Republican Candidate Michele Morrow Upsets Incumbent Catherine Truitt in North Carolina Superintendent Primary
In a surprising upset, Republican candidate Michele Morrow defeated incumbent Catherine Truitt in the North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction primary. Morrow, a nurse and former Christian missionary, garnered 52% of the vote, while Truitt received 48%.
Morrow’s victory comes despite Truitt’s fundraising advantages and support from the GOP establishment. The home-schooling parent criticized Truitt for not being conservative enough and accused her of promoting “radical agendas” on race and gender ideology in public schools.
Truitt, who served as the state’s schools’ chief during the COVID-19 pandemic, implemented a plan to improve reading skills in early grades and had the support of several General Assembly members and U.S. Senator Thom Tillis.
However, Morrow resonated with Republican and unaffiliated voters who are weary of taxpayer funds being used for what they perceive as ideological agendas in the classroom. Morrow vowed to prioritize scholastic achievement over diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and make schools safer.
Despite her loss, Truitt expressed pride in her accomplishments and gratitude for the support she received from educators, parents, and legislative leaders.
Morrow’s victory sets her up to face Democrat Maurice “Mo” Green in the November election. Green, a former Guilford County schools superintendent, won his party’s primary with 66% of the vote.
It is worth noting that while the state superintendent is the head of the Department of Public Instruction, statewide school policy is determined by the State Board of Education, whose members are appointed by the governor.
The outcome of the North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction race will be closely watched as Republicans aim to secure victory and implement their education agenda.
