DeSantis’ Bid to Overhaul Florida School Boards Suffers Major Blow

By: Georgia | Published: Aug 21, 2024

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.

Governor Ron DeSantis delivering a speech, dressed in a dark suit and standing in front of an American flag backdrop

Source: Wikimedia Commons

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.

Governor Ron DeSantis speaking outdoors, gesturing with his hands, dressed in a blue shirt and dark blazer

Source: Wikimedia Commons

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.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

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.

An empty classroom featuring tables with stools and art supplies, under a projector and surrounded by storage cabinets.

Source: kacscribs/X

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.

Governor Ron DeSantis participating in a debate, wearing a headset and a dark suit with a red tie, speaking into a microphone

Source: Wikimedia Commons

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.

Close-up portrait of a smiling woman with brown hair, wearing gold earrings and a light makeup

Source: Wikimedia Commons

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.

A smiling woman with dark hair, dressed in a black suit with a floral blouse, seated in an office with American and state flags in the background

Source: Wikimedia Commons

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.

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

Source: Wikimedia Commons

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.

Wide shot of a large courthouse building with white columns and modern windows, surrounded by green landscaping under a clear blue sky

Source: Wikimedia Commons

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.

A woman in a casual outfit and red cap standing next to a campaign yard sign that reads "Elect Educator Nadia Combs for School Board District 1."

Source: NadiaCombsFL/X

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.

Ron DeSantis smiling in a dark blue suit and red striped tie, standing in front of multiple American flags at a public speaking event

Source: Wikimedia Commons

These elections are not merely about winning seats but about shaping the policies that will govern education in the state for the foreseeable future.