Social conservatives on Texas education board facing stiff challenges in GOP primary

GOP primary could reshape Texas education board

SAN ANTONIO — Former State Board of Education chairman Don McLeroy faces perhaps his toughest re-election challenge in 10 years in a race that could reshape the conservative bloc of the influential panel.

Lobbyist Thomas Ratliff is trying to unseat McLeroy from his District 9 seat in Tuesday’s Republican primary. The race is among eight seats on the 15-member board that are on the ballot this year.

Lawmakers removed McLeroy as chairman last year following divisive debates over evolution in science curriculum. McLeroy, a Bryan dentist, is a creationist but says he never tried writing his beliefs into textbooks.

No Democrats filed to run for McLeroy’s seat in the November general election.