In a statement, Reykdal framed the decision as a matter of principle, arguing that even though Washington has no term limits for statewide office, leaders should impose them on themselves.

"Public institutions are strengthened when leadership changes, new voices emerge, and those entrusted with public office understand that the position belongs to the people, not to the person holding it," he said. "While our state does not have term limits for statewide office, I believe we should impose those limits on ourselves to ensure new energy and new opportunities are always created."

Reykdal, who was first elected in 2016 and has led the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction for nearly a decade, said he will spend the coming months discussing his next steps with his wife, Kim. He left open the possibility of running for a different statewide office in 2028, seeking federal office, or stepping away from elected politics altogether.

"I will ultimately decide whether to run for a different statewide office in 2028, seek federal office, or walk away from elective office altogether," he said. "My wife Kim and I will continue to weigh each of those paths, and I will be transparent about that decision along the way. No matter what I decide, service to our state and our youth will remain the core value that guides my next steps."

The announcement comes as Washington's schools confront persistent funding gaps, rising costs and debates over how far the state should go in directing public money toward private education. Reykdal used his statement to tick off what he considers the hallmarks of his tenure: steering the system through "extraordinary challenges," pressing for stronger and more equitable school funding, expanding career and technical education, and defending public education.

"Together, we have navigated extraordinary challenges, fought for stronger and more equitable school funding, expanded opportunities for students, including career and technical education, defended public education, and kept our focus on the promise that every student deserves an exceptional public education," he said.

He said he will remain focused on the job for the next two years, with priorities including equitable school funding, student well-being, academic achievement, holding elected officials accountable, and ensuring students have meaningful opportunities after high school.

"I am profoundly grateful to the people of Washington for the trust they have placed in me," Reykdal added. "Public service is a privilege, never an entitlement, and I intend to serve the next two years with all of the hard work, passion, and conviction that I first promised voters in 2016. Thank you, Washingtonians!"

Reykdal has also been an outspoken critic of a federal scholarship tax credit program, urging Governor Bob Ferguson not to opt Washington into it. In a recent radio interview, Reykdal argued the program would cost the state roughly $1 billion if a quarter of residents participated, and contended that Congress could have directed the money to special education instead.

"So when people say it doesn't cost anything, that's a billion dollars we didn't fund special ed with," he said at the time. He described the credit structure — under which taxpayers donate to nonprofits and claim a credit the following year — as a mechanism for diverting public money to private school tuition.

With Reykdal's exit now set for 2028, the race to lead the state's schools is likely to draw a crowded field, and his decision on whether to seek another office could reshape other statewide or federal contests on the same ballot. For now, the superintendent says his focus stays on the classroom.

"Service to our state and our youth will remain the core value that guides my next steps," he said.