North Carolina Schools Chief Running For Lieutenant Governor

State Superintendent Mark Johnson is throwing his hat into the ring to be North Carolina's next Lieutenant Governor. He announced his candidacy on Tuesday.

Johnson is currently in charge of the state's public schools. He's joining a crowded field of candidates looking to replace Lt. Gov. Dan Forest, who can't seek re-election due to term limits. Forest has entered the race for governor.

Johnson favors school choice and drew some criticism when he redirected state funds to buy computers for teachers. He also opposed mass teacher protests in Raleigh that caused many schools to be closed.

During Johnson's tenure, the superintendent's position actually increased in power after a 2016 law shifted responsibilities away from the state education board.

But Johnson said in a release that he's received pushback from establishment politicians and bureaucrats.

As lieutenant governor, he would preside over the Senate and sit as a member of the State Board of Education.