Kathy Hoffman concedes to Tom Horne in Arizona education superintendent race

PHOENIX — Democratic incumbent Kathy Hoffman conceded to Republican challenger Tom Horne on Thursday morning in the race for Arizona superintendent of public instruction.

“After a hard-fought race, we came up short,” Hoffman said in a social media post.

“I want to thank my supporters, volunteers, and staff who stood by me during this election. And I especially want to thank my family for all of their love and support.”

The race was back and forth since Election Day on Nov. 8, but Horne stretched and maintained his lead as the counting continued.

As of results reported through Wednesday night, Horne was leading by 8,718 votes (50.2%-49.8%) while an estimated 17,280 ballots remained uncounted statewide. The final margin will likely be within the threshold of .5 percentage points to trigger an automatic recount, which would take place in December after county and state certification.

Hoffman didn’t mention Horne in her statement but congratulated fellow Democrats Katie Hobbs (governor), Adrian Fontes (secretary of state) and U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly for their victories in statewide races.

“Our state will be in better hands with you all at the helm,” she said.

Horne is set to become the state’s 23rd superintendent of public instruction and serve in the position for a second time. He previously was the Arizona schools chief from 2003-11.

Horne is the second Arizona Republican to win a major statewide race in this election, joining incumbent Treasurer Kimberly Yee.

Only one statewide race remains undecided, with Democrat Kris Mayes clinging to a lead of about 700 votes over Republican Abe Hamadeh in the attorney general contest.

Follow @KTAR923