Democratic Superintendent Candidates Garner Endorsements
Next month, four candidates will participate in a runoff election for state schools superintendent. Two Democrats and two Republicans will vie for their party’s nomination. But before voters head to the polls, Democratic candidates Alisha Thomas Morgan and Valarie Wilson are racking up endorsements.
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Twenty-four Democratic state legislators have publically endorsed Wilson. The list includes caucus whip Sen. Vincent Fort and Senate Minority Leader Steve Henson. Wilson says she’s worked hard as a former Decatur school board member and as president of the Georgia School Boards Association to improve education.
“I believe that work has paid off,” Wilson says. “But then to have these endorsements just really lets me know that work has not been in vain. People who make a difference in our community recognize the work that I’ve done, so I’m really humbled by it.”
Some Democrats disagreed with state Rep. Morgan’s support for a 2012 charter schools amendment. The measure gave the state the authority to approve new charter schools. But Wilson’s supporters, like Senate Minority Leader Henson, say they’re not forming an anti-Morgan campaign.
“I did not support the amendment on charter schools,” Henson says. “I certainly think charter schools have a place, but we have certain difference on that issue. But I look at the overall picture before I make a decision, and certainly, the experience Valarie Wilson has in the education arena is vastly more volumous than her opponent.”
But Morgan has a long list of supporters too. In addition to state lawmakers, she’s garnered endorsements from former Gov. Roy Barnes, Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, and DeKalb County Interim CEO Lee May. But Morgan says that’s not the point.
“I’m proud of the endorsements that I have and the people who are supportive of me are very excited and energized and are working hard on our behalf,” Morgan says. “But my goal is to focus on voters and parents who get that we have to change our education system.”
WABE contacted several of Morgan’s supporters. None responded to interview requests before deadline.
The runoff is scheduled for July 22. The winning Democrat and Republican will face off in the General Election in November.
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