Voters Reject Culture War Candidates in School Board Elections

In Kansas school board races, voters rejected conservative candidates who campaigned on culture war issues, such as opposing LGBTQ and racially inclusive school curriculum. Candidates backed by national right-wing groups, including Moms for Liberty, failed to gain much traction. The American Federation of Teachers sees these election results as a pushback against outside conservative influences, with voters demanding real solutions and safe and welcoming public schools. Moderate candidates who supported diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training were elected in districts like Shawnee Mission, Blue Valley, and Baldwin City, while conservative candidates lost in Shawnee Heights and Olathe.