Texas Governor Greg Abbott has launched an aggressive campaign to pass school voucher legislation, marking a significant shift in the state’s long-standing resistance to such programs. As the largest Republican-led state without pro-voucher laws, Texas has been a notable holdout in the national push for school choice initiatives.
Abbott’s recent success in the Republican primary elections, where he campaigned against fellow party members who opposed voucher legislation, signals a new era in Texas politics. The governor’s efforts represent the culmination of more than three decades of work by Christian conservative donors, whose influence in Texas politics has reached unprecedented levels.
Abbott’s primary campaign targeted Republican incumbents who voted against voucher legislation, resulting in the removal of several anti-voucher lawmakers. National groups and billionaire donors, including TikTok investor Jeffrey Yass and Betsy DeVos-funded organizations, poured millions into the campaign. The Texas Public Policy Foundation, founded by conservative donor James Leininger, has been instrumental in pushing for vouchers since 1989.
Rural Republicans have historically opposed vouchers, citing the vital role of public schools in their communities. Despite polling showing limited public support for vouchers, Abbott has made it a top priority. The governor’s voucher crusade has faced criticism from within his party, with some Republicans accusing him of using misleading campaign tactics focused on issues like border security rather than education policy.
As Texas prepares for the November general election, the outcome could potentially reshape the state’s education landscape and impact national Republican strategies on school choice initiatives. The situation highlights the growing influence of conservative donors in shaping state policy and the evolving priorities of the Republican Party.
Propublican
