Florida Elects Anti-Common Core Governor

Photo Credit: Gage Skidmore

Congressman Ron DeSantis (R-FL) defeated Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum in Florida’s Gubernatorial Race last night by a slim margin: 49.7 percent to 49.1 percent. 

He has criticized Common Core while campaigning for Governor. He tweeted this out in August:

We can improve our education system in Florida by stopping Common Core, empowering parents to make the best decision for their students and getting our Constitution back in the classrooms in a big way! pic.twitter.com/rGvpqRTEX6

— Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantisFL) August 2, 2018

Prior to the Florida primary, Karen Effrem made the following observations about DeSantis here at Truth in American Education:

• Opposes Federal Intrusion in Education: Yes, he voted against the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) in Congress, which cemented CCSS in place and harms the opt-out movement.
• Opposes Common Core: Yes, he cosponsored 2014 resolution against CCSS and has strongly opposed in speeches, interviews and via vote against ESSA. He is listening to his supporters, who oppose CCSS 72%-16%.
• Opposes Expansion of Government Pre-K: Yes, he voted against ESSA that includes expansion of federal pre-K programs that research continues to show is ineffective and is tied to Common Core.
• Pro-Common Core Endorsement or Rating: No
• Anti-Common Core Endorsement or Rating: American Conservative Union, Mark Levin, and Sean Hannity.

This is a welcome change from Governor Rick Scott provided he follows through.