ELECTION 2014: Mick Zais won't seek re-election for SC education superintendent
State Superintendent of Education Mick Zais announced Friday that he will not seek a second term next year, opening the door on the statewide seat that was last held by Democrats.
“After much prayer and thoughtful consideration with my family, I have decided not to seek re-election as state superintendent of education,” the retired Army brigadier general and Newberry College president said in a statement. “This was a very difficult decision. I was preparing for, and looking forward to, a re-election campaign. I’m confident I would have run a strong campaign and would have been re-elected.”
Zais had pledged to serve no more than two four-year terms but is leaving after one. “My campaign was never a stepping stone to higher office. Rather, it was the culmination of a lifetime of service.”
Zais, 67, mentioned in his statement the “enormous sacrifices to support my careers” that his family had made.
This story was originally published December 13, 2013 at 2:03 PM with the headline "ELECTION 2014: Mick Zais won't seek re-election for SC education superintendent."