APNewsBreak: Zais’ deputy to enter GOP race

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Charmeka Childs says she’s running to be South Carolina’s next schools superintendent.

The deputy superintendent at the Department of Education told The Associated Press that she’ll officially announce her bid Wednesday to replace her boss. Superintendent Mick Zais announced last month that he’s not seeking a second term.

Childs was an education adviser to former Gov. Mark Sanford. The Saluda County native and Duke University graduate also sat on the state’s Education Oversight Committee before joining Zais’ administration.

The 36-year-old former Dent Middle School teacher and basketball coach says she realizes she’s a unique Republican candidate as an African-American woman. But she says her potential historic role is not part of her campaign.

She joins a growing field of Republicans vying for the job.