Governor Ron DeSantis’ strategy to influence Florida’s school boards by endorsing conservative-leaning candidates met significant obstacles.
During the latest election cycle, DeSantis endorsed 23 candidates, aiming to extend his political influence across the state’s educational bodies. However, the outcome was less favorable compared to his previous attempts, revealing a shift in voter support.
Mixed Outcomes in School Board Elections
In the recent elections, DeSantis’ endorsed candidates had varied success. Despite the governor’s efforts, at least 11 of these candidates were unsuccessful.
This result contrasts sharply with the 2022 elections, where out of 30 endorsed candidates, only five faced defeat, indicating a notable downturn in the effectiveness of his endorsements this cycle.
Wins and Pending Runoffs
Out of the total candidates backed by DeSantis, six managed to secure victories based on unofficial county election results.
Additionally, another six are set for runoffs in November. These results will determine the final impact of DeSantis’ endorsements in reshaping the educational landscape of Florida.
Intense Political Battlefields
The school board elections, though officially nonpartisan, have become arenas for significant political endorsements and clashes.
This includes involvement from conservative groups like Moms for Liberty and opposition from state Democrats and the Florida Education Association, showcasing a polarized battle over the control and direction of local education.
Potential Decline in Political Influence
These mixed election results come shortly after DeSantis withdrew from the 2024 presidential race.
During his tenure as governor, he has sought to consolidate power through various appointments and endorsements. The setbacks in these school board elections might suggest a reduction in his political influence following his presidential bid.
Direct Electoral Competitions
The direct confrontations between DeSantis-backed candidates and those supported by the Florida Democratic Party were particularly contentious.
In these matchups, the Democrats managed to secure two victories against one for DeSantis, with another race heading to a runoff, reflecting a competitive and divided voter base.
Democratic Party’s Effective Campaigning
The Democratic Party of Florida endorsed 11 candidates in this election cycle, with a strategy to counteract the candidates supported by DeSantis and his conservative allies.
Nikki Fried, the chair of the Florida Democratic Party, said, “Our freedom starts in our schools, and we’re proud to have supported candidates who will fight for our students’ rights to see themselves represented in a book, to feel safe at school, and ensure every student has access to a high-quality education where they can learn and grow.”
Voter Concerns Over Educational Content
The theme of book banning versus protection emerged as a significant concern among voters, as reflected in campaign interactions.
Fried highlighted this concern by stating, “When we knocked doors and made phone calls for these candidates, we kept hearing the same question from voters — ‘is your candidate going to ban books, or are they going to protect them?’”
DeSantis’ Team’s Reaction to Election Results
Although initially unresponsive, DeSantis’ political team later addressed the election outcomes.
Jeremy Redfern, a spokesperson for the governor, wrote on X, formerly Twitter, “There were A LOT of uphill battles in historically blue districts today, but you don’t shift the culture by only supporting winnable races.”
Successes in Duval County
Despite broader challenges, there were successes to celebrate, particularly in Duval County.
Redfern marked these victories as crucial, stating, “a win for students and parents in a historically blue county,” which underscored the importance of these wins for the governor’s team.
Resilience of Incumbent Democrats in Tampa
In Tampa’s Hillsborough County, Democratic-endorsed incumbents Nadia Combs and Jessica Vaughn successfully defended their seats against DeSantis-backed challengers.
This retention was a clear indication of strong local support for the current educational officials and their policies.
Ongoing Political and Educational Struggles
The election night concluded with several unresolved races and the anticipation of runoffs, suggesting ongoing political struggles within Florida’s school boards.
These elections are not merely about winning seats but about shaping the policies that will govern education in the state for the foreseeable future.
