DeSantis' Education Agenda Faces Setbacks in Florida School Board Elections

Gov. Ron DeSantis' attempt to expand his conservative education agenda in Florida schools experienced setbacks as more endorsed school board candidates lost their races than won. Preliminary results showed 11 losses and 6 wins, with 6 candidates advancing to November runoffs. Critics view the results as a rebuke of DeSantis' policies.

Gov. Ron DeSantis' campaign to expand his conservative education agenda in Florida schools faced significant setbacks on Tuesday.

Out of the 23 school board candidates endorsed by DeSantis, preliminary results indicate that more candidates lost their election races than won.

According to unofficial vote tallies, 11 candidates backed by DeSantis lost, including some incumbents in conservative-leaning counties. Meanwhile, 6 of DeSantis' preferred candidates won, and 6 are headed to November runoffs. These runoffs could still favor DeSantis.

Speaking on Wednesday, DeSantis acknowledged the challenges, stating progress was still being made despite the losses.

Critics argue that the results reflect a rejection of DeSantis' education policies. Eileen Long, a Pinellas County School Board member who won re-election, stated, "We sent a message that governors should not get involved."

Long, a career teacher, fought off a challenge backed by DeSantis and Moms for Liberty, a group known for reading explicit book passages at school board meetings.

DeSantis' efforts to influence education policy have raised his national profile, focusing on limiting teachings about systemic racism and gender identity. His campaign showed signs of faltering on Tuesday, highlighting potential waning interest in the parental rights movement among voters.

During the 2022 elections, 83% of DeSantis' candidates advanced compared to just 52% this cycle.

University of Miami political scientist Matt Nelsen noted, "The critical race theory fever is breaking," suggesting parents prefer an inclusive account of American history.

Despite some wins in Democratic-leaning and conservative counties, notable losses included incumbents in Indian River County and Sarasota County.

The Florida Democratic Party, endorsing fewer candidates than DeSantis, saw more success with 9 out of 11 advancing.

(With inputs from agencies.)