#ElectionResults2018: School Choice Won!
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It was a great night for school choice! With big wins in some key gubernatorial races and plenty of wins racked up in state legislative races – by our tireless political teams in the states – we’re very happy with the results.
We still have a good chunk of critical races outstanding in many states, so stay tuned for more updates. Get up to speed on all of the releases we put out last night and early into the morning.
Bill Lee, School Choice Supporter, Victorious in Tennessee Governor’s Race
AFC congratulates Bill Lee on winning the gubernatorial race. His election results are in line with numerous public polls of Tennessee voters that have found strong, bipartisan support for school choice.
Notably, Karl Dean attacked Bill Lee in the final weeks for supporting all educational options. It’s clear that attacking a family’s right to choose the best school for their child is a failed strategy.
Statement from Shaka Mitchell, Tennessee State Director for the American Federation for Children:
“Tonight’s results confirm recent statewide polling – that Tennessee voters overwhelmingly prefer candidates who support increasing parent choice in education. In the race for Governor, Tennessee was fortunate to have two forward thinking candidates in Bill Lee and Karl Dean. But, where Dean would have supported only a limited range of options for families, Governor-elect Bill Lee will leave no stone unturned in the search for quality options for all Tennesseans. Research shows that there is no one way to school and students need options that match their interests and talents. Great schools are found in all sectors: zoned, public charter, independent, and home school, and I am confident that this new administration will continue Tennessee’s upward trajectory by empowering parents with meaningful access to the best education for their children.”
Details:
Williamson County businessman Bill Lee handily won both the Republican primary (in August) and tonight’s general election, defeating Democrat Karl Dean. Lee has consistently talked about the need to extend Tennessee’s recent education gains to every community: suburban, rural, and urban, and using school choice as a vehicle for this progress. Williamson County boasts some of the top-performing public schools in the state while also experiencing some of the highest private school participation statewide, showing that school choice isn’t merely linked to the quality of schools – parents fundamentally want to choose the best educational setting for their children.
School Choice Supporters Victorious in Oklahoma Elections
AFC congratulates numerous candidates who support educational choice on their successes in today’s general election in Oklahoma. The election results are in line with public opinion polls of Oklahoma voters that have found strong, bipartisan support for school choice.
Statement from Tommy Schultz, National Communications Director for the American Federation for Children:
“Access to a quality education for all children is the civil rights issue of our time. Today in several important races in Oklahoma, candidates who stood for the right of Oklahoma families to choose the best education options for their children prevailed, proving there is no conflict between being an advocate for improving traditional public schools and supporting families. It’s time to give children more educational opportunity through charter schools, education savings accounts, tax credit scholarship programs, and similar policies. AFC applauds these candidates for their commitment to Oklahoma children.”
OFC-AF Election Highlights
- SD 6 – David Bullard (R) – Open Seat – WIN
- SD 32 – John Montgomery (R) – Open Seat – WIN
- SD 38 – Brent Howard (R) – Open Seat – WIN
- HD 39 – Ryan Martinez (R) – Incumbent – WIN
- HD 40 – Chad Caldwell (R) – Incumbent – WIN
- HD 43 – Jay Steagall (R) – Open seat – WIN
- HD 99 – Ajay Pittman (D) – Open seat – WIN
Details:
AFC’s in-state committee, the Oklahoma Federation for Children Action Fund (OFC-AF) supported the following champions of school choice who won the general election, based upon results posted by the Oklahoma State Election Board at the time of release.
David Bullard is a veteran educator in rural schools who was named “teacher of the year” in his district in 2017. Bullard was elected to the Durant-based SD 6 today.
John Montgomery has served as state representative in HD 62 since 2014, and recently served as the vice-chair of the House Appropriations and Budget Subcommittee on Finance. He was elected today in SD32.
Brent Howard is a fifth generation Oklahoman whose family still works the same farmland homesteaded by his great-grandfather before Oklahoma’s statehood. Howard is a graduate of rural Navajo High School, Oklahoma State University and the University of Oklahoma College of Law. He has a legal practice in Altus. Howard was elected today to represent SD38.
Rep. Ryan Martinez, a reliable supporter of school choice efforts, won re-election in the Edmond-based House District 39.
Rep. Chad Caldwell, who authored legislation to augment Oklahoma’s successful tax credit scholarship program, which provides educational opportunities to children in low-income families, prevailed in his re-election race in the Enid-based House District 40.
Jay Steagall became the Republican nominee in HD 43 despite being deployed in the Middle East as a member of the Oklahoma Army National Guard during much of the primary. His family campaigned on his behalf, and Steagall often used video calling to directly connect with voters. Tonight he prevailed in the general election.
Ajay Pittman, a Democrat, won election to HD 99 after prevailing in a primary runoff earlier this year.
The Oklahoma Federation for Children Action Fund (OFC-AF) also congratulates Republican gubernatorial nominee Kevin Stitt upon his election victory. Stitt is a supporter of giving families options with their children’s education. Stitt has stated, “I would love to see more choice, more competition, because I think all boats rise when we get more competition in the education system,” and he is devoted to making Oklahoma rank in the top 10 states in education.
A Win for School Choice in Arizona Even as Prop 305 Loses
AFC released the following statement on Proposition 305:
Statement from John Schilling, President of the American Federation for Children:
“As strong supporters of the Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program as well as having every school choice option available for all Arizona families, the defeat of Proposition 305 will still result in more Arizona families having the opportunity to access an ESA. In addition, had Prop 305 passed, Arizona’s Voter Protection Act would have made it nearly impossible to improve and expand the program legislatively in the future. While passage of 305 would have made all K-12 students eligible, we can now look forward to removal of the current growth cap of 5,000 new students a year and funding for every ESA will remain significantly higher. That’s great news for more than 250,000 Arizona students who are eligible for an ESA.”
Important ESA Facts
Contrary to recent misinformation, ESAs are not private school vouchers per a ruling by the Arizona Supreme Court. ESAs are an education savings account that parents control to pay for various education-related expenses including tuition, tutors, home school and online curriculum, therapies and more. ESAs are much more comprehensive than vouchers and allow full customization of education services for ESA children.
Many Arizonans may have been confused by misleading information stating most ESAs are used by children leaving A and B rated public schools. The only children accessing ESAs today are those who face one of the following challenges:
ESA Eligibility Categories
- Children with special needs (I.E.P or MET)
- Children stuck in a D or F rated public school
- Children with active-duty military parent(s)
- Children living on Ariz. tribal lands
- Children in foster or adoptive care
- Siblings of an ESA child
If a child opts out of an A or B rated public school to enter the ESA program they most likely have severe special needs (cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, etc.) that weren’t being met by their public school. There is no way to leave an A, B or even C rated public school through the ESA program without meeting one of the above ESA eligibility criteria.
The Auditor General has pointed out the need for greater financial oversight by the Department. AFC urges the Arizona Department of Education to implement systems which catch misspending of ESA funds immediately. However, it is important to note that the Auditor General’s report also shows that the vast majority of ESA parents are using the money properly and their children are benefiting greatly from the ESA program.
School Choice Supporters Victorious in Tennessee Elections
AFC congratulates the myriad of candidates who support educational choice on their successes in today’s general election in Tennessee. The election results are in line with numerous public opinion polls of Tennessee voters that have found strong, bipartisan support for school choice.
Statement from Shaka Mitchell, Tennessee State Director for the American Federation for Children:
“Tonight’s results confirm recent statewide polling – that Tennessee voters overwhelmingly prefer candidates who support increasing parental choice in education. Research shows that there is no one way to school and students need options that match their interests and talents. Great schools are found in all sectors: zoned, public charter, independent, and home school, and I am confident that this new wave of elected officials will continue Tennessee’s upward trajectory by empowering parents with meaningful access to the best education for their children.”
AFC-TN Election Highlights
- Governor – Bill Lee (R) – Open seat – WIN
- SD 9 – Mike Bell (R) – Incumbent – WIN
- SD 13 – Dawn White (R) – Open seat – WIN
- SD 31 – Brian Kelsey (R) – Incumbent – WIN
- HD 10 – Rick Eldridge (R) – Open seat – WIN
- HD 18 – Martin Daniel (R) – Incumbent – WIN
- HD 23 – Mark Cochran (R) – Open seat – WIN
- HD 24 – Mark Hall (R) – Open seat – WIN
- HD 26 – Robin Smith (R) – Open seat – WIN
- HD 37 – Charlie Baum (R) – Open seat – WIN
- HD 45 – Johnny Garrett (R) – Open seat – WIN
- HD 46 – Clark Boyd (R) – Incumbent – WIN
- HD 47 – Rush Bricken (R) – Open seat – WIN
- HD 73 – Chris Todd (R) – Open seat – WIN
- HD 75 – Bruce Griffey (R) – Challenger – WIN
- HD 76 – Andy Holt (R) – Incumbent – WIN
- HD 83 – Mark White (R) – Incumbent – WIN
- HD 85 – Jesse Chism (D) – Open seat – WIN
- HD 89 – Justin Lafferty (R) – Open seat – WIN
- HD 90 – John DeBerry, Jr. (D) – Incumbent – WIN
Details:
The Tennessee Federation for Children PAC supported many champions of school choice who won their general election campaigns. Following are highlights based upon results posted by the Tennessee Secretary of State at the time of release:
Williamson County businessman Bill Lee handily won both the Republican primary (in August) and today’s general election, defeating Democrat Karl Dean. Lee has consistently talked about the need to extend Tennessee’s recent education gains to every community: suburban, rural, and urban, and using school choice as a vehicle for this progress. Williamson County boasts some of the top-performing public schools in the state while also experiencing some of the highest private school participation statewide, showing that school choice isn’t merely linked to the quality of schools – parents fundamentally want to choose the best educational setting for their children.
Representative John DeBerry, Jr., returns to the state House after a convincing primary win and uncontested general election. Voters in his district ranked education as one of their most important issues, and Rep. DeBerry has made education reform one of his top priorities during his tenure in the General Assembly.
Senator Brian Kelsey will continue to represent the 31st Senate District of Tennessee. Educational choices abound in Sen. Kelsey’s district, and he is a long-time champion of increasing the school options available to families across the state.
Newly elected Representatives Robin Smith, Mark Cochran, Rick Eldridge, and Mark Hall all hail from east Tennessee and are set to bring new energy and urgency to the 2019 legislature.
Gov. Doug Ducey, School Choice Supporter, Wins Handily in Arizona
AFC applauds Governor Doug Ducey as he defeats anti-school choice candidate David Garcia in the Arizona gubernatorial race.
Statement from Kim Martinez, Arizona Communications Director for the American Federation for Children:
“Governor Ducey is a pro-education, pro-school choice Governor whose leadership has resulted in higher pay for teachers as well as more educational choice options for families. Gov. Ducey is a staunch supporter of Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Account program which helps disadvantaged children, many with special needs, access different types of schools or curriculum. We applaud all he has accomplished so far to improve education in Arizona and look forward to working with Gov. Ducey in the future as he helps meet the education needs of all Arizona children.”
School Choice Supporters Victorious in Missouri Elections
AFC congratulates numerous candidates who support educational choice on their successes in today’s general election in Missouri.
Statement from Tommy Schultz, National Communications Director for the American Federation for Children:
“Today in key legislative races across Missouri, candidates who stood for the right of Missouri families to choose the best education options for their children prevailed. It is clear that the voters of Missouri support legislators who believe that every child should be able to attend the school that best meets his or her needs. It is time to make sure that children all across Missouri can attend the high quality public school, charter school or private school that will transform their life.”
Missouri Election Highlights
- SD18 – Cindy O’Laughlin – Open Seat – WIN
- SD 22 – Paul Wieland – Incumbent – WIN
- HD47 – Chuck Basye – Incumbent – WIN
- HD65 – Tom Hannegan – Incumbent – WIN
- HD 97 – Mary Elizabeth Coleman – Open – WIN
- HD 99 – Jean Evans – Incumbent – WIN
- HD 110 – Dottie Bailey – Open seat – WIN
- HD 135 – Steve Helms – Incumbent– WIN
- HD 159 – Dirk Deaton – Open seat – WIN
- HD 160 – Ben Baker – Open seat – WIN
The American Federation for Children supported the following champions of school choice who won the general election, based upon results posted by the Missouri Secretary of State.
Details:
Cindy O’Laughlin
Cindy is a Republican running to replace term-limited Brian Munzlinger in Northeast Missouri. Cindy grew up on a farm and now co-owns a concrete business with her husband, Richard. Cindy has also served on a local school board where she says she learned the importance of parents being in control of their children’s education.
Senator Paul Wieland
Republican from Jefferson County. Elected to the Senate in 2014. Senator Wieland owns his own insurance agency with his wife. Paul served in the House for four years before being elected to the Senate in 2014. He has a long history of supporting school choice in both the House and the Senate. His website states: “One of our greatest responsibilities is to ensure that every child has access to quality education. I will work to not only improve standards but also increase student achievement. I believe we should maintain local control of the decisions about curriculum, instruction, and policy. We should also demand more accountability from our public school systems and provide alternatives to children who are mired in failing schools.”
Representative Chuck Basye
Republican from Mid-Missouri. First elected in 2014. Prior to joining the Legislature, Chuck worked for the FAA. He has been active in Republican politics for much of his adult life. Chuck has served on the House Education Committee for several sessions where he has been a true champion of holding school administrators accountable and for providing high quality options for Missouri’s children. Chuck has voted several times to expand charter schools outside Saint Louis and Kansas City and chaired a subcommittee on creating a tax funded education savings account program for the state.
Representative Tom Hannegan
Republican from St. Charles County. First elected in 2016. Tom is the publisher of a St. Charles magazine. He has lived his whole life in St. Charles where his family has very deep roots. Tom has been a supporter of school choice since he entered the State House in 2016. He has voted to expanded high quality charter school options to children across Missouri. On his website he states: “There is too much governmental interference in what should be local decisions with regard to education and parental choice. I am opposed to so-called Common Core and believe parents are those most capable about making decisions regarding their own children’s education.”
Mary Elizabeth Coleman
Mary Elizabeth has six children and lives with her husband David in South Saint Louis County. Mary Elizabeth is a member of the Arnold City Council and is an attorney. She also serves on the Arch Grants Board as well as the St. Louis Zoo Board of Directors. Coleman on education: INVESTING IN OUR SCHOOLS – Quality schools create good citizens, stable jobs and thriving communities. I will fight to ensure every child can access a world class education in a safe environment. https://www.maryelizabethcoleman.com
Representative Jean Evans
Republican from Saint Louis County, first elected in 2016. Jean has spent the last twenty-five years in real-estate and financial advising. She is also a volleyball coach and active on several non-profit boards in her community. During her time in the Missouri General Assembly, Jean has voted multiple times to expand access to high quality schools to more Missouri children, including expanding charter schools to underperforming districts statewide and to create a tax credit funded education savings accounts.
Dottie Bailey
Republican from Eureka, Missouri. Dottie is a mother of two young girls. Dottie has worked in the banking industry for her entire career and currently serves on the St. Louis Bankers Board of Directors. She also has a long history of grassroots activism in Saint Louis County.
Representative Steve Helms
Republican from Springfield, MO. First elected in 2016. Steve is an army veteran who served a tour of duty in the First Gulf War and was honorably discharged in 1996. Steve is a small business owner and has served as Greene County Clerk.
Dirk Deaton
Dirk was born and raised in the small southwest Missouri town of Noel where he recently started the Noel Betterment Association, which is a non-profit, civic group dedicated to finding solutions to community issues. Dirk is also a minister and active in his church community. Deaton on school choice “I have a very diverse educational background. I grew up going to Noel Elementary School and was then home schooled through high school. I attended a public college (Crowder College), public university (Missouri Southern), and graduated from a private university (Liberty University.) As a direct beneficiary, I understand the immense value of education. I also know from personal experience that there is not a one size fits all solution. The authority and decision making is best placed at the local level with elected school boards, teachers, and ultimately parents.”
Ben Baker
Republican from Neosho, Missouri. Ben is the current Mayor of Neosho. He is also a minister, a professor and owns a small construction company. Ben and his wife have four children. Ben is running to replace term-limited Bill Reiboldt.
Baker on education:
“As a professor and dean of students, I understand the importance of a good education. I will fight for excellence in education for all Missouri children.”https://www.benbakerformo.com/issues
School Choice Supporters Victorious in Wisconsin Elections
AFC congratulates the candidates who support educational choice on their successes in today’s election in Wisconsin. The election results are in line with numerous public polls that have found strong, bipartisan support for school choice.
Statement from Justin Moralez, State Director for the Wisconsin Federation for Children:
“Since its inception nearly thirty years ago, we have seen parents freely exercise their right to options, and school choice programs continue to grow. It should come as no surprise that voters all across the state continue to reject candidates that want to strip those rights away from families and compromise the education of children. We look forward to working with Republicans and Democrats on their efforts to ensure that all children, regardless of zip code, have the best access to quality education.”
Wisconsin Federation for Children Election Highlights
· SD 1 – André Jacque (R) – Challenger – WIN
· SD 17 – Howard Marklein (R) – Incumbent – WIN
· AD 13 – Rob Hutton (R) – Incumbent – WIN
· AD 14 – Matt Adamczyk (R) – Open seat – WIN
· AD 42 – Jon Plumer (R) – Incumbent – WIN
· AD 51 – Todd Novak (R) – Incumbent – WIN
· AD 62 – Robert Wittke (R) – Open seat – WIN
· AD 85 – Pat Snyder (R) – Incumbent – WIN
· AD 92 – Treig Pronschinske (R) – Incumbent – WIN
· AD 96 – Loren Oldenburg (R) – Open seat – WIN
Details:
AFC’s in-state committee, the American Federation for Children Action Fund – Wisconsin IE Committee supported the following champions of school choice who won their election based upon results posted by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel at the time of release:
André Jacque (R) defeated Caleb Frostman, who he lost to in the special election held in June. Jacque, who has been a staunch supporter of parental choice having used the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program himself, now moves from the Assembly to the Senate.
Despite representing a left leaning district, Sen. Howard Marklein (R) returns as the Senator for the 17th District, defeating Kriss Marion by a substantial margin.
Rep. Rob Hutton (R) defeated his challenger, Dennis McBride. McBride has been radical about denying educational options to parents and their children and lost 52% – 48%
Matt Adamczyk (R) replaces former State Representative Dale Kooyenga in a close race. Adamczyk leaves his position as State Treasurer that he has held since 2014.
Jon Plumer (R) once again defends his seat that he won in the special election held in June. Plumer, a Lodi business owner aims to bring fresh perspective and leadership to the assembly.
Rep. Todd Novak (R) narrowly defeated two-time opponent, Jeff Wright. Rep. Novak has been one of the most independent state representatives and has been rewarded by his constituents for another term.
Robert Wittke (R) won the open seat for the 62nd Assembly District by a healthy margin. Wittke, the President of the Racine Unified School District Board of Education, has made investing into K-12 education and opportunities a priority.
Rep. Pat Snyder (R) secured his second term through building good will and rapport with the community. He defeated Alyson Leahy, a first-time candidate who ran for the State Assembly just weeks after being elected to the Marathon County Board.
Volunteer firefighter and incumbent StaAte Representative Treig Pronschinske (R) won reelection over Rob Groves 55% -45%.
Loren Oldenburg will replace retiring State Representative Lee Nerison to be the new 96th District Assembly person.
School Choice Supporters Victorious in Alabama Elections
AFC congratulates educational choice supporting candidates on their successes today. AFC’s in-state committee, Alabama Federation for Children Political Action Committee (ALFC PAC) invested in six General Election races. Nine ALFC PAC-endorsed candidates were successful in the 2018 Primary or General elections. These victorious candidates from all over the state represent strong support of educational choice for Alabama families.
Statement from Michael Joffrion, Alabama State Director for the American Federation for Children:
“Tonight’s results send a clear message – Alabama voters strongly support candidates who embrace educational choice and innovation for families in our state. During this election cycle, Alabama voters overwhelmingly preferred candidates who supported educational choice. Parental choice was a key issue and the results reveal the importance of protecting the families participating in school choice and expanding educational choice throughout Alabama so more families can choose what’s best for their children.”
ALFC PAC 2018 Election Wins
- HD 3 – Andrew Sorrell (R)
- HD 4 – Parker Moore (R)
- HD 7 – Proncey Robertson (R)
- HD 8 – Terri Collins (R)
- HD 10 – Mike Ball (R)
- HD 38 – Debbie Wood (R)
- HD 45 – Dickie Drake (R)
- HD 74 – Dimitri Polizos (R)
- HD 102 – Shane Stringer (R)
Details:
AFC’s in-state committee, the Alabama Federation for Children PAC, supported the following champions:
Terri Collins, a Republican and Chairwoman of the Education Policy Committee, defeated Democrat Billy Jackson by receiving 62% of the vote. Rep. Collins is a key supporter of educational choice in Alabama.
Andrew Sorrell, a young Republican and passionate defender of educational choice was able to flip HD 3 from a Democrat seat to a Republican seat by defeating Chad Young with 53% of the vote.
Debbie Wood, whom ALFC PAC supported during the GOP primary and runoff, defeated Democrat Brian McGee with 69% of the vote.
Republican incumbents Mike Ball, Dickie Drake, and Dimitri Polizoswere also able to win reelection by defeating their Democratic counterparts. ALFC PAC-supported Shane Stringer did not have an opponent in the general election.
School Choice Candidates Win Big in Georgia Elections
AFC released the following statement as election returns continue to be tallied in Georgia.
Statement from Tommy Schultz, National Communications Director for the American Federation for Children:
“Once again, Georgia voters have shown that they prefer leaders who offer families diverse educational options so they can find the environment that fits their child’s unique needs. Tens of thousands of families in Georgia are benefitting from having their child in the school of their choice, and we’re hopeful to see those options expand further.”
Details:
Geoff Duncan, who was one of the most vocal school choice supporters on the campaign trial, won decisively against Sarah Riggs Amico 56% to 44% in the race for Lieutenant Governor.
Additionally, the American Federation for Children, through its in-state committees, supported numerous legislative office candidates who were victorious in Tuesday’s general election:
- SD 9 – P.K. Martin – Incumbent
- HD 7 – David Ralston – Incumbent
- HD 35 – Ed Setzler – Incumbent
- HD 46 – John Carson – Incumbent
- HD 49 – Chuck Martin – Incumbent
- HD 52 – Deborah Silcox – Incumbent
- HD 117 – Houston Gaines – Challenger
- HD 119 – Marcus Wiedower – Challenger
- HD 138 – Mike Cheokas – Open Seat
- HD 147 – Heath Clark – Incumbent
- HD 151 – Gerald Greene – Incumbent
School Choice Supporters Victorious in Florida Elections
The Florida Federation for Children (FFC), and its affiliated PAC – groups that work to elect Florida legislators of both parties who support empowering families with educational choices – celebrated many victories in tonight’s elections.
Statement from John Kirtley, Co-Chairman of FFC:
“Tonight’s results continue the trend seen over the past several election cycles in Florida: When given a clear choice between a candidate who supports empowering parents to choose K-12 options for their children and a candidate who wishes to restrict those choices, voters prefer the candidate who supports educational choice. Tonight’s victories by pro-educational choice candidates continues the trend from this year’s primaries, where four pro-educational choice Democrats won their races. Floridians from both political parties today showed support for educational choice by casting votes for candidates who favor giving parents more options to customize their child’s education for their individual needs. It’s time to give children more educational opportunity through magnet schools, charter schools, education savings accounts, tax credit scholarship programs, and similar policies. FFC applauds these candidates for standing up for Florida families. In the 2018 election cycle, FFC invested over $1.6 million in 39 primary and general election races.”
Details:
FFC invested in the following races where champions of educational choice won, based upon results posted by the Florida Department of Elections at the time of release. In all of these races, FFC educated voters in households with tax credit scholarship children and charter school students–through mail, email, phone calls and social media—on the difference between the candidates on the issue of educational choice.
Governor and Attorney General:
FFC worked intensely to educate the over 230,000 registered voters in households with tax credit scholarship children on the differences between the candidates for these two offices on the issue of educational choice. Less than 30% of these voters are registered Republicans. FFC believes that where the candidates stood on educational choice, and the tax credit scholarship in particular, was a critical issue to these voters. FFC also conducted a social media campaign aimed at users located at every charter school around the state. FFC did 11 social media ads to the 230,000 registered voters with tax credit scholarship children. It had over 3.6 million impressions to voters in this group generating tens of thousands of likes and positive comments from Democrat and NPA parent voters. FFC also “geofarmed” every person who went on social media in the last 12 months at every charter school in Florida—all 650 of them. There were 100,000 such people. FFC sent them an ad informing them of Gillum’s position on charters 30 times in the last two weeks generating 2.5 million impressions on Gillum’s anti charter position.
Florida Senate:
Dana Young is in a recount with Janet Cruz in SD 18. A tax credit scholarship family was featured in an ad produced by Republican Senate Campaigns that ran on Spanish language television in Tampa.
Keith Perry won re-election in SD 8. A tax credit scholarship family was featured in an ad produced by Republican Senate Campaigns that ran television in the Gainesville market.
Manny Diaz Jr. won in SD 36. A tax credit scholarship family was featured in an ad produced by Republican Senate Campaigns that ran on Spanish language television in Miami.
FFC also invested in SD 16 (Ed Hooper victorious), as well as SD 22 (Kelli Stargel victorious) and SD 24 (Jeff Brandes victorious).
Florida House of Representatives:
We congratulate the following candidates which we supported who won their General Election for the Florida House.
- Wyman Duggan (HD 15)
- Jason Fischer (HD 16)
- Elizabeth Fetterhoff (HD 26)
- Scott Plakon (HD 29)
- Randy Fine (HD 53)
- Jackie Toledo (HD 60)
- Chris Latvala (HD 67)
- Toby Overdorf (HD 83)
- Chip LaMarca (HD 93)
- Ana Maria Rodriguez (HD 105)
- Vance Aloupis (HD 115)
- Anthony Rodriguez (HD 118)
Educational Choice Supporters Victorious in Nevada Elections
The American Federation for Children, the nation’s voice for educational choice, congratulates the candidates who support educational choice on their successes last night in the Nevada general election. The election results are in line with the latest public opinion poll that demonstrates a strong majority of Nevada voters support educational choice.
Statement from Valeria Gurr, Nevada State Director for the American Federation for Children:
“Last night’s results are significant for a state where education reform is so desperately needed. All Nevada families will benefit from policymakers who will fight for educational options. Yesterday’s election results demonstrate that voters want candidates who share their vision of providing Nevada families with access to a quality education that best serves their children, regardless of the delivery system. The American Federation for Children looks forward to working with all lawmakers who share the common goal of putting children above politics. We congratulate last night’s winners and look forward to working with them in Carson City in 2019 to ensure all Nevada families have access to a quality education that best meets their child’s unique needs, regardless of income or zip code.”
Nevada Federation for Children PAC Election Highlights
- SD 20 – Keith Pickard (R) – Open seat – WIN
- AD 8 – Jason Frierson (D) – Incumbent – WIN
- AD 22 – Melissa Hardy (R) – Open seat – WIN
- AD 25 – Jill Tolles (R) – Incumbent – WIN
- AD 29 – Lesley Cohen (D) – Incumbent – WIN
- AD 41 – Sandra Jauregui (D) – Incumbent – WIN
- State Treasurer – Zach Conine (D) – WIN
Details:
AFC’s in-state committee, the Nevada Federation for Children PAC (NFC PAC), supported the following candidates who won their respective elections last night. All NFC PAC-supported candidates support the Nevada Education Choice Opportunity Scholarship Program.
In the State Senate, NFC PAC supported Keith Pickard (R) in District 20, a strong supporter of educational choice who actively engaged with many families in his district throughout the campaign to discuss the need for increased education options.
In the State Assembly races, incumbent Democrats Jason Frierson (AD 8),Lesley Cohen (AD 29) and Sandra Jauregui (AD 41) won their re-election bids by 60.35%, 51.39% and 54.45%, respectively. NFC PAC also supported Republican incumbent Jill Tolles (AD 25) who continues to fight tirelessly to bring more educational options to Nevada children. Tolles won with 59.01% of the vote.
Finally, NFC PAC supported education choice advocates Republican Melissa Hardy (R) who earned 54.37% of the vote in Assembly District 22 and Zach Conine (D) who won the race for State Treasurer with 47.59% of the vote.