Sarasota Republicans Call for Ouster of School Board Member Tom Edwards

Edwards defends himself after criticism over remarks at a protest

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The Sarasota County Republican Party has renewed its push for Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to remove School Board Member Tom Edwards from office. The latest controversy stems from remarks Edwards made at a recent protest, which some have criticized as inappropriate for an elected official.

Why it matters

This is the latest development in an ongoing political dispute between Edwards and local Republicans, who have been critical of his positions and actions as a school board member. The potential removal of an elected official is a significant event that could have broader implications for the governance of the local school district.

The details

Edwards has defended his remarks, stating that he did nothing wrong. The Sarasota County Republican Party, however, has accused Edwards of using his position to promote a political agenda and has called for his removal from the school board.

  • The latest controversy stems from remarks Edwards made at a recent protest.

The players

Tom Edwards

A member of the Sarasota County School Board who is facing calls for his ouster from local Republicans.

Ron DeSantis

The Governor of Florida, who has the power to remove Edwards from the school board.

Sarasota County Republican Party

The local Republican organization that has been critical of Edwards and is calling for his removal from the school board.

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What they’re saying

“I did nothing wrong.”

— Tom Edwards, School Board Member

What’s next

The governor's office will likely review the Sarasota County Republican Party's request and determine whether to proceed with removing Edwards from the school board.

The takeaway

This dispute highlights the ongoing political tensions within the Sarasota County school system and the potential for elected officials to face removal over controversial statements or actions, even if they believe they have done nothing wrong.