Governor Greg Abbott has declared victory in his voucher fight, but Texas Democrats are gearing up to flip enough seats in November to stop the Governor’s top priority.
There are a little more than a dozen races to follow, and according to State Representative Gina Hinojosa, only three more Democratic seats are needed to block vouchers again.
“We need to elect about three more Democrats to the Texas House to defeat vouchers and defend our neighborhood public schools,” she said.
One of these flippable seats is House District 52, where Jennie Birkholz, mother and founder of a healthcare consulting firm, challenges the incumbent, Caroline Harris Davila.
Who is Jennie Birkholz?
Birkholz is a central Texas native, who is a national healthcare expert. Her firm tackles issues such as mental health, the opioid crisis, and social determinants of health. She has served on two White House Commissions on behavioral health and the opioid crisis.
Residing in Round Rock ISD with her husband, a school psychologist, and their two young boys, Birkholz actively participates in her community. She volunteered in Uvalde in 2021 to address mental healthcare, economic opportunities, and community connections. Following the Robb Elementary School shooting, her resolve to pursue systemic changes at the policy level was solidified.
“Texas can make systemic changes so we don’t have to “fail up” to build a state that serves all,” her campaign website states.
Her campaign focuses on public education, healthcare access, and “safe and thriving communities.”
The Dynamics of HD52
The Republican incumbent, Harris-Davila, is the wife of Dan Patrick’s chief of staff. She has faced criticism for her alignment with far-right policies and Dan Patrick’s agenda.
The LoneStarLeft’s Newsletter examined Harris-Davila’s positions and voting history to outline her stance on various issues:
- Voting against impeaching Ken Paxton.
- Supporting school vouchers.
- Co-sponsoring legislation against mandated water breaks for outdoor workers.
- Voting to militarize border communities and supporting the “Show Me Your Papers” bill.
- Voting to ban Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives on college campuses.
- Opposing clean energy adoption and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards.
Harris-Davila is also the youngest member of the Texas House.
HD52 was drawn to have a higher white population, which typically leans Republican. However, this district is also more affluent, and wealthier Anglo districts in Texas often lean left. In 2020, the district favored Trump by only 4.3 points, suggesting it could lean towards Biden in 2024.
Williamson County, part of HD52, is experiencing significant growth and demographic changes. The Anglo population is shrinking, and the area is becoming more favorable to Democrats.
The Greater Austin Area, including Williamson, Bastrop, Caldwell, and Hays counties has trended from heavily Republican to Democratic over the past two decades. Williamson County itself went blue in 2020 with a 76.87% turnout.
If Williamson County achieves another high voter turnout in November, Democrats could see favorable results, aiding down-ballot candidates like Birkholz.
Give School Vouchers the Boot
Despite Abbott’s success in ousting eight Republican incumbents who voted against his voucher bill in the 88th Legislative session, the Governor is far from securing enough votes in the House to pass this policy. Democrats are using his school voucher policy in their campaigns to flip seats, criticizing Abbott’s push to use taxpayer funds for private school tuition. In contrast, public schools face teacher shortages and budget deficits.
Birkholz, who has two children in public education receiving special services, has committed to advocating for public schools and opposing voucher programs if elected. She has also expressed disappointment in Governor Abbott’s policies.
“We need them (public schools) robust, we need them well-funded and it’s also really important to me that our special education kids get the support that they need customized, so that they can thrive in their environment and thrive in our schools,” Birkholz said at an anti-voucher rally outside the State Capitol.
Following the rally, Birkholz joined public education teachers, students, and concerned parents in dropping off pairs of boots at the Governor’s Mansion to send a message to Gov. Abbott.
“This is for you, Gov. Greg Abbott,” Birkholz said. “We’re saying no to vouchers, giving vouchers the boot.”
