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Two Democrats to vie in run-off in State Superintendent of Public Instruction race
Photo: Michael McQuary (right) , with supporter (left) is the new face on San Diego Unified's school board
By Miriam Raftery
June 4, 2014 (San Diego) – Candidates endorsed by the County Democratic Party scored strong wins in local education races during the June primary election. Though school board races officially are nonpartisan, political parties weighed in with slate mailers advising voters on the parties’ preferences.
Incumbent Kevin Beiser trounced challenger Amy Redding 68% to 32% in San Diego Unified School District seat B. In addition, Michael McQuary, PhD, a retired teacher, won the District C seat unopposed.
On the County Board of education, Alicia Munoz, also endorsed by the Democrats, leads Katie Dexter 51.44% to 48.56% with all precincts counted in the 3rd district, though absentee ballots remain.
In the 5th district, however, Republican-backed Doug Perkins leads Rick Shea, the Democrats’ choice, 51.66% to 48.34%.
Democrats won both seats on the ballot in the San Diego Community College District. Maria Nieto Senour beat Donna Woodrum by a 56% to 44% margin, while Peter Zschiesche won handily over Lan Jefferson by a 60.5% to 39.5% margin.
At the state level, the California State Superintendent of Public Instruction race will result in a run-off between two Democrats: incumbent Democrat Tom Torlakson (37.78%) who in a virtual dead heat against Marshall Tuck (37.42%). Trailing far behind is Lydia Gutierrez (24.81%), the Republican. Torlakson is backed by the California Teachers Association, while Tuck, who previously ran a charter schools organization and a reform group called Partnership for Los Angeles Schools, has backing from billionaire donors.
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