We return from our summer hiatus with a look at some fascinating local and state races in recent weeks in Florida and Tennessee. Democrats in both states flipped multiple seats at local levels across both states this month, and took control of some major school boards. It’s been a bad set of results for one group in particular — the Florida-based right-wing activist organization Moms for Liberty. We also take a look at progressive state Rep. Angie Nixon’s surprising win in Florida’s Democratic primary for state Senate.
Plus: The Sidewalk Film Festival returns to Birmingham, Ala.
(Photo: Victorious Sarasota County, Fla., school board candidate Megan Tennimon at her election night party on Aug. 18
Show Notes:
“Ron DeSantis, Moms for Liberty reshaped Sarasota school politics. Voters just gave them the boot” Florida Politics
“Moms for Liberty co-founder faces calls for resignation from school board amid sex scandal” ABC News
“The Pendulum Swings: Moms For Liberty Demolished on Primary Night“ Equality Florida
“Florida voters deliver wins for LGBTQ+ candidates and losses for Moms for Liberty” The Advocate
“Orange School Board: Angie Gallo and Democrat-backed candidates have big night” Florida Politics
“Headlights Ep. 8: Watering the Roots” The Progressive South
“Democrats flip GOP Jacksonville City Council seat in Special Election, get boost ahead of 2027 elections” Florida Politics
“Democrats Flip Knox County School Board” Compass
“‘They have to come to us now’: Democrats flip 4 seats, win majority in County Commission” Clarksville Now
“DNC launches effort to gain ground across the South” Gray Media
Sidewalk Film Festival
“Take a look inside the new Sidewalk Film Center and Cinema” AL.com