On May 4, Texas voters cast their ballots in several important municipal elections across the state. High among our most-watched races was the high-stakes North East ISD board election in San Antonio, with both moderate and ultra-conservative candidates vying for control of San Antonio’s second-largest school district. The outcome would determine whether the board remained divided or shifted toward a solid pro-educator majority.
Now, we’re happy to report that all five North East AFT-endorsed candidates on the ballot secured decisive victories, ending a year of stalemates between three moderate and three conservative trustees.
In what hopefully serves as a portent for the rest of this election year, voters chose to bring stability to the board, which has been wracked with fights over culture-war issues like COVID-19 masking, banning library books, and curriculum censorship.
The divided board had struggled to agree on appointing a replacement after the passing of Trustee Terri Williams in August 2023. Her seat was included on the ballot alongside the usual four trustee races.
In the May 4 election, even conservative incumbent trustee Steve Hilliard failed to maintain his seat, winning less than 40% of the vote. Retired NEISD principal Terri Chidgey, who served as the founding principal of Stone Oak Elementary, will take Hilliard’s seat on the board.
According to campaign finance documents, the 12 candidates vying for five open board seats have spent more than $66,000 combined. Political action committees backing NEISD candidates have spent more than $77,000.
“Once upon a time it would have been sort of silly to even think about different ideological factions on the school board, because it’s really about kind of mundane administration and competence — management issues …” said Matthew Wilson, a political science professor at Southern Methodist University, in a pre-election interview with Texas Public Radio. “It’s really only in recent years that we’ve started to see concerted national efforts to shape school board politics in a variety of different jurisdictions, largely as school boards become the battleground for people on different sides of culture war issues about gender and sexuality and race and the narratives of American history.”
These election results highlight the importance of civic participation and the impact of local races on education and representation. As Texas evolves politically, voters’ choices shape the future of their communities and the state. Be sure to visit the Texas AFT Voter Education Hub to access information about elections, voting, accommodations, and more. Additionally, Texas AFT COPE endorsements for candidates across Texas are housed there so that you can not only make your plan to vote but also get suggestions on who to vote for in this next critical election: the May 28 primary runoffs.
Reminder: Early Voting Starts May 20 for May 28 Primary Runoffs
One May election down, one to go! As we get closer to the primary runoff election date (May 28), it’s hugely important that we make our voices heard in this upcoming election. As the war on public education — and public educators — continues, we must elect candidates, especially to our state & local governments, who not only oppose school vouchers but will also put their full support behind supporting teachers and students.
For the May 28 election, early voting starts Monday, May 20, and runs until Friday, May 24. The deadline to submit a mail-in ballot is May 17. You can check your registration status before voting, and keep in mind that a photo ID is required in order to cast a ballot.
Primary Runoff Election FAQs
Which primary runoff can I vote in?
Primary runoffs are restricted to the party you voted for in the March 5th primary. For example, if you voted in the Democratic primary in March, you are only able to vote in the Democratic primary runoff on May 28.
What if I didn’t vote in the March 5th primary?
If you did NOT vote in the March 5th primary, you can choose to vote to either party’s runoff on May 28.
Where can I vote?
To find where you can cast your ballot early or on Election Day, you can check the “My Voter Portal” page, or you can check your county’s election website. If the list of polling places on the “My Voter Portal” is not available, the list will be available soon, at the latest, two days prior to the start of early voting.
Are voting accommodations available?
All polling locations must offer at least one voting system that is acceptable for voters with disabilities, and voters with disabilities cannot be turned away by a poll worker who does not think the voter has the capacity to vote on account of their disability. Voters unable to enter the polling facility may request a curbside voting option.
Voters who cannot speak English, or who communicate only with sign language, may use an interpreter to help them communicate with election officials. More information for voters with accommodation needs is available on VoteTexas.gov.
Election Resources & Opportunities
Be sure to visit the Texas AFT Voter Education Hub to access information about elections, voting, accommodations, and more. Additionally, Texas AFT COPE endorsements for candidates across Texas are housed there so that you can not only make your plan to vote but also get suggestions on who to vote for in this critical election.
To update your registration, view a sample ballot, or find a polling place near you, Texas Freedom Network has a host of resources on their Texas Elections Hub.