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Fourth-Generation Educator Wins Florida State House Seat in Democratic Landslide

Democrat and fourth-generation educator Omari Hardy (Omari Hardy / Facebook)

2020’s KEY EDUCATION VOTES: See our full coverage of the 46 races that could reshape America’s schools following Election Day — and get the latest updates on state policies and students’ challenges during the pandemic by signing up for The 74 Newsletter.

Democrat and fourth-generation educator Omari Hardy is headed to Tallahassee to represent Florida’s District 88 in the state House after a commanding victory against Republican challenger Danielle Madsen.

Hardy celebrated his win on twitter, immediately changing his username from “Rep.-almost” to “Rep.-elect.” By the time all precincts were reporting, he had tallied 74 percent of the vote.

The district, which encompasses the Palm Beach region, is a Democratic stronghold, and the Palm Beach Post billed Hardy as the clear favorite. It did question how well Hardy, known for his outspoken role on a local city commission, would get along as a member of the minority in Republican-controlled Tallahassee.

Hardy, who taught middle school civics and was a member of his local teachers union, advocates for higher teacher pay, tuition-free college, and the expansion of broadband access, according to his website. His opponent, also a former educator, is a proponent for school choice.

Hardy is one of the 25 former educators included in The 74’s roundup of ex-teachers positioned to win state-level seats this Election Day. Check out the full cohort here.

2020’s KEY EDUCATION VOTES: See our full coverage of the 46 races that could reshape America’s schools following Election Day — and get the latest updates on state policies and students’ challenges during the pandemic by signing up for The 74 Newsletter

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