The Texas State Board of Education (SBOE) is gearing up for significant elections, with eight of its fifteen regional seats open for four-year terms. This board is crucial as it establishes educational standards and approves instructional materials for public school students in Texas. It collaborates closely with the state’s education commissioner and the Texas Education Agency to shape policies and endorse new charter schools.
Among the positions up for election is the District 4 seat, previously held by Staci Childs, who resigned to pursue a Texas House seat. The winner of this election will serve the remainder of Childs’ term, which extends until 2028.
Currently, the board consists of seven Republicans, including the temporary appointee for District 4, and two Democrats. Only four incumbents are running for re-election. Conservative political action committees are heavily investing in efforts to retain Republican control in several districts, particularly Districts 2, 6, and 9, which encompass areas along the Texas coast and within major urban centers.
The districts were delineated during the legislative redistricting process, mandated by federal law following the Census. While the districts are roughly equal in population, their geographical sizes vary significantly, with some extending through numerous rural counties and others being confined to urban areas.
What’s at Stake
The SBOE plays a vital role in setting the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), which dictate the educational content for each grade level. Recently, the board initiated revisions to math standards and has already implemented sweeping changes to social studies curricula, alongside a new reading list that includes biblical stories. These updates are scheduled to take effect in the 2030-31 school year.
These recent changes have sparked debates, drawing hundreds of students, educators, and community members to board meetings. Critics argue that the new social studies guidelines and reading list overlook the diversity of racial, geographical, cultural, and religious backgrounds, while supporters assert that these measures will highlight Texas’ and America’s unique position in the world.
Here’s an overview of the candidates vying for election to the SBOE. Utilize our ballot look-up tool to determine if your district’s SBOE seat is contested this year.
SBOE Seats on the Ballot
- District 2
- District 4
- District 5
- District 6
- District 7
- District 8
- District 9
- District 13
- District 14
District 2 Candidates
Covering the Rio Grande Valley counties of Hidalgo, Cameron, and Willacy, as well as several coastal counties.
Thomas Ray Garcia (Democrat)
Cash on hand as of Sept. 24: $2,426
Major donors this year:
- Texas American Federation of Teachers COPE Fund — $5,000
- Alan Tijerina, teacher for Edinburg CISD — $4,000
- Leonel Tijerina, teacher for Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD — $3,050
Experience: English adjunct professor, founder of a nonprofit aiming to boost college enrollment in the Valley, and a former teacher.
Policy stances: Opposes state school vouchers, supports funding increases for public schools, and advocates for ethnic studies as social studies credit.
Victoria Hinojosa (Republican)
Cash on hand as of Sept. 24: $9,204
Major donors this year:
- Texans for Educational Freedom — $120,606
- Elect Adam Hinojosa Campaign — $10,000
Experience: Six years in the U.S. Coast Guard.
Policy stances: Plans to review charter applications for conservative alignment and ensure textbooks are appropriate.
District 4 Candidates
Covers parts of central and eastern Harris County.
Coretta Mallet-Fontenot (Democrat)
Cash on hand as of Oct. 5: $4,709
Major donors this year:
- Sheila Bradley — $300
Experience: Extensive background in education, with a focus on fighting against extremist views in schools.
Policy stances: Advocates for fully funded Pre-K, pay raises for school employees, and science-based curriculum.
Tammie Nielsen (Republican, Incumbent)
Cash on hand as of Sept. 24: $0
Experience: Appointed by Governor Abbott to fill the District 4 vacancy, with prior leadership roles in nonprofit organizations.
Policy stances: Committed to educational excellence and supporting parents and teachers.
District 5 Candidates
Covers Central Texas counties including Travis and Hays.
Allison Bush (Democrat)
Cash on hand as of Sept. 24: $9,101
Major donors this year:
- Campaign account of Rebecca Bell-Metereau — $5,000
Experience: Executive director for Pflugerville ISD and statewide director for a youth volunteering organization.
Policy stances: Supports measures to improve teacher retention and opposes unlimited charter school expansion.
Mica Arellano (Republican)
Cash on hand as of Sept. 24: $493
Experience: Over 30 years in education, emphasizing a strong foundation for students.
Policy stances: Prioritizes school safety and responsible spending.
District 6 Candidates
Covers large portions of Harris and Montgomery counties.
Michelle Palmer (Democrat)
Cash on hand as of Sept. 24: $22,274
Experience: History and government teacher with a diverse teaching background.
Policy stances: Advocates for accountability in charter schools and emphasizes comprehensive history education.
Tiffany Nelson (Republican)
Cash on hand as of Sept. 24: $14,488
Experience: Former Conroe ISD trustee with a focus on conservative educational values.
Policy stances: Aims to remove perceived liberal indoctrination from schools.
District 7 Candidates
Covers Southeast and coastal counties.
Tiffany Perkinz (Democrat)
Cash on hand as of Sept. 24: $8,978
Experience: Founder of a tutoring company and former English instructor.
Policy stances: Supports public schools free from political agendas and advocates for scientific education.
Julie Pickren (Republican, Incumbent)
Cash on hand as of Sept. 24: $62,217
Experience: Former Alvin ISD trustee and current SBOE member.
Policy stances: Prioritizes increasing educational investments and restoring values in schools.
District 8 Candidates
Covers several counties in East Texas.
Dana Van De Walker (Democrat)
Cash on hand as of Sept. 30: $1,330
Experience: Oversees a student program and has a doctorate in education.
Policy stances: Advocates for affordable education and the separation of church and state in schools.
Audrey Young (Republican, Incumbent)
Cash on hand as of Sept. 24: $25,437
Experience: SBOE member since 2021 with a solid educational background.
Policy stances: Aims to maintain conservative values in
