Jackie Norris worked as Michelle Obama's chief of staff in the White House. (Getty Images)
Roberts, the former superintendent of Iowa's largest school district, has an extensive criminal history and was living and working in the U.S. illegally.
He submitted his resignation Sept. 30 after his Sept. 26 arrest by immigration authorities, which involved a brief car chase.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) said agents allegedly found a gun, hunting knife and $3,000 in cash in his car.
Authorities said a handgun was found in a vehicle used by Ian Roberts to flee from pursuing ICE agents. (ICE)
The board said when Roberts was hired in July 2023 they knew he did not graduate from Morgan State University as he claimed in his resume.
It is unclear if they knew about his illegal immigration status or criminal record.
Norris' opponent, Rep. Ashley Hinson, R-Iowa, called for her resignation and exit from the Senate race, claiming she "can't even run the bare minimum of hiring standards at the Des Moines Public Schools."
In Norris' announcement ending her campaign, she said the school board "stepped up and are bringing accountability — leading with grace, transparency, and resolve."
"It’s clear I need to focus on the work at hand: leading the board through this transition, working to support the passage of the Reimagining Education bond, and fully participating in ongoing investigations to get the answers our community deserves," Norris wrote. "I leave this race with my head high, and I’ll continue serving my community and doing everything I can to help Democrats win this seat."
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The school board did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.
Norris' office declined further comment.
Fox News Digital's Stephanie Samsel and Louis Casiano contributed to this report.
Alexandra Koch is a Fox News Digital journalist who covers breaking news, with a focus on high-impact events that shape national conversation.
She has covered major national crises, including the L.A. wildfires, Potomac and Hudson River aviation disasters, Boulder terror attack, and Texas Hill Country floods.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/dem-school-board-chair-drops-senate-bid-after-radical-empathy-backlash-over-illegal-immigrant-superintendent