Majority control of the Texas Board of Education was still uncertain Thursday morning, after many midterm races had been decided. Democrats and Republicans each hold seven of the board's 15 seats. One undecided seat will determine which party holds the majority.
The board sets what schools must teach, which learning materials schools can choose and which charter schools operate in the state. It also oversees a school fund worth billions of dollars. Board members serve four-year terms.
Democrat Dana Van de Walker led Republican incumbent Audrey Young for the remaining seat by fewer than 600 votes as of Thursday morning. It is unclear when final results will be determined. A candidate can request a recount once the final vote count is in.
Democrat Gina Hinojosa won the state's race for governor. State law allows the governor to appoint the board chair from among elected members, and that appointment requires Senate approval.