Miller is the first candidate to file in the 2026 race
OKLAHOMA CITY — The race for state superintendent has begun with the first candidate announcing his campaign Tuesday.
Bixby Public Schools Superintendent Rob Miller, a Republican, said he is running for the post in the 2026 election. Miller said he will retire from Bixby at the end of the school year.
Miller, 63, made the campaign announcement at a Public Schools Day rally in front of the state Capitol. He already had filed paperwork with the state Ethics Commission to establish his candidacy.
“I have been encouraged by quite a few people to give this a shot,” Miller told reporters as a high school band boomed behind him at the rally. “I’m at that point in my career where this has nothing to do with politics. This is about going to the state Department (of Education), rolling up my sleeves and working hard on behalf of Oklahoma’s students and families because I have no aspirations beyond this job unlike other people.”
The comment was a barb against the incumbent state superintendent, Ryan Walters, whom many believe will seek higher office in 2026. Walters, though, has not announced a political campaign. He is eligible to seek a second term as state superintendent.
Miller said he hopes to address the critical shortage of qualified teachers in Oklahoma, if elected, and to bring “pride and respect back to education.”
The longtime educator and former Marine criticized the political atmosphere hanging over Oklahoma schools and educators, indicating Walters is the one responsible. Walters has spent much of his time in office remarking on culture-war issues and seeking to place Bibles in classrooms.
“Right now, teachers feel like they’re under a storm cloud,” Miller said. “They’re afraid to teach certain things. They’re afraid to speak out because of retribution from certain leaders, and what I want teachers to know is we support you (and) we value you. You make a difference in the lives of kids every single day. Tell us what you need to do that job better.”
Miller has become an increasingly prominent figure in Oklahoma education particularly because of his clashes with Walters.
Before the 2024-25 school year began, the Bixby schools leader complained Walters’ administration failed to give adequate notice of each district’s federal funding levels.
In response, Walters called Miller a “clown” and a “liar” and insinuated Bixby had “all kinds of financial problems.”
Miller sued Walters for defamation over the comments. The lawsuit is still pending in Tulsa County District Court.
Walters’ administration has called the case a frivolous political stunt.
Miller’s profile continued to rise when he received a shoutout in Gov. Kevin Stitt’s State of the State Address earlier this month. Stitt complimented Bixby’s decision to prohibit cellphone use during the school day for students up to ninth grade.
The governor joined Miller at the Bixby Ninth Grade Center in November to discuss the issue of cellphones in schools with students and teachers.
Miller’s most recent claim to fame, though, came in the form of a viral internet video. He parodied Eminem’s rap hit “Lose Yourself” to announce a snow day on Feb. 12.
Miller reprised the parody to announce his campaign for statewide office on Tuesday, donning an Eminem-style beanie hat and performing rhymes for the eager audience outside the Capitol.
Afterward, he said he wanted to set an example of “doing things that are fun and encouraging.”
“Because that’s what we want our teachers to do, right?” he said. “We want them to go to their classrooms and make it fun, relevant and exciting for kids. And so, if they’re not seeing that from the top, then what prompts them to do it in the classroom?”
