The Kansas Board of Education will retain its Republican majority and shift more to the right. Republicans appeared headed to win two of five races on Tuesday, giving conservatives a 7-3 majority over Democrats on the board.

In central Kansas, Democrat Beryl Ann New of Topeka and Republican Bruce Schultz of Wamego are vying for an open District 6 seat. The district represents school districts in Chase, Coffee, Dickinson, Douglas, Geary, Greenwood, Jefferson, Lyon, Marion, Morris, Pottawatomie, Riley, Shawnee and Wabaunsee counties.

Five of the 10 seats on the Kansas State Board of Education will be up for a vote in Tuesday's statewide election. Democratic incumbents are seeking re-election to two of those seats. The incumbents in the three other districts,

The final makeup of the board is still unclear, as conservatives seek more influence over public education in Kansas.

Chicago is holding its first school board elections, a key step as the city transitions from a mayor-appointed school board to one elected by voters. That transition has been rife with conflict.

Tuesday's election could tip the voting power on the Kansas Board of Education in favor of far-right members with half of the board’s 10 seats up for reelection.

There are 125 state representatives in the Kansas House, each serving a two-year term at a time. The state board of education has 10 members elected for four year terms. The board oversees public schools and represents the educational interests of the state.