Democrats appear poised to double their seats on the Texas State Board of Education, from four to eight, according to unofficial results from the Texas Secretary of State. The results show Democrat Dana Van De Walker ahead of Republican incumbent Audrey Young in District 8 by a little more than 500 votes. Young could request a recount.
Van De Walker posted on social media Thursday celebrating her victory but said results were still being tracked. “Things are not official official until votes are certified,” she said. Young did not immediately respond to a request for comment on whether she would seek a recount.
The board sets curriculum and chooses instructional materials for more than five million public school students. It also develops education policies, oversees the State Board of Educator Certification, and can veto charter school applications. Governor-elect Gina Hinojosa has promised to replace Education Commissioner Mike Morath with an educator.
Tricia Cave, a lobbyist with the Association of Texas Professional Educators, said the board will need Republicans and Democrats to find consensus. Republican board member Brandon Hall, whose term ends in 2029, posted that he will not collaborate with the incoming Democratic agenda and will use available procedural tools to oppose it.