Morrow, a critical homeschooling parent who voiced concerns about public schools' "radical agendas" on race and gender ideology, secured 52% of the votes, while Truitt received 48%, as reported by WTVD.

Despite Truitt's substantial fundraising advantages and support from the GOP establishment, Morrow emerged victorious on Super Tuesday. A nurse and former Christian missionary, Morrow had previously run unsuccessfully for the Wake County school board in 2022.

Morrow garnered support from rural education leaders and positioned herself as a supporter of former President Donald Trump. She accused Truitt of not being conservative enough, emphasizing that Republican and unaffiliated voters were tired of taxpayer funds being used to push "radical agendas" instead of focusing on proven teaching methods.

During her first term as schools' chief, Truitt led the Department of Public Instruction through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, implementing a legislature-backed plan aimed at improving reading skills in early grades. She also received re-election support from numerous General Assembly members, including Sen. Thom Tillis.

One of the points of contention between Morrow and Truitt was the implementation of a new "Parents' Bill of Rights." Truitt sought a brief delay to give districts more time to create new policies, a move criticized by Morrow. Additionally, Morrow highlighted concerns over continued low reading and math proficiency rates under Truitt's leadership.

Looking ahead, Morrow will face Democrat Maurice "Mo" Green in the November election. Green, a former Guilford County schools superintendent and previous head of the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation, emerged as the Democratic primary winner, securing 66% of the vote, according to NC News Line. Green triumphed over rivals Katie Eddings, a personal finance teacher from Lee County, and Kenon Crumble, a Wake County high school principal.

Truitt, though disappointed with the outcome, expressed gratitude for the support she received from educators, parents, and school and legislative leaders across the state. Her term as Superintendent of Public Instruction will conclude at the end of the year.

The November election between Morrow and Green will determine the future of North Carolina's education system, with Morrow pledging to prioritize scholastics over diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, aiming to make schools the safest buildings in the state. Meanwhile, Green brings his experience as a former superintendent and focus on educational progress to the table as a Democratic candidate.