Democrat-backed Gallo wins Orange County school board seat

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Orange County voters flipped the school board chair voting in Angie Gallo over conservative-backed Alicia Farrant on Tuesday.

The local school board race drew attention from a vast list of partisan groups despite it being officially nonpartisan.

Gallo received endorsements from the Democratic Public Education Caucus of Florida, Equality Florida PAC, Everytown for Gun Safety, Florida Education Association, Gun Sense Voter, Orange County Classroom Teachers Association, the Southern Poverty Law Center Action Fund, and more.

Meanwhile Farrant, who has been a member of the Orange County School Board since 2022, was endorsed by the Orange County GOP, Stand for Health Freedom, Conservative Ministers of Orlando, the 1776 Project PAC, and several Republican state legislators, among other endorsements.

“Angie’s victory means Orange County voters have kicked out the last Moms for Liberty member off the Orange County School Board. Floridians are tired of culture wars in our classrooms and are electing leaders who will focus on the practical things our students need,” the Florida Democratic Party said in a statement.

Farrant said she was disappointed with the outcome but acknowledged “the city has spoken.”

“Thank you to each and every one of you who stood beside me and helped me fight hard for common sense and a wholesome education for our children. We gave this campaign everything we had, and I am so incredibly grateful for every person who walked through this journey with me,” said Farrant.

On Wednesday, Gallo shared the Equality Florida Action PAC’s congratulatory statement on her win to her social media page.

“Angie has been clear about what she believes public education should look like: schools where every student is safe and supported, educators are respected and empowered, families have a meaningful voice, and every young person has access to a well-rounded education that prepares them for their futures. Congratulations to Angie Gallo on her election as Orange County School Board Chair," said Equality Florida Action PAC Executive Director, Joe Saunders.

Aside from Gallo winning the school board chair seat, two more spots on the Orange County School Board went to candidates backed by the Florida Democratic Party. Melissa Lopez Marantes won in District 1 and Glorida Reina O’Neal secured the spot in District 2.

Elsewhere in Florida, a seat on the Sarasota County School Board was flipped by retired teacher and Democrat-backed Beth Mayberry who came out victorious in District 5.