Ritz defeats Bennett for schools chief

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - - A tearful Tony Bennett conceded around 10:30 p.m. Tuesday night, as Democrat Glenda Ritz kept the lead in the race for Superintendent for Public Instruction.

Bennett said he had no regrets running for re-election after he served his four-year term.

VIDEO | Watch Bennett's speech.

VIDEO | Watch Ritz's speech

“I asked our state to never stop putting children first,” Bennett said. “I challenge our legislators to continue on a path of reform, and I beg this state to continue to spend the 55.6 percent of the stage budget with the intent of advancing children first.”

Ritz, backed by many educators across the state, accepted in a speech shortly after Bennett’s speech finished. She spoke about Hoosiers not wanting teachers teaching to a test.

“The voters have spoken,” she said. “They care about our children’s future.”