Gov. DeSantis eyes Henry Mack to be Florida Education Commissioner

July 18, 2026 - 09:06

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is expected to nominate Henry Mack as the state's next Education Commissioner, a move that signals a continued focus on conservative education policies. Mack, who currently serves as the senior chancellor for the Florida Department of Education, has been a key figure in the administration's overhaul of the state's academic standards and curriculum.

"It is a profound honor to be recommended by Gov. DeSantis," Mack said in a statement following the announcement. The nomination comes after the current commissioner, Manny Diaz Jr., announced his resignation to pursue other opportunities. Diaz had held the role since 2022 and was a close ally of the governor.

Mack's background includes a strong emphasis on school choice and vocational training. He has been instrumental in expanding career and technical education programs across the state, aiming to prepare students for high-demand jobs rather than solely focusing on traditional four-year college pathways. His tenure as chancellor also involved defending the state's new standards for teaching African American history, which have drawn both praise and criticism.

The nomination must still be confirmed by the Florida Board of Education. If approved, Mack will inherit a department that has been at the center of national debates over book bans, LGBTQ+ rights in schools, and the role of critical race theory in classrooms. Supporters view him as a steady hand who will continue the governor's agenda without major disruption, while critics worry about further politicization of the state's education system.