Green defeats Morrow, will be North Carolina’s next schools superintendent
Michelle Morrow and Mo Green (File photos)
Democrat Mo Green will be North Carolina's next Superintendent of Public Instruction, after defeating Republican Michele Morrow.
The Associated Press projected Green as the victor early Wednesday morning. As of 1:30 a.m., Green had 51.18% of the vote to Morrow's 48.82% with almost all precincts reporting, according to the State Board of Elections.
The superintendent of public instruction heads one of the state's largest agencies with a multibillion-dollar budget and provides support to all of North Carolina's public schools. The position is currently held by Catherine Truitt, who lost in the Republican primary to Morrow.
Green previously served as the superintendent of Guilford County Public Schools, the third largest district in the state with more than 70,000 students.
He has voiced his opposition to the opportunity scholarships program, which would use public tax dollars to provide vouchers for families to attend private schools. Gov. Roy Cooper vetoed the controversial bill, although the state legislature can still override it before the end of the year.
Green's campaign has reminded voters of his opponent's past actions. The down-ballot race has gained national attention and scrutiny due to Morrow's previous comments.
She attended the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol when insurrectionists attempted to overthrow Congress as it certified the results of the 2020 presidential election.
Investigative reporters at CNN's KFILE found no evidence that Morrow entered the Capitol building that day or that she engaged in violence, and she was not charged with any crimes.
Morrow also expressed support in 2020 for the televised execution of Cooper, former President Barack Obama, then-President-elect Joe Biden, and other prominent Democrats.
Green's campaign also sought to link his opponent with the GOP ticket's other controversial candidates, namely Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, the Republican gubernatorial nominee who recently gained national attention for offensive and lewd comments he made on social media prior to entering politics.
Before entering the world of education, Green worked as a lawyer in private practice. His two children both graduated from public schools in North Carolina.
Green graduated from Duke University with a bachelor's degree in political science and economics and a law degree.
The state's largest teacher organization, the North Carolina Association of Educators, which endorsed Green, celebrated the victory. In a statement NCAE president Tamika Walker-Kelly said:
"Educators, alongside parents and voters, rejected extremism and prioritized a vision for public schools that supports all students, parents, teachers, and public school personnel. With his extensive experience and passion for public education, we are confident that we have a strong partner to help strengthen and improve education for the millions of children in our public schools, along with their parents, teachers, and school staff."
Election night results are unofficial and vote totals will likely change over the coming days as local boards of election consider provisional, military, and overseas civilian ballots. The state Board of Elections is scheduled to meet Nov. 26 to certify the results.
