Moms for Liberty's Florida PAC has not funded any school board candidates this cycle, leaving Duval County's three November runoffs without the organization's financial backing after years of heavy spending.

PAC's Spending Pullback Spans the State

Moms for Liberty's Florida PAC has spent zero dollars on school board candidates this cycle, according to The Florida Trib. That leaves Duval County's three November runoffs playing out without the organization's financial backing.

Group's Board Majority Shrinks From Five Counties to Two

The group once claimed a "parental rights majority" on five Florida school boards, including Duval County. By November, Moms for Liberty is expected to hold that majority on just two: Clay and Brevard counties, The Florida Trib reported Wednesday.

Spending Has Fallen Sharply Since 2022

The pullback is steep. In 2022, the organization spent thousands of dollars on more than 50 Florida school board campaigns, and roughly three times as many of its backed candidates won seats that year, according to The Florida Trib. This cycle, 11 Moms for Liberty-backed candidates advanced to November runoffs statewide.

PAC Redirects Money to State-Level Races

The PAC has instead donated to state-level candidates, including Florida House candidate Monique Miller and state Sen. Debbie Mayfield. The Florida Trib described the shift as the organization aligning itself with federal and state politics.

Duval's Three Runoffs Set for November

In Duval County, all three open school board seats head to runoffs after no candidate cleared 50% in the Aug. 18 primary. The District 6 race to replace outgoing board member Charlotte Joyce features Lindsey Denmark against Clarence "CJ" James.

District 6: Denmark Leads Into Runoff Against James

Denmark, a real estate agent, led the five-candidate primary with 6,630 votes (34%), according to News4JAX. James, a school board police sergeant, took second with 4,070 votes (21%).

Endorsements Split Along Familiar Lines

Denmark has endorsements from Joyce, board member April Carney and state Sen. Clay Yarborough. James ran on school safety and discipline and was endorsed by law enforcement groups.

Carney's Open Seat Draws Comment on PAC's Influence

Carney, a Moms for Liberty-endorsed member who holds the District 2 seat, will not seek reelection. Donovan Bradley, a District 2 candidate running to replace her, told The Florida Trib that voters are not focused on the organization this cycle.

"I don't think that people are really paying much attention to Moms for Liberty or their involvement in the campaigns that are going on this cycle," Bradley said.

Education Researcher Points to Waning 'Indoctrination' Claims

Huriya Jabbar, a professor of education policy at the University of Southern California, told The Florida Trib that some board members elected on a Moms for Liberty platform found that the indoctrination and other problems they campaigned against were not happening once they took office.

Moms for Liberty Leader Says Mission Continues

Moms for Liberty CEO and Co-Founder Tina Descovich said in a statement to The Florida Trib that the organization's mission extends beyond school boards and that its momentum has not stopped.

Remaining Races Head to Nov. 3 Decision

The District 2 runoff features Bradley against Donna Mae Westrich. In District 4, James "Coach" Jacobs faces Rhodesia Butler. All three races will be decided Nov. 3.