OKLAHOMA – The 2026 Democratic primary debate for Oklahoma State Superintendent will be hosted by News 9, News On 6, and NonDoc on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at the Embassy Suites Norman Hotel & Conference Center. The debate, titled Education Equation, begins at 5:45 p.m..
Debate Moderators and Fact-Checking
The debate will be co-moderated by News 9 anchor Haley Hetrick and Tres Savage, with fact-checking support provided by The Frontier.
Both Democratic and Republican primary debates will be live-streamed on the Facebook and YouTube pages of News 9, News On 6, and NonDoc. Public seating is limited, and attendees can reserve a spot for the Republican debate via a Google form.
Democratic State Superintendent Candidates
Two Democratic candidates have filed to run for Oklahoma State Superintendent: Craig McVay and Dr. Jennettie Marshall.
Craig McVay
An Oklahoma native, McVay has 35 years of experience in public schools across the state, serving as a teacher, counselor, and district administrator. His career highlights include:
- Managing federal child nutrition programs
- Directing special education services
- Overseeing school transportation
McVay retired as superintendent of El Reno Public Schools in 2022.
Key Issues McVay Focuses On:
- Strengthening core educational fundamentals
- Teacher support and retention
- Improving Oklahoma’s national education ranking
- Classroom safety, stability, and reducing disruptions
- Addressing challenges in rural schools, transportation, and nutrition
Dr. Jennettie Marshall
Dr. Marshall served eight years on the Tulsa Public Schools Board of Education and has been a pastor for over 32 years, founding Living Sanctuary Evangelistic Ministries. She also previously served as a chaplain for the Tulsa Police Department.
Key Issues Dr. Marshall Focuses On:
- Reforming the State Department of Education
- Refocusing efforts on student education
- Teacher retention
- Addressing deficits in special education
- Strengthening parent-education partnerships
Where to Watch
The Democratic and Republican primary debates will be available via live stream on the following platforms:
- News 9 Facebook and YouTube pages
- News On 6 Facebook and YouTube pages
- NonDoc Facebook page
Attendees for the Republican debate can request reserved seating through a Google form.
Summary Table of Key Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | 2026 Oklahoma Democratic Primary Debate for State Superintendent |
| Date | Wednesday, June 3, 2026 |
| Location | Embassy Suites Norman Hotel & Conference Center |
| Time | 5:45 p.m. |
| Moderators | Haley Hetrick (News 9), Tres Savage |
| Fact-Checking | The Frontier |
| Candidates | Craig McVay, Dr. Jennettie Marshall |
| Live Streaming | News 9, News On 6, NonDoc Facebook & YouTube pages |
| Key Issues (McVay) | Fundamentals, Teacher Retention, National Ranking, Safety, Rural Schools |
| Key Issues (Marshall) | Department Reform, Student Focus, Teacher Retention, Special Education, Parent Partnerships |
The 2026 Democratic primary debate for Oklahoma State Superintendent provides an opportunity for voters to evaluate the platforms of Craig McVay and Dr. Jennettie Marshall.
With key issues ranging from teacher retention to special education reform, the debate aims to highlight the candidates’ strategies for improving Oklahoma’s education system.
Live streaming ensures statewide access for constituents interested in shaping the next educational leadership.
