Governor Ron DeSantis is gearing up for another significant impact on Florida’s school boards.
As election day draws near, DeSantis, together with his Republican colleagues, is gearing up for a showdown with Democrats and the state’s largest teachers union in pivotal school board elections.
The Partisan Reality of “Nonpartisan” Elections
While they are officially nonpartisan, the lines in the upcoming Florida school board elections are distinctly partisan.
Governor DeSantis is backing 23 candidates, targeting eight current members, as part of his effort to mold the boards more to his conservative vision of education.
DeSantis Clarifies His Endorsement Criteria
Last month on social media, Governor DeSantis clearly stated his criteria for endorsement, emphasizing that his candidates “pledged to serve with a focus on student success, parental rights, and curriculum transparency.”
This endorsement campaign is a part of his broader strategy to influence Florida’s educational direction as seen in his past successes.
School Board Elections: Prelude to Bigger Battles
This week’s school board elections are just the beginning.
In November, Floridians will face a critical vote on a constitutional amendment that could end the nonpartisan nature of these elections, potentially transforming the educational governance landscape significantly.
Looking Back at DeSantis’ 2022 Victory in School Boards
Governor DeSantis’ influence was clear in the 2022 elections where he endorsed 30 candidates, with 25 securing wins.
These victories highlight his and his party’s increasing control over local education, especially following the disruptions caused by the pandemic.
Democrats Seek Redemption in School Board Races
Contrasting with Republican successes, the Florida Democratic Party saw less favorable outcomes last election, with only 15 wins out of 39 endorsed candidates.
This year, they’ve endorsed 11 candidates, aiming for a stronger showing in these crucial elections.
Unions and Democrats Unite Against DeSantis’ Picks
The Florida Education Association, a staunch critic of Republican educational policies, is endorsing over 40 candidates across 19 counties.
This move sets up several head-to-head contests with DeSantis-endorsed candidates, highlighting the strategic battles playing out across the state.
Escalating Partisan Tensions in Campaign Tactics
In Duval County, the election fervor is palpable with Democrats unleashing attack ads against candidates linked to Moms for Liberty, painting them as “dangerous” and anti-teacher.
This escalation shows just how contentious these elections have become.
Record Spending in Duval’s School Board Race
The race between Rebecca Nathanson and Cindy Pearson in Duval County has seen unprecedented financial input, amassing nearly $150,000 in campaign funds.
Nathanson, supported by DeSantis, has been particularly vocal about the importance of the Governor’s endorsement in her campaign.
Fierce Competition in Tampa’s Hillsborough County
In Tampa, the battle lines are drawn between incumbent Nadia Combs and challenger Layla Collins in a tense school board race.
Combs has the backing of Democrats and the education union, while Collins enjoys support from Republican heavyweights, including DeSantis.
The Uncertain Future of Nonpartisan Elections
The nature of school board elections in Florida could change drastically depending on the outcome of a proposed constitutional amendment this November.
If approved, this amendment would introduce party labels to these elections from 2026, aiming to clarify candidate alignments for voters.
Mixed Feelings Among Voters on Upcoming Amendment
Uncertainty looms over the proposed constitutional amendment, with a University of North Florida poll showing a closely divided electorate.
With 40% opposed, 37% in favor, and the rest undecided, the future of Florida’s school board elections hangs in the balance, reflecting deep voter engagement and the contentious nature of this issue.
