Why It Matters
The endorsement of a major regional labor coalition adds institutional momentum to one of the more competitive races on Palm Beach County’s August ballot. The District 4 School Board seat is open following the departure of incumbent Erica Whitfield, who is stepping down to seek a County Commission seat.
What Happened
The Palm Beach-Treasure Coast AFL-CIO announced Monday it is endorsing Christina Romelus, a former Boynton Beach City Commissioner, in the District 4 Palm Beach County School Board race. The organization represents workers across five counties — Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee.
AFL-CIO President Pat Emmert pointed to Romelus’ background in education and public policy as central to the decision. “Christina’s experience as an educator, public servant, and mother gives her a real understanding of what families in Palm Beach County need,” Emmert said.
Romelus, 37, was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and raised in Palm Beach County. In 2016, she became Boynton Beach’s youngest City Commissioner and later served as Vice Mayor. She taught anatomy and physiology at Palm Beach State College from 2014 to 2020 and currently operates a government affairs and leadership-training firm.
Growing Coalition
The AFL-CIO endorsement joins a broad roster of officials already backing Romelus. Supporters include U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel, Florida Senate Democratic Leader Lori Berman, state Sen. Mack Bernard, state Rep. Jervonte Edmonds, Palm Beach County Tax Collector Anne Gannon, two County Commissioners, two West Palm Beach City Commissioners, and the firefighters of IAFF Local 2928, among others.
Romelus has framed her campaign around school safety, family engagement, and educator support. “I’m running for School Board to ensure every child has access to a safe, high-quality education,” she said in a statement accompanying the endorsement.
By the Numbers
- 5 counties represented by the endorsing AFL-CIO chapter
- 4 candidates competing for the District 4 seat, including Romelus
- Aug. 18 — date of the nonpartisan Primary
- Nov. 3 — General Election date
- 6 years Romelus taught at Palm Beach State College (2014–2020)
The Field
Three other candidates are competing in the District 4 race. Tiffany Bryant is a parent and spouse of a teacher. Anthony Hamlet previously served as superintendent of Pittsburgh Public Schools. Daniel Zapata is an administrator in the private school sector. Because the contest is technically nonpartisan, all voters may choose among all candidates during the August primary.
Zoom Out
School board races across Florida have drawn heightened political attention in recent years as debates over curriculum, parental rights, and education funding have intensified statewide. Gov. DeSantis has been active on related education and property tax issues, while local races increasingly attract endorsements from both organized labor and elected officials who traditionally focus on higher-profile contests. Separately, South Florida’s Broward College Board recently saw reappointments that reflect similar institutional interest in shaping education governance at the local level.
What’s Next
With the nonpartisan primary set for August 18, candidates will continue building endorsement lists and fundraising through the summer. If no candidate secures a majority in the primary, the top two vote-getters will advance to the November 3 general election.