In the latest statewide election, Texas Republicans saw their long‑standing dominance over classroom curricula challenged as four Democratic candidates won seats on the State Board of Education. The board, which sets textbook selections, curriculum standards and charter school approvals, now has seven Democrats and six Republicans confirmed, with two districts still too close to call.
Key races still pending
District 7 and District 8 remain undecided. In District 7, Democrat Dana Van de Walker leads incumbent Republican Audrey Young by fewer than 600 votes, with roughly 8% of ballots still uncounted. In District 8, Republican incumbent Julie Pickren holds a slight edge over Democrat Tiffany Perkinz, but a small number of votes are still being tallied. The outcome of these two contests will determine whether the GOP retains a slim 8‑7 majority or cedes control to a Democratic‑led board.
Implications for Texas education policy
Even a reduced Republican majority would be a far cry from the 11‑4 dominance that recently approved an Islam‑related rewrite of social‑studies lessons, mandated Bible passages in public‑school reading lists, and downplayed the horrors of American slavery. A more balanced board could reshape upcoming decisions on Texas’ math standards, textbook approvals and proposals for new charter schools.
Election results
Democrats Thomas Ray Garcia, Coretta Mallet‑Fontenot, Allison Bush and Michelle Palmer won their races, joining incumbent Democrat Tiffany Clark. GOP newcomers Kason Huddleston and Mindy Bumgarner also secured seats, while Democrat Michelle Palmer defeated Republican Tiffany Nelson in a closely watched contest.
Background and context
The 15‑member board serves four‑year terms and wields authority over what Texas schools must teach, which learning materials may be used, and the oversight of a multi‑billion‑dollar school fund. Three moderate Republicans chose not to seek reelection, and their replacements appear to embrace a more assertive brand of Christian‑conservative politics that prioritizes party loyalty.
Recent actions by the Republican majority have sparked controversy. Earlier this year, the board approved an anti‑Islamic rewrite of social‑studies lessons and a mandatory reading list that included Bible passages. A Democratic board member threatened legal action against two Republicans for alleged harassment during heated meetings that ran into the early morning hours.
Critics have also highlighted errors in Texas Education Agency materials that embed Bible teachings into elementary reading lessons, and the GOP majority has dismissed proposals for a Native Studies course as “junk.” In prior years, the board rejected science textbooks that addressed climate change and reversed its opposition to school vouchers, which allow families to use taxpayer dollars for private‑school tuition.
Governor’s influence
With Democrat Gina Hinojosa winning the governor’s race, the new administration could influence board leadership. State law permits the governor to appoint the board chair from among elected members, subject to Senate approval. Gov. Greg Abbott previously appointed Republican Aaron Kinsey to a second term as board chair.
What’s next
As the remaining votes are counted, Texas families, educators and faith‑based groups will watch closely to see whether the board’s composition shifts toward a more bipartisan approach. The outcome will affect curriculum decisions that touch on core values, parental rights and the role of faith in public education.
Regardless of the final tally, the election underscores a growing demand for greater input from educators and parents who seek a balanced, values‑centered education for Texas children.
Original reporting: Texas Tribune (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
