Hart District Teachers Association Endorses Gloria Mercado-Fortine and Eric Anderson for 2024 Election
By Sage Rafferty
In the 2024 Hart District Governing Board election, the Hart District Teachers Association (HDTA) has endorsed two candidates: Gloria Mercado-Fortine for Trustee Area 1 and Eric Anderson for Trustee Area 4. After interviewing all candidates, the HDTA highlighted Mercado-Fortine’s experience as a former Hart School Board member and long-time educator, and Anderson’s background as an educator in medical devices.
September 7, 2024 - The Hart District Teachers Association (HDTA) announced its endorsement of two candidates for the Hart District Governing Board in the upcoming 2024 general election. In a press release, the HDTA said that they interviewed all of the candidates, and after careful vetting and consideration, endorsed Gloria Mercado-Fortine for Trustee Area 1 and Eric Anderson for Trustee Area 4. Gloria Mercado-Fortine is running to unseat incumbent Linda Storli. Dr. Aakash Ahujah, a psychiatrist, is also running for the seat. Dr. Aakash Ahujah is being supported by Moms for Liberty, an anti-LGBTQ hate group.
In a press release, the HDTA said the following about Mercado-Fortine and Anderson:
“Gloria has a rich history of service in our valley starting with her time as a student and graduate of Hart High School. She previously served on the Hart District Governing Board from 2000-2016. She is a former teacher, administrator, and professor. During her previous tenure on the Board, Gloria led our district to become one of the top ten districts in California. Her deep-rooted commitment to public education and strong ties to the Santa Clarita Valley community make her an excellent candidate.
Eric is the father of two children, one in junior high and one in elementary school. He is personally vested in our district's success and shared his vision for raising student achievement by supporting district teachers. The Hart District Teachers appreciate his background as a clinical educator and appreciate his professional medical background. We are excited that his passion for medical knowledge can be brought into our classrooms and encourage student interest in medical professions. Anderson's passion for education and alignment with HDTA's values have earned him the Association's support.”
Gloria Mercado-Fortine is a former member of the William S. Hart High School Governing Board. She was defeated in 2015 by Linda Storli. Although she has the endorsement of the HDTA, as of the date this article was written, she has yet to establish a website and it is unclear where her political support extends to aside from the teachers union.
This year, the Hart Board has been at the center of controversy, with negotiations with the HDTA over a new contract and a push by the right-wing organization Moms for Liberty to install a “parental notification” or “forced outing” policy in Santa Clarita high schools.
The Hart School Board race in Area 1 is shaping up to be one of the most contentious races in Santa Clarita Valley in 2024.
Dr. Aakash Ahuja, once a self-described supporter of Bernie Sanders presidential campaign, has since become a diehard Republican. The Republican Party’s political establishment has lined up behind Dr. Ahuja, with endorsements from Hart School Board member and Conservative radio talk show host Joe Messina and City Council Member Jason Gibbs. Dr. Ahuja also touts the support of Moms for Liberty, the far-right organization that is pushing book bans and anti-LGBTQIA+ policies around the country.
“Dr. Aakash brings an element that is special,” Karan Carville, a prominent member of Los Angeles County Moms for Liberty, told supporters at Dr. Aakash’s kickoff event in August 2024. “Mental health is so, so important.” In November 2023, Carville was one of the most advocates for implementing a “parental notification” or “forced outing” policy in Santa Clarita high schools.
Linda Storli, who recently left the Republican Party to become an Independent, boasts the endorsement of Mayor Cameron Smyth, City Council Member Bill Miranda, COC Board Member Dr. Edel Alonso, and Hart Board Member Dr. Cherise Moore.
The Hart School Board race in Area 4 is a much more straightforward political contest, with only two candidates vying for the seat.
Erin Wilson was appointed to the Area 4 seat after James Webb resigned. Wilson is endorsed by Senator Scott Wilk, Hart Board Members Joe Messina and Bob Jensen, Newhall District Board Member Suzan Solomon, City Council Member Jason Gibbs, Mayor Cameron Smyth, and former City Council Member Bob Kellar.
“Bob remembers Erin as a little girl as she was a neighbor,” Kellar said in a statement on Wilson’s website. “Kathy and I have watched Erin in recent years, and we have found her to be extremely intelligent and dedicated to the importance of education for our youth.”
Wilson is seen as a close ally of Joe Messina on the Hart School Board, and she is aligned with the more Conservative elements of the Republican Party in Santa Clarita Valley.
Eric Anderson is an educator who teaches physicians about implantable medical devices. Anderson is challenging Erin Wilson, who was appointed to the Hart School Board after the resignation of James Webb. In addition to the HDTA endorsement, he touts the endorsements of Saugus Union School District Board Members Katherine Cooper and Chris Trunkey, COC Board of Trustees Members Dr. Edel Alonso and Jerry Danielsen, and Parks and Recreation Community Services Commissioner Peggy Stabile.
The 2024 Hart District Governing Board races are set to be a battleground of contrasting visions for the future of education in Santa Clarita. With key endorsements from the Hart District Teachers Association, Gloria Mercado-Fortine and Eric Anderson received a significant boost to their campaigns. Meanwhile, the influence of groups like Moms for Liberty and shifting political alliances add complexity to the contests, especially in Trustee Area 1. As voters head to the polls, the outcome of these races will shape the direction of the Hart District for years to come.
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