After social media controversy, Kirk Thomson's online campaign goes quiet

ELK GROVE, Calif. — Nearly three weeks after offensive social media posts sparked controversy and cost Elk Grove Unified School District board candidate Kirk Thomson several endorsements, his once-active online campaign appears to have gone largely silent.

Thomson, who is challenging incumbent Michael Vargas for the district's Area 2 seat in the Nov. 3 election, previously used Facebook and Instagram to promote his candidacy.

However, a review of publicly searchable social media activity through Oct. 10 found no verifiable new campaign posts following the controversy that erupted in late September.

Thomson's campaign website remains operational, promoting his priorities of academic performance, fiscal oversight and school safety.

The controversy began when posts from Thomson's personal X account surfaced containing derogatory language about people with disabilities and members of the LGBTQ community.

Thomson apologized, acknowledging that his language was hurtful and inappropriate. The controversy prompted several supporters, including EGUSD Trustee Heidi Moore, Assemblymember Josh Hoover and law enforcement associations, to withdraw their endorsements.

In his public apology, Thomson insisted he would continue campaigning and work to regain public trust.

"I'm going to spend the rest of this campaign earning that trust back," he wrote.

Yet, at least online, there is little publicly discoverable evidence of that effort.

Whether Thomson continues campaigning through neighborhood outreach, direct voter contacts or other activities remains unclear. The absence of searchable social media activity does not establish that his campaign has ceased operating.

For now, Thomson remains a candidate on the November ballot, but his previously visible online campaign has become noticeably quieter as Election Day approaches.