SPRING HILL, Fla. — While there were a few surprises in state races Tuesday night, some local ones also had unexpected twists.

In Hernando County, the surprise came from a school board race, as the incumbent chairman was beaten by a political newcomer.

  • Kay Hatch previously a registered nurse
  • Volunteering with local children led to local politics
  • Hatch defeated incumbent Mark Johnson by over 3,000 votes

Kay Hatch has the ballot with her name on it proudly displayed in her home. 

“I was actually stunned at the size of the number difference in the win,” Hatch said. 

In her first time running for office, Hatch knocked off incumbent school board chair Mark Johnson, winning by more than 3,000 votes.

Prior to this, she’d spent her career as a registered nurse, teaching students about pediatric nursing.

“Actually I never thought about running for political office," Hatch explained. "But I have always had a real heart for children and their education. And so whatever community I’ve been in, I’ve worked to be a volunteer in a local school system." 

She and her husband had recently moved to Spring Hill to retire and had started volunteering with local children. That’s when a friend told her that her passion could be used on the school board.

“It never occurred to me that reading to preschoolers would lead to this political process,” Hatch said. 

With the race won, Hatch wants to get to work on issues she cares deeply about, such as literacy among elementary students and school security. 

“I’m really looking forward to getting started with the work at hand,” Hatch said. 

Hatch will begin representing District 1 in November.