The Texas State Board of Education is poised to move from a Republican majority to a Democratic one after this week's election, according to ABC13 Houston. The board had 11 Republicans among its 15 members. If the results are certified, it would have eight Democrats and seven Republicans.
Dr. Duncan Klussman, a University of Houston professor and former superintendent of Spring Branch Independent School District, said the potential shift is substantial. He cautioned against expecting rapid change. "I don't think any changes will be fast because it takes a while to undo things," Klussman said. He added that many changes would need legislative approval, and that Republicans still control the Senate.
The board sets curriculum for public schools, including the Bluebonnet Curriculum, which was developed in 2024. Some critics have said it is too focused on the Bible. In District 8, unofficial results show Democrat Dana Van De Walker ahead of Republican incumbent Audrey Young by 569 votes. ABC13 said it contacted Young about a possible recount and had not heard back. Van De Walker said she ran to make education more inclusive for students of other faiths and to improve college readiness.