By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Democratic candidates gained ground in school board elections, countering Republican messaging on issues like book bans and transgender policies. The wins, which took place across multiple states, suggest a shift away from the conservative focus on cultural clashes. These results were partially driven by voter concerns such as the economy and school safety. Liberal groups that supported the candidates plan to expand their efforts in preparation for the next round of school board elections.
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Democrats are taking back school boards as voters tire of Republican culture wars.
It seems voters are growing weary of the increasingly intense culture wars waged on school boards by conservative groups. These groups, often fueled by conservative funding and amplified by Republican politicians, have pushed agendas that often clash with the values of many communities. The focus on banning books, restricting discussions around diversity and inclusion, and imposing rigid ideological viewpoints has apparently backfired in many areas.
A prime example is the rise of groups like Moms for Liberty and similar organizations, who, under the guise of “parents’ rights,” have targeted educators and school policies. These groups often accuse educators of “grooming,” “indoctrinating,” or “trans-ing” students with inclusive school messaging. This has seemingly resonated with some voters, but their extreme stances and focus on controversial issues over the core function of education appear to have alienated a broader segment of the electorate.
The shift in power is evident across the country, with dozens of Democratic candidates successfully flipping school board seats. The Pipeline Fund, a liberal group, saw a large number of their supported candidates win in Pennsylvania and Ohio. The trend is expanding, with the group planning to support candidates in even more states.
The impact of this shift is visible in places like Pennsylvania, where Democrats gained dozens of seats. In Cypress, Texas, a suburb of Houston, Democrats took control of the school board after two years of Republican dominance. Even in areas like Ocean City, New Jersey, where candidates were endorsed by organizations like Moms for Liberty, the tide has turned. This suggests a broader dissatisfaction with the hyper-partisan approach these groups have embraced.
As one newly elected school board member in Cypress, Texas, put it, “Folks just want their school boards to be boring again.” The desire for normalcy and a return to the basic functions of education seems to be a key driver of this shift. In Cypress, for example, the local Republican board’s decision to ban textbooks dealing with crucial topics like climate change, diversity, and vaccines proved to be a costly misstep, especially as the district was also dealing with a significant budget deficit. Democrats in the area campaigned on eliminating politics and restoring the focus on core educational goals.
This recent shift in school board control should serve as a wake-up call. Republicans have spent years implementing a long-term strategy of starting with the smaller local elections such as school boards. This tactic provided them with a great amount of power and the ability to enact their extreme agendas, such as enforcing draconian abortion laws and eroding the boundary of church and state. Democrats have been playing catch-up, and taking back school boards is a crucial first step.
The trend extends beyond individual races. Counties that are rapidly suburbanizing, like St. Charles, Missouri, a traditionally Republican stronghold, are starting to see more progressive leadership. This indicates that Democrats should focus on appealing to these areas. It highlights the importance of grassroots movements and a commitment to making a real difference in people’s lives at the local level.
This strategy works, as demonstrated by the results and the growing dissatisfaction with partisan politics at the school board level. This trend could be a sign of a larger shift in the political landscape. By focusing on issues that matter locally and avoiding manufactured national wedge issues, Democrats can find success in races up and down the ballot, from school boards to the U.S. House.
Some suggest that the entire structure of school boards might need reevaluation. The kids don’t need politics, they need funding and evidence-based improvements in education, and more involvement from their parents. However, given the current political climate, it’s clear that the focus on culture war issues has created a backlash. The return of Democrats signals the need for stability in the education system.
The movement of Democrats taking back the control of school boards is crucial. They are fighting back against the agenda of groups like Moms for Liberty. This group does not want education to exist; they want to force their own extreme views on the students. Education professionals and community members have to be more involved to make the best decisions for their students and their communities.