May 3, 2024

Dear Supporters,

After thorough reflection and trusted counsel, I have made the difficult decision to suspend my campaign for Washington State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Throughout this campaign, I have been humbled and inspired by the overwhelming support and dedication of each and every one of you. Your unwavering commitment to our shared vision of building behavioral health infrastructure, equity in a globally connected world, and educational innovation for the 21st century has been truly remarkable. I am deeply grateful for the trust and confidence you have placed in me as a dedicated practitioner, servant leader, and viable candidate. Although this choice was not easy, I believe it is wise and it allows me to meet my calling to positively impact public education.

Once the campaign was underway, Erin Jones connected me with candidate Reid Saaris. She recognized the alignment in our service and platforms as leaders of national organizations dedicated to empowering historically marginalized communities in schools. It was like a breath of fresh air to collaborate with another candidate for online webinars, to share our vision for Washington schools, and discuss the political realities before us. I was impressed that Reid, whose campaign funds far exceed my own, was willing to engage in such a humanizing manner. The response we received was overwhelmingly positive. People expressed that they wished all politics worked this way. I am deeply grateful that Erin envisioned a union of our strengths as community leaders. 

As the primaries approach, it is increasingly apparent that our campaigns would fragment the progressive vote. I decided to suspend my campaign and fully endorse Reid Saaris. In some ways, this endorsement is not an announcement of me ending my campaign so much as joining forces together with Reid to maximize our opportunity for change and to make a difference for our students, families, and educators. I'm endorsing Reid because he knows anything really worth doing can't be done alone. Together, we'll be able to create the kind of movement for change and progress that will truly live up to the promise of public education.

I want you all to know that I am here to hold space for you for any reaction you may have in receiving this news. I will be available for anyone who may want to process with me one-on-one. Your voices matter a great deal to me. Thank you for being in my corner all this time. It has meant the world to me.

Blessings-

Vincent Perez

vincent@perez.school