DeSantis Suffers Major Blow in His Battle Against ‘Wokeness’

By: Georgia | Published: Aug 28, 2024

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recently experienced a significant defeat in his efforts to influence local school board elections. 

He endorsed 23 candidates across the state, hoping to align local education policies with his conservative views. However, only six of these candidates won their races, casting doubt on his influence in these local matters.

Commentary on DeSantis’ Political Influence

A columnist from The Florida Times-Union of Jacksonville noted the governor’s waning influence following the elections, stating, “DeSantis is out of juice.” 

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Ron DeSantis speaking with a microphone earpiece during an event, wearing a dark suit and red tie

Source: Wikimedia Commons

This comment reflects a broader perception that the governor’s political clout may be diminishing, particularly in suburban areas like Tampa where he expected better outcomes.

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National Focus Shifts Away From Florida

As significant political events unfolded in Chicago with Democrats nominating Vice President Kamala Harris for president, Florida’s local elections received less national attention. 

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Vice President Kamala Harris smiling during a public event, with a stage and musicians in the background

Source: TheDemocrats/X

Nevertheless, the results of these school board elections are telling of broader political sentiments, indicating a shift towards more pragmatic, moderate governance.

Shift Towards Moderation in Florida

Reflecting on the election outcomes, one social media user remarked, “Florida wants moderates not MAGA.” 

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Former President Donald Trump clapping at a rally, accompanied by a supporter, with a Make America Strong Again sign in the background

Source: GOP/X

This sentiment seems to resonate beyond Florida as former President Donald Trump faces challenges in defining his political stance against Harris and experiences declining support in polls.

Decline in Endorsement Success

In contrast to previous years, the success rate of DeSantis’ endorsed school board candidates dropped significantly. 

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Ron DeSantis speaking at a podium, wearing a blue suit and red tie, with the American flag in the background

Source: Wikimedia Commons

The Associated Press reported an 83% success rate in 2022, which plummeted to around 50% this election cycle, indicating a potential shift in voter preferences or the effectiveness of his endorsements.

Rationalizing the Election Results

Supporters of DeSantis attributed the poor election results to what they term the “woke mind virus,” suggesting that ideological battles rather than candidate qualifications influenced the outcomes. 

Ron DeSantis waving to the audience during a stage event, standing beside a clear podium with his name displayed in large letters in the background

Source: Wikimedia Commons

This perspective illustrates the polarized views on education that played out in regions like Pinellas and Hillsborough counties.

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Post-Defeat Appointments Raise Eyebrows

Despite the electoral losses, DeSantis appointed one of the unsuccessful candidates to the state Board of Education. 

Ron DeSantis standing at a podium with an American flag in the background, wearing a blue suit and red striped tie, looking to the right

Source: Wikimedia Commons

This move was seen as an attempt to maintain influence in educational policy, despite the clear voter mandate.

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Controversial Educational Policies and Bans

Moms for Liberty, supporting DeSantis-endorsed candidates, has been at the forefront of advocating for bans on certain books in schools, including an illustrated version of Anne Frank’s diary. 

Blue background with white text reading "We the Parents" in script font, and "Moms for Liberty" with the establishment year 2021 below it, with a stylized U.S. flag above

Source: Moms4Liberty/X

This aligns with a broader conservative agenda to reshape educational content, which has stirred significant controversy.

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DeSantis’ Definition of "Freedom"

Governor DeSantis frequently frames his actions, including punitive measures against corporations and dismissal of elected officials, as fights for “freedom.” 

Yellow pickup truck decorated with rainbow-colored Mickey Mouse logos and a "Disney Pride" sign on top, participating in a parade with colorful balloons and a float in the background

Source: Wikimedia Commons

This includes actions against Disney for their LGBTQ support and against prosecutors who oppose his stance on abortion, reflecting his specific interpretation of freedom.

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Voter Pushback on Educational Oversight

The election results suggest that Floridians prefer to select their local educators rather than have choices imposed by the governor. 

Ron DeSantis speaking at a podium with a microphone, wearing a dark suit and blue tie, against a blue background

Source: Wikimedia Commons

This demonstrates a disconnect between DeSantis’ policies and the preferences of his constituents, who seek less interference in local educational matters.

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Political Aspirations and Public Reactions

Initially gaining national attention for opposing strict COVID-19 measures, DeSantis’ move into the broader political arena has been fraught with challenges

Red floor sign with white text and footprints, instructing people to practice social distancing and stay "2 Carts Apart," with the top of two shoes visible

Source: Kelly Sikkema/Unsplash

His presidential ambitions have not resonated as expected with the electorate, who seem to prefer a less confrontational and more pragmatic approach to governance.

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Development Plans Meet Opposition

Governor DeSantis’ proposal to allow development in Florida parks was also met with strong bipartisan resistance, reflecting broader public opposition to his policies. 

Aerial view of a golf course with green fairways, sand traps, and water features, surrounded by trees and buildings in the distance

Source: Wikimedia Commons

This reaction from the community and political observers alike suggests that many do not support his vision for Florida’s public spaces.

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