Gov. Abbott Declares Victory For School Choice In Texas Primary Runoffs

In a statement issued tonight, Governor Greg Abbott asserted that the 2024 Texas House Republican Primary Runoff elections have secured enough legislative votes to pass school choice measures. Governor Abbott hailed this development as a significant triumph for Texas families.

“The Texas Legislature now has enough votes to pass school choice. This is a victory for every Texas family across our great state,” said Abbott. He acknowledged that while not every contested race resulted in victory, the overarching sentiment from the primaries was clear: Texans are in favor of school choice.

Abbott emphasized that opponents of school choice can no longer disregard the will of the people. As the focus shifts to the November general election, the governor pledged continued efforts to support and elect strong, conservative candidates dedicated to ensuring that every child in Texas has access to quality education, irrespective of their zip code or economic background.

“Working together, we will create an even brighter future for generations to come,” Abbott concluded, expressing optimism for the state’s educational landscape.

This statement comes on the heels of a series of closely watched primary runoff elections that have highlighted momentum behind school choice in Texas. Advocates argue that these measures will provide parents with more options for their children’s education, particularly in areas where public schools may be underperforming.

The governor’s endorsement of school choice reflects a broader national trend among conservative leaders who champion educational reform as a means of empowering families and improving academic outcomes. As Texas moves toward the general election, the issue of school choice is expected to remain a central theme in political discourse, influencing voter decisions and shaping the future of the state’s education system.

However, many of the contrasted races were not fought over school choice, but on proxy policies, such as border policies or whether some Republicans were too willing to work with Democrats, earning them the label RINOs, or Republicans in name only. Opponents of school vouchers targeted by large campaign contributions from well-healed proponents of “school choice,” such as Tim Dunn and Farris Wilks. 

Since “school choice” was not a principal issue in many of these races, it remains to be seen whether a majority of Texans support vouchers.