Toni Criner

Toni Criner ran for election to the District of Columbia State Board of Education to represent Ward 7. She lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.

Criner completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Toni Criner was born in Dallas, Texas. She earned a high school diploma from Thomas Jefferson High School, a bachelor's degree from Tougaloo College in 2011, and a graduate degree from Howard University in 2014. Her career experience includes working as an educator and administrator. She has been affiliated with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.^[1]

Elections

2024

General election

General election for District of Columbia State Board of Education Ward 7

Incumbent Eboni-Rose Thompson defeated Toni Criner and Charles Boston in the general election for District of Columbia State Board of Education Ward 7 on November 5, 2024.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Eboni-Rose Thompson (Nonpartisan)	71.7	23,743
	Toni Criner (Nonpartisan)	19.5	6,439
	Charles Boston (Nonpartisan)	7.7	2,545
	Other/Write-in votes	1.1	366

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 33,093
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Sherice Muhammad (Nonpartisan)

Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Criner in this election.

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

Toni Criner completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Criner's responses.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I have served children and families both locally and nationally in various roles within the education sector and social welfare space. I have fought for the people in the state of Texas, the District of Columbia, and Maryland. A true advocate for abused and neglected children, foster children, and all children regardless of their background, race, sex, or religion.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I am unwaveringly committed to the ensuring "Students in the Care of D.C." receive equitable resources and support.
Equitable Access to Education
School Modernization

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Education

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I deeply admire and study my soror and hometown hero, Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett. As a trailblazer in her field, she exemplifies the qualities of a visionary leader who is unafraid to challenge the status quo. Congresswoman Crockett is renowned for her unwavering commitment to truth and justice, and her no-nonsense approach to legislation sets a powerful example for others. She consistently demonstrates a courageous willingness to speak truth to power, addressing critical issues with honesty and integrity. Her leadership inspires me to strive for excellence and advocate for change with the same determination and clarity that she brings to her work.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Integrity, honesty, and transparency.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I am a woman of integrity and a determined advocate who confronts challenges directly rather than shying away from them. I take pride in speaking truth to power.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I aim to leave a legacy that inspires young men and women to pursue their dreams, regardless of their background, limited resources, or lack of support systems.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I worked or Rudy's Chicken in Dallas, Texas where I served as a cashier. I worked there during my senior year of high school.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

People Get Ready by Aretha Franklin

Who are your constituents?

Ward 7 residents

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.