Republicans are finding themselves at a crossroads in the battle over public education. The culture wars, long a rallying cry for conservatives, may be losing their potency as recent election results reveal setbacks for candidates pushing aggressive agendas on parental rights, book bans, and critical race theory.
Florida, once the epicenter of the conservative “anti-woke” movement, is seeing a shift. Candidates backed by Moms for Liberty, a key player in promoting book restrictions and parental oversight in classrooms, are losing traction. Even in red counties like Indian River, GOP-backed candidates suffered unexpected defeats. For Democrats, these developments signal a chance to flip the script.
Former President Donald Trump is doubling down. At an upcoming Moms for Liberty summit, he’s set to argue that culture war issues remain central to conservative identity. Yet some within the Republican camp question whether these battles still resonate with voters. Tab Berg, a Republican strategist, suggests the approach may need tweaking, emphasizing the importance of simplicity in messaging.
While Trump prepares to bolster his alliance with Moms for Liberty, Democrats are using education to highlight their broader vision. At their convention in Chicago, Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota emerged as a leading voice, touting his state’s universal school meals program. “We made sure every kid in our state gets breakfast and lunch every day,” Walz declared, contrasting his efforts with Republican-led book bans. Walz’s pragmatic approach seems to be gaining ground, with polling showing his popularity growing among independents.
The setbacks for conservative candidates aren’t isolated to Florida. Across the country, Republican school board candidates have faced recalls and defeats, even in traditionally safe districts. Analysts point to voter fatigue with divisive rhetoric and a growing preference for focusing on practical issues like school funding and teacher retention. A PDK International survey revealed that a majority of Americans rank these concerns higher than cultural flashpoints.
Despite these challenges, conservative leaders like Governor Ron DeSantis remain firm. DeSantis dismissed recent losses as circumstantial, citing limited resources and competing campaign priorities. He remains committed to an education platform railing against “woke” ideology, a strategy that helped secure victories in prior election cycles.
The broader question for Republicans is whether they can adapt. Tiffany Justice, co-founder of Moms for Liberty, remains defiant, insisting that setbacks won’t deter the group’s mission. “You’re going to win some races, and you’re going to lose some races. The fight doesn’t stop here,” she said.
The stakes are high as education emerges as a pivotal issue for the 2024 elections. Voters increasingly prioritize less politicized solutions, like affordable childcare and workforce preparation. If Republicans continue to focus on culture wars, they risk alienating the very voters they need to win. For now, the fight for America’s schools remains an unpredictable battlefield.
