Four Democrats won State Board of Education seats in Tuesday's election, according to the Associated Press, along with Democratic incumbent Tiffany Clark. Republicans Kason Huddleston, Mindy Bumgarner and incumbent Julie Pickren also won. Democrat Michelle Palmer appeared to defeat Republican Tiffany Nelson, the story said.
One seat is still undecided. In District 8, Democrat Dana Van de Walker leads Republican incumbent Audrey Young by fewer than 600 votes, according to unofficial returns, with about 1% of the vote still outstanding. Provisional and mail-in ballots are pending, and it is unclear when final results will be available. A candidate can request a recount in close races. Not counting District 8, Democrats and Republicans each hold seven seats.
The board is currently 11-4 Republican. Members serve four-year terms. Its duties include overhauling Texas' math standards, approving social studies textbooks and reviewing proposals for new charter schools.