cournoyer, Lt. Governor | Iowa 

• The Honorable Maurice West, State Representative | Illinois 

• The Honorable Renee Erickson, State Senator | Kansas 

• The Honorable Mike Clines, State Representative | Kentucky 

• The Honorable Maggie Nurrenbern, State Senator | Missouri 

• The Honorable Vin Gopal, State Senator | New Jersey 

• The Honorable Tim Keller, Mayor | New Mexico 

• The Honorable John Liu, State Senator | New York 

• The Honorable Jeff Jackson, Attorney General | North Carolina 

• The Honorable Shevrin Jones, State Senator | Florida  

• The Honorable Michelle Strinden, Lt. Governor | North Dakota 

• The Honorable Josh Williams, State Representative | Ohio 

• The Honorable Trey Caldwell, State Representative | Oklahoma 

• The Honorable Gentner Drummond, Attorney General | Oklahoma 

• The Honorable Elizabeth Steiner, Treasurer | Oregon 

• The Honorable Tiara Mack, State Senator | Rhode Island 

• The Honorable Jason Elliott, State Senator | South Carolina 

• The Honorable Brad Buckley, State Representative | Texas 

• The Honorable Mark White, State Representative | Tennessee 

• The Honorable Ghazala Hashmi, State Senator | Virginia 

• The Honorable Mike Pieciak, State Treasurer | Vermont 

• The Honorable Chris Reykdal, State Superintendent | Washington 

• The Honorable Kris Warner, Secretary of State | West Virginia 

• The Honorable Kristi Racines, State Auditor | Wyoming 

“I’m honored to join the next cohort of Hunt-Kean Leadership Fellows,” said Attorney General Gentner Drummond (R-OK). “I look forward to learning from my peers across the country and bringing back proven strategies that give Oklahoma families and students the tools and opportunities they need to succeed.” 

From December through August, Fellows engage in a rigorous curriculum facilitated by The Hunt Institute’s policy teams. Activities include policy discussions, strategy breakouts, site visits and classroom perspective sessions, monthly webinars, and two in-person convenings to share experiences and gain insights from fellow cohort members. 

This twelfth cohort continues the Fellowship’s mission of building bipartisan leadership that advances innovative education solutions, ensuring that students nationwide have the resources and support they need to succeed. 

“All students and communities deserve a fully funded education system that recognizes their unique needs, because education is the foundation of opportunity,” said State Superintendent Chris Reykdal (NP-WA). “I’m honored to be part of this cohort and grateful to The Hunt Institute for the opportunity. I look forward to collaborating with this group of education-minded leaders to learn, share ideas, and make a difference.” 

About The Hunt Institute 

The Hunt Institute, an affiliate of the Duke University Sanford School of Public Policy, is a recognized leader in the movement to transform public education. Marshaling expertise from a nationwide partner network since its establishment in 2001, The Institute brings together people and resources that help build and nurture visionary leadership and mobilize strategic action for greater educational outcomes and student success. For more information, please visit: http://www.hunt-institute.org/ 

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