CBS 17 interviews Michele Morrow after primary upset win against NC superintendent

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) – Some called it a surprise and even an upset after votes were tallied in Tuesday’s primary election.

One of those surprising wins included Michele Morrow, who identifies herself as a lifelong Christian conservative. Morrow defeated current North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction Catherine Truitt after receiving about 4% more votes Tuesday night.

“It’s a great honor. I also recognize it’s a huge responsibility because families are looking to our public educational system to prepare their kids,” Morrow said.

Morrow, a nurse and homeschool educator, not only comes with less experience in politics, but also spent far less on her campaign compared to her opponent. Her far-right views and agendas have come with concerns and questions from some. So how did she win?

Morrow responded, “I’ve been advocating for education for almost seven years now, and so people knew me as that person that was advocating to get back to basics. I think across party lines, across racial differences, as well as religion, I think everyone is concerned with what’s happening in our schools.”

The mother of five said she has worked with voters and elected officials to pass bills that protect parental rights and religious freedoms. Morrow also attended the Jan. 6 rally at the U.S. Capitol with the group Stop the Steal NC. In an interview in 2021, she told CBS 17 News that she stood back and condemned the violence.

The Republican nominee for state superintendent said she plans to focus on scholastics and school safety over gender ideology and Critical Race Theory. Morrow, who has criticized public schools and chose to homeschool her own children, explained why she wants to lead North Carolina’s public school system.

“As a parent, I found it an incredible blessing to be able to homeschool my kids because I thought that that was going to be the best thing for them. But I also understand that many parents can’t choose that option– our public schools should be the absolute best option,” Morrow said.

Morrow also previously stated teachers are “indoctrinating” students. She explained, “It’s not really the teachers, it’s what they’re forced to be teaching… Our teachers are spending time being forced to be pushing potentially worldviews that they don’t even agree with.”

Morrow will face Democratic nominee Maurice “Mo” Green in November’s general election. Green served as the director of the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation and superintendent of Guilford County Schools. He told CBS 17 News that he hopes to improve school safety, fulfill students’ needs by aligning resources, and fully fund North Carolina’s school system and educators.

“Certainly, there are things to work on, and I don’t want to suggest that there is not, but there is so much good in public education, and I believe it’s important for us to lift that up,” Green said.

NCAE President Tamika Walker Kelly said they have already chosen to endorse Green because of his leadership. Kelly said, “The Wake County voters, when she ran for the Wake County School Board, did not elect her, and we are looking for a highly qualified candidate who has the experience to lead our state’s public instruction.”

Catherine Truitt also issued a statement after Tuesday night’s defeat. She posted on social media, “While last night’s election did not go the way I had hoped, I’m deeply proud of what we accomplished.”

Truitt highlighted her achievements, including bouncing public schools back from the pandemic. She added, “Our students deserve the absolute best and I’m committed to delivering for them during the remainder of my tenure.”

The North Carolina Chamber also responded to Morrow and other far-right candidates, including Luke Farley, who won in Tuesday’s primary election. NC Chamber stated, “Tuesday’s primary election results were a startling warning of the looming threats to North Carolina’s business climate.”

Morrow disagrees.

“We need somebody that is not beholden to the system, that is not expected to do what they’ve been told by the system, but has new ideas and solutions to solve the problems.”

Morrow said while she is running for state superintendent, she continues to support school choice.