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2026-08-16 22:17 UTC → 2026-08-19 02:31 UTC ·
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Florida 2026 local school board elections primary results and political shifts
As Following the August 18 non-partisan primary approaches, primary, the landscape of Florida school board elections are seeing is beginning to shift. In Lee County, incumbent Sam Fisher secured re-election to the District 1 seat with approximately 57.93% of the vote. Additionally, Jada Langford Fleming won the District 6 at-large seat with 66.41% of the vote. In Sarasota County, primary results indicate a surge potential political shift. Democrats Jimmy Glover and Beth Mayberry received the most votes in the District 1 and District 5 races, respectively. This trend follows the decision of several conservative incumbents, including Moms for Liberty co-founder Bridget Ziegler, not to seek re-election. Observers have noted a decline in the influence of parental rights organizations like Moms for Liberty in the region during recent election cycles. Prior to these results, the election cycle was characterized by significant campaign spending and ideological maneuvering. In Duval County District 6, candidates Lindsey Denmark and Clarence James have raised approximately roughly $190,000 combined, marking it as one of the state’s most expensive contests. This race occurs within a district that has maintained a conservative majority, with six of seven members registered as Republicans. On a broader scale, combined. Meanwhile, the Equality Florida Political Action Committee and the Southern Poverty Law Center Action Fund have announced a invested $250,000 investment into a mailer campaign across several counties to support candidates they describe described as “pro-equality” and “pro-academic freedom.” This funding will drive a massive mailer campaign across Orange, Sarasota, Seminole, Hillsborough, Palm Beach, Pinellas, and Osceola counties. The initiative aims freedom,” aiming to counter the influence of Governor Ron DeSantis and groups such as Moms for Liberty and the political impact of Governor Ron DeSantis, noting that many DeSantis-backed candidates lost in the 2024 primary elections. In Lee County District 1, incumbent Sam Fisher is seeking re-election against corporate executive Jenn McDaigle. Fisher is focusing on policy-making and budgeting, while McDaigle is emphasizing transparency and collaboration with Superintendent Dr. Denise Carlin. Meanwhile, in Palm Beach County Commission District 6, incumbent and county mayor Sara Baxter faces challenger Elizabeth Accomando, who has pledged to represent the Glades and western communities. Early voting and mail-in voting are currently underway for these races. Liberty.