The social conservatives on the Texas board of education lost a key vote when Republican incumbent Carlos “Charlie” Garza lost to Democrat Martha Dominguez, likely helping move the board in a more moderate direction.
There had been four Democrats and 11 Republicans on the board, with six of those Republicans considered part of the social-conservative bloc; now, the board is made up of five Democrats and 10 Republicans. All 15 spots on the board were up for re-election because of redistricting.
The board, which is set to adopt new science textbooks next year, has drawn attention in the past for ideological battles over evolution. It saw a shift to the center after the 2010 defeat of a socially conservative Republican, Don McLeroy, a former board chairman.
