Florida School Board Elections: A Turning Point
Last week, I wrote about how Florida’s recent school board elections signaled the declining influence of Ron DeSantis in the state. More and more Floridians are becoming fed up with his anti-woke culture wars and overall incompetence. Well, the Tampa Bay Times has a story out today showcasing how those school board elections across Florida also demonstrated the declining influence of the odious Moms for Liberty organization — with the headline “Do Florida school board elections signal the end of Moms for Liberty?” Let’s hope so.
The Rise and Fall of Moms for Liberty
A few short years ago, Moms for Liberty (M4L) rapidly became a darling of the far right, amid the anti-mask, parental rights politics of the pandemic, quickly raking in lots of donations from far-right donors. Although it became a national organization, M4L got its start in Florida in 2021 and helped to fuel DeSantis’s anti-woke agenda in the state — and in his failed presidential bid.
Scandals and Setbacks
Things first started to go south for M4L last year, when M4L co-founder Bridget Ziegler and her husband, Christian Ziegler, got embroiled in a scandal that included rape allegations and a bisexual three-way relationship between the Zieglers and another woman. The scandal led to Christian getting fired from his job as State Chairman for the Republican Party of Florida. However, Bridget has clung on to her position on the Sarasota County School Board, despite calls for her to resign, although M4L moved to distance themselves from her. Still, it was a big chink in M4L’s armor.
Election Results Signal Decline
Last week’s school board elections in Florida are another sign that Moms for Liberty’s influence is waning in the state where it got its start. Moms for Liberty backed candidates who supported their radical anti-woke agenda, which includes banning library books and class lessons that have anything to do with race, sex, and gender, with a big anti-LGBTQ focus. Of the 14 candidates that Moms for Liberty endorsed statewide, just three won, six lost, and five are headed to November runoffs. The Tampa Bay Times notes that their candidates lost in counties where the group’s endorsed candidates cruised into office two years ago. For example:
- Sarasota County: Two Moms for Liberty-backed hopefuls lost. Incumbent Tom Edwards, a liberal Democrat whom DeSantis targeted for defeat, won a three-way race in which he outpolled his opponents — including one endorsed by Moms for Liberty — in all but two precincts.
- Indian River County: The two school board candidates on the ballot backed by DeSantis and Moms for Liberty fell far short, winning about a tenth of the county’s 34 precincts.
- Pinellas County: Two M4L-backed candidates lost and one is headed for a runoff. One of the incumbents targeted by M4L, Laura Hine, won all but one of 286 precincts to beat an M4L candidate by nearly 40 percentage points.
Voices of Reason
“I think it says loudly that the silent majority is done with partisan political noise and wants can-do leaders who will focus on the work at hand,” Hine said.
Pinellas incumbent Eileen Long, who fended off a challenge from another Moms for Liberty-endorsed hopeful, said she believed county voters also were fed up with the nastiness.
“People saw the behavior and the words they used, and the public doesn’t want that,” Long said.
Nasty Tactics Backfire
Moms for Liberty definitely got nasty in this year’s school board elections in the state. For instance, supporters of the Moms for Liberty candidates disparaged local law enforcement leaders and longtime Republican officials who backed their opponents, said Katie Blaxberg, who faces a November runoff against Moms for Liberty candidate Stacy Geier. On Facebook, a local Moms for Liberty leader called Blaxberg a “pink vagina hat wearing baby killing liberal.” Another supporter baselessly called Pinellas Sheriff Bob Gualtieri “pro pedophile literature in schools” who supports “radical liberals” after he endorsed Hine.
Turning Away from Extremism
Conservative Pinellas activist Audra Christian said she and others switched their allegiances after being personally attacked by Moms for Liberty representatives. She said the group abuses anyone who disagrees.
“I felt it started out as a good thing,” Christian said. “It’s become a cult where you can’t question, can’t offer suggestions.”
The group’s strategies and messaging are only serving to turn off more and more voters.
Expert Opinions
Jon Valant of the Brookings Institution, who has analyzed the influence of Moms for Liberty since 2022, said the group’s success rate has diminished over time as its brand “has grown more toxic as the organization has become better known.”
It’s gotten to the point, Valant said, where a Moms for Liberty endorsement can prompt voters to oppose that candidate.
Maurice Cunningham, a retired University of Massachusetts Boston political science professor and author of “Dark Money and the Politics of School Privatization,” noted in the Times article that “the public is sick of the chaos and disruption” that is represented by Moms for Liberty.
Looking Ahead
Pinellas County Commissioner Chris Latvala, a Republican, told the Times that “The adults in Pinellas County pushed back against Moms for Liberty. I think November is going to be much of the same.”
Indeed. Moms for Liberty’s annual summit starts tomorrow in Washington, DC, and will feature an appearance by Donald Trump. Two sinking ships that deserve each other.
FAQ’s: Moms for Liberty
What is Moms for Liberty?
Moms for Liberty is a conservative advocacy group founded in 2021 by Tina Descovich, Tiffany Justice, and Keri Rodrigues. The organization aims to promote parental rights and conservative values in education and beyond.
Why is Moms for Liberty Declining?
The decline of Moms for Liberty can be attributed to several factors, including internal conflicts, financial issues, and public backlash. The group has faced criticism for its extreme views and divisive rhetoric, which has led to a loss of public support and credibility.
What are the Key Issues Facing Moms for Liberty?
- Internal Conflicts: The group has experienced internal power struggles and disagreements among its leadership, which have weakened its overall structure and effectiveness.
- Financial Issues: Moms for Liberty has faced financial challenges, including allegations of mismanagement and poor fundraising strategies.
- Public Backlash: The organization has been criticized for its extreme views on topics like LGBTQ+ rights, racial issues, and education policy, leading to widespread public disapproval.
- Legal Challenges: Moms for Liberty has been involved in several legal battles, including lawsuits related to its activities and statements, which have further tarnished its reputation.
What is the Role of Tina Descovich in Moms for Liberty?
Tina Descovich is one of the co-founders of Moms for Liberty. She has been a prominent figure within the organization, advocating for conservative policies and parental rights. However, her leadership style and some of her statements have been criticized by both internal and external critics.
What is the Impact of the Decline of Moms for Liberty on Conservative Politics?
The decline of Moms for Liberty could have significant implications for conservative politics. The loss of a prominent advocacy group may lead to a vacuum in the conservative movement, potentially allowing more moderate voices to rise to prominence. Additionally, it may reflect broader issues within the conservative base regarding extremism and divisive rhetoric.
How Has the Public Responded to the Decline of Moms for Liberty?
The public response to the decline of Moms for Liberty has been largely negative. Many have criticized the organization’s extreme views and divisive tactics, while others have expressed relief that such a polarizing group is losing influence. Social media platforms have seen a significant decrease in engagement and support for the organization as it faces increasing scrutiny.
What is the Future Outlook for Moms for Liberty?
The future outlook for Moms for Liberty appears bleak. With internal conflicts unresolved, financial issues unresolved, and public disapproval mounting, it seems unlikely that the organization will regain its former influence or credibility. However, it is possible that some members might split off to form new groups or continue their advocacy efforts under different names.
How Can People Stay Informed About Moms for Liberty and Its Activities?
To stay informed about Moms for Liberty and its activities, people can follow reputable news sources such as Daily Kos, which provides comprehensive coverage of political developments including those related to conservative advocacy groups. Social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook often feature updates from journalists and activists who track such organizations.
What are Some Alternative Conservative Groups That Might Fill the Void Left by Moms for Liberty?
Several alternative conservative groups might fill the void left by Moms for Liberty. These include organizations like Parents Defending Education (PDE), which focuses on parental rights in education but avoids some of the extreme rhetoric associated with Moms for Liberty. Other groups like the Heritage Foundation or the American Enterprise Institute could also play a more moderate role in shaping conservative policies.
How Can People Get Involved in Shaping Conservative Policies Without Supporting Extremist Groups Like Moms for Liberty?
People interested in shaping conservative policies without supporting extremist groups like Moms for Liberty can get involved with more moderate organizations. They can volunteer or donate to groups that align with their values but avoid divisive rhetoric. Engaging in local politics through community activism or participating in policy discussions at think tanks are also effective ways to influence conservative policies from within.
What are Some Key Takeaways From the Decline of Moms for Liberty?
- Importance of Moderation: The decline highlights the importance of moderation within political movements to avoid alienating broad segments of society.
- Need for Accountability: It underscores the need for accountability within organizations to prevent financial mismanagement and internal conflicts.
- Risks of Extremism: It demonstrates the risks associated with extreme views and divisive rhetoric in political discourse.
- Importance of Public Scrutiny: It shows how public scrutiny can impact an organization’s credibility and influence.
Conclusion
The decline of Moms for Liberty serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of extremism and divisive rhetoric in political movements. As the organization continues to face challenges, it remains important for both conservatives and liberals to engage in constructive dialogue and advocate for policies that promote unity and inclusivity.
