GOP-backed Wake school board candidate drops out. He’s now supporting the Democrat.
A school board candidate endorsed by the Wake County Republican Party is dropping out of the race and backing the Democratic supported incumbent.
Robert Morales Vergara announced Wednesday he’s withdrawing from the race for the District 4 Wake County school board seat that represents Southeast Raleigh. Morales Vergara said he’s endorsing incumbent board member Toshiba Rice because they “share a commitment to improving education.”
The school board is officially non-partisan, but it has a 7-2 Democratic majority. Rice was endorsed by the Wake County Democratic Party. Morales Vergara was endorsed by the Wake County Republican Party.
In his announcement, Morales Vergara said his decision came “after much reflection and a deep disappointment with the leadership of the Wake GOP.”
“I am deeply disappointed in the direction the Wake GOP leadership has taken,” Morales Vergara said in a news release. “Their recent decisions and actions do not reflect what I believe is best for our people, families, and community.
“As someone who has always put the needs of our community first, I cannot in good conscience continue to align myself with an organization that does not prioritize the well-being of our people and the future of our district.”
The Wake County GOP did not respond to a request for comment Wednesday from The News & Observer.
Endorsed by Wake County GOP
Five school board seats are on the Nov. 5 ballot. Republicans hope to win at least four of the seats to gain a majority.
Morales Vergara’s name will still appear on the ballot because he missed the deadline to withdraw. Sean Callan and Mike Williams are opposing Rice for the District 4 seat.
Morales Vergara had been among the applicants when Rice was appointed to the school board in February. She replaced Tara Waters after Waters resigned to join the Wake County Board of Commissioners.
Morales Vergara had campaigned as recently as Monday at the Western Wake Republican Club meeting with the other GOP-backed school board candidates and GOP state superintendent nominee Michele Morrow.
Endorses Deborah Ross
Morales Vergara, 27, is a fiscal analyst for the City of Raleigh, He had unsuccessfully run in the March GOP primary for the U.S. House District 2 seat.
Morales Vergara announced Wednesday that he’s also endorsing U.S. Rep. Deborah Ross, the Democratic incumbent. Ross will compete in District 2 against Republican Alan Swain and Green Party candidate Michael Dublin.
“Deborah Ross has consistently demonstrated her dedication to our community, and I am confident that she will continue to serve our district with integrity and commitment,” Morales Vergara said.
This story was originally published August 28, 2024 at 2:55 PM.
