Election 2024: Texas House races to decide who gets to decide school choice

The future of school choice and school vouchers should become clearer on Tuesday as election results begin to come in.

School choice and education savings accounts have been one of the most important political issues in Texas in recent years.

Different versions school choice bills have been blocked by Texas Democrats and rural Republicans who are concerned about the impact on public schools.

There were bills priority for Gov. Greg Abbott and Tuesday’s results could provide clarity about the program’s future when lawmakers return to Austin in January.

Education savings accounts are essentially taxpayer-funded bank accounts for parents who are removing their children from the public education system. These parents receive government money upfront to cover educational expenses such as private school tuition, online learning, or private tutors. In most cases, the state manages these accounts.

Twenty-one House Republicans joined 63 Democrats to remove ESA from the 2023 education bill. Speaker of the House Dade Phelan indicated he was present but did not vote.

Governor Abbott actively campaigned against these Republicans in this year’s primary election.

Of the 21 House Republicans who opposed the ESA, nine lost their primary elections and five others chose not to seek re-election.

Fourteen Texas House races could determine the future of school choice in the state and push Republicans to the 76 votes needed to pass the bill in the House.

Here are the races that could decide the future of education savings accounts on Tuesday night.

Texas House District 11 – Joanne Shofner (R) – unopposed

Joanne Shofner defeated Travis Clardy in the Republican primary earlier this year.

ON Shofner’s website He lists as one of his main priorities the strengthening of parental rights and freedom in choosing a school for their children.

Texas House District 12 – Trey Wharton (R), Dee Howard Mullins (N)

Republican Trey Wharton is currently a Huntsville ISD trustee.

“I support the Texas Senate’s 2023 plan, which would clearly make public schools strong while creating an education savings account that allows parents across Texas to choose the best education, school or environment for their child,” his website reads.

Democrat Dee Howard Mullins is a journalist and former city councilor from Huntsville.

Mullins’ website claims that if elected, she will “prioritize education funding” and vote “no on vouchers.”

Texas House District 14 – Paul Dyson (R), Fred Medina (N)

The winner of the 14th District race will take the seat of state Rep. John Raney, who has decided not to seek re-election.

Republican Paul Dysonlawyer and businessman in Bryan-College Station approved by Governor Greg Abbott as a candidate who will expand school choices.

Democrat Fred Medina is an army veteran and lawyer.

Medina called school vouchers a “scam” in: Posted on Facebook in August.

Texas House District 18 – Janis Holt (right), Seth Steele (left)

Republican Janis Holtco-owner of an air purification company, he defeated state Rep. Ernest Bailes in the primary election earlier this year.

On the website, Holt claims that “school choice is of paramount importance in education.”

Libertarian Seth Steele’s website not to mention public schools.

Texas House District 29 – Jeffrey Barry (R), Adrienne Bell (N)

The winner of the District 29 race will take over the seat of state Rep. Ed Thompson, who has decided not to seek re-election.

Republican Jeff Barry is a U.S. Navy veteran and a member of the Pearland City Council and the Pearland ISD Board of Trustees.

Barry says he supports the idea of ​​school choice, but calls for more accountability for private schools in return for taxes.

Democrat Adrienne Bell was a public school teacher before running for office.

“Adrienne strongly opposes the school voucher programs pushed by the governor and wealthy billionaires,” it reads Bell’s website.

Texas House District 33 – Katrina Pierson (R) – unopposed

former Trump spokeswoman Katrina Pierson he defeated state representative Justin Holland in the May runoff.

One of the main issues in Pierson’s campaign was school choice.

Texas House District 44 – Alan Schoolcraft (R), Eric Norman (N)

Republican Alan Schoolcraft defeated state representative John Kuempel in the primary.

“Schoolcraft remains committed to providing families with the freedom to choose the most appropriate educational path for their children,” its website reads.

Democrat Eric Norman opposes school voucher programs.

“Stop school vouchers from destroying our economy and our future,” reads one section of Norman’s website.

Texas House District 53 – Wes Virdell (R), Joe Herrera (N), B. W. Holk (L)

State Rep. Andrew Murr (R-Kerrville) has decided not to seek re-election.

Republican Wes Virdell, veteran of the U.S. Air Force, he is a supporter of school choice.

Key issues regarding Democrat Joe Herrera the site includes “protecting Texas public schools from the terrible voucher program.”

BW Holek’s page on the Texas Libertarian Party website contains no rules.

Texas House District 55 – Hillary Hickland (R), Jennifer Lee (N)

Republican Hillary Hickland he defeated state Rep. Hugh D. Shine in the Republican primary that year.

On its website, Hickland says it supports a parent’s “God-given right to choose the best education for their child.”

Democrat Jennifer Lee is a public school teacher in Kileen ISD.

Lee called school vouchers a “scam.” Facebook posts.

Texas House District 58 – Helen Kerwin (right), Richard Windmann (left)

Republican Helen Kerwin he defeated state Rep. DeWayne Burns in this year’s primary.

On his website, Kerwin lists school choice as one of his priorities.

Her opponent, Libertarian Richard Windmannis an opponent of school vouchers.

“We must stand up and support the students and teachers of our public schools, not cannibalizing them,” his website reads.

Texas House, District 60 – Mike Olcott (R) – unopposed

Republican Mike Olcott he defeated state Rep. Glenn Rogers in this year’s primary.

Olcott, the researcher, lists educational freedom as one of his top priorities.

“Parents should have the right to direct their child’s education and the money spent on their education,” his website reads.

Texas House District 62 – Shelley Luther (R), Tiffany Drake (R)

Republican Shelley Luther he defeated state Rep. Reggie Smith in this year’s primary.

Luther, a Dallas salon owner who has kept her shop open despite county and state Covid-19 mandates, says she supports school choice.

Democrat Tiffany Drake on its website, it calls school choice “a continuing attack on public education.”

“Their mission is to fund private school vouchers for the already wealthy so that rural and low- and middle-income children do not receive an education at all,” Drake’s website reads.

Texas House District 87 – Caroline Fairly (R), Timothy Gassaway (N)

Republican Caroline Fairly she won her party’s nomination after state Rep. Four Price decided not to seek re-election.

Fairly, a health care consultant, calls on parents to make choices about their education on its website.

Her opponent, Democrat Timothy Gassawayis a business owner and founder of the Amarillo Area Black Chamber of Commerce.

“There are many reasons to oppose voucher programs. “Texas should reject vouchers and instead adequately fund our public schools,” Gassaway’s website reads.

Texas House District 121 – Marc LaHood (R), Laurel Swift (N)

Republican Marc LaHood he defeated state Rep. Steve Allison in the primary earlier this year.

On his website, LaHood claims that parents know what is best for their children.

“We must empower parents to make the absolute best educational decisions for their child – there is no one-size-fits-all school or environment, and this is true even in my home as we strive to provide a variety of educational opportunities for each of our children,” the site reads. LaHood website.

Democrat Laurel Swiftwho works in sales of biologics and medical devices, is running against LaHood.

“We must oppose attempts to divert resources to private and home schooling that lacks accountability,” Swift’s website reads.