Controversial Utah State Board of Education member Natalie Cline faced a stunning defeat at the Salt Lake County Republican Nominating Convention on Saturday, losing her bid for a second term in the District 9 seat. Amanda Bollinger emerged victorious with over 63% of the delegate vote, securing the party nomination for November.
Cline’s ouster comes after a series of controversies, including cyberbullying a high school student earlier this year. In February, Cline faced calls for her resignation after incorrectly suggesting a female athlete was transgender, sparking outrage among legislators and the public. Ironically, the convention where Cline was defeated took place at Cottonwood High School, where the targeted athlete was a student.
Following her victory, Bollinger expressed her excitement and commitment to improving public education. “It means that people care about kids,” Bollinger stated. “And it means that people are willing to trust me to help put the trust for public education back into our system, so that means a lot.”
During her convention speech, Cline criticized schools for allegedly indoctrinating children with divisive ideologies. Despite her defeat, Cline remained defiant and refused to speak with the media on Saturday.
The outcome of the convention signals a shift in leadership and priorities within the education sector in Utah, with Bollinger poised to bring a fresh perspective and approach to the State Board of Education.