While Governor Greg Abbott has declared victory in his voucher fight, Texas Democrats geared up to challenge his endorsed candidates, honing in on education issues to flip several state House districts this fall.

After the primary elections, Abbott was successful in ousting eight Republican incumbents who voted against his voucher bill in the 88th Legislative session; he then declared that they had enough votes in the House to pass this policy.

However, Democrats plan to use his school voucher policy to flip seats, criticizing Abbott’s push to use taxpayer funds for private school tuition, when public schools are already dealing with teacher shortages and budget deficits. A situation worsened by lawmakers’ failure to use the state’s historic $33 billion budget surplus to boost school funding, due to the voucher debate.

During the Texas Democratic Convention in El Paso, State Representative Gina Hinojosa told convention delegates that Abbott’s efforts against voucher opponents in the primaries have tipped the House narrowly towards passing vouchers next year.

“We need to elect about three more Democrats to the Texas House to defeat vouchers and defend our neighborhood public schools,” she said.

Despite only needing three seats to oppose vouchers, Scott Braddock, journalist and political analyst has predicted that Democrats will flip as many as “nine or so seats” this fall.

“I’m looking at the map now, across the state, and looking at where Democrats might win seats this fall. We’ve talked about this in the context of school voucher discussions and debates. I think that there are as many as… I’m not predicting this… There are as many as nine or so seats that Democrats could flip in the Texas House this fall,” Braddock said in an episode of Texas Take with Jeremy Wallace.

The main battleground for this election cycle includes the suburbs of Dallas, San Antonio, and South Texas, with several districts facing struggling schools – Democrats hope that public education issues will resonate with voters.

Here are the key races that could flip seats this November:

• House District 37 
• House District 52
• House District 55
• House District 65
• House District 66
• House District 108
• House District 112
• House District 118
• House District 121
• House District 138  

House District 37

In House District 37 Brownsville attorney Jonathan Gracia is challenging Incumbent state Rep. Janie Lopez.

In the primary election, none of the candidates secured more than 50% of the vote, sending Ruben Cortez and Gracia to runoffs, where Gracia ultimately emerged victorious. In a Facebook post, Gracia expressed his “profound gratitude” to everyone who voted for him.

“Your voices have been heard, and the decision was unanimous,” he wrote. “This victory didn’t come easy … since October, we’ve knocked on over 4,000 doors, talked to thousands of people, and put in countless hours of dedication and hard work to earn your trust.”

Gracia is a lifelong resident of the Rio Grande Valley and a former prosecutor with the Cameron County District Attorney’s Office. He established The Gracia Law Firm in 2012 and brings over 15 years of experience as an attorney. He previously served two terms as a justice of the peace in eastern Cameron County.

District 37 is a border battleground, and Gracia has made education one of his top priorities. He has stated that he doesn’t see himself as a politician but rather a public servant.

Gracia has vowed to fight for public schools and against vouchers if elected.

“I understand the challenges our public schools face and the critical need for quality education for every child. That’s why I am committed to fighting for our public education system and standing firmly against vouchers that divert much-needed resources away from our schools. Together, we can ensure that every child has access to the education they deserve,” he said.

“Let’s continue to champion our public schools and build a brighter future for our children.”

According to his campaign website, Gracia wants to increase “teacher, counselor, and staff pay, security & safety, workforce development & technical training, and taking care of retired educators with a 13th check.”

He also advocates for “effective border security which requires technology, personnel, and infrastructure to prevent illegal crossings and address potential threats while balancing immigration enforcement with a fair asylum and legal entry system.” Other top priorities include economic development, reliable energy, veterans’ affairs, infrastructure, and healthcare.

The incumbent, Lopez, has a controversial record. Despite Republicans boosting her campaign with $1.4 million in 2022, she only won by three points, with voter turnout in the district at just 29%. Lopez’s voting record includes support for the “Show Me Your Papers” bill, a $1.5 billion taxpayer-funded border wall, and a 10-year minimum sentence for having an undocumented person in one’s car – despite them being a friend or family member. She also voted to end diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives on Texas college campuses and to make Texas an oil and gas sanctuary.

House District 37 is 83% Hispanic, with 25% of adults lacking a high school degree, and has double the poverty rate of the state average. Despite Republicans gerrymandering this district to favor Democrats, low voter turnout allowed Lopez to win.

This year, the fundraising battle between Gracia and Lopez is nearly equal, signaling a competitive race. While Lopez relied heavily on Republican PACs in her previous campaign, Gracia’s fundraising efforts reflect strong community support. 

According to the Texas Ethics Commission latest report, Lopez raised $143,000, spent $40,000, and has $103,000 cash on hand. Her top donors include Texans for Lawsuit Reform (TLR), Coalition Por For Texas PAC, Border Health PAC, Texas Sands PAC, and Rep. David Cook. Meanwhile, Gracia raised $122,000, spent $12,000, and has $95,000 cash on hand, along with $245,000 in loans. He has received contributions from the Texas Democratic Party and Tomas Torres, a retired Houston realtor.

House District 52 

In House District 52, where Jennie Birkholz, mother and founder of a healthcare consulting firm, is challenging the incumbent, Caroline Harris Davila.  

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.

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.

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

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.”

House District 55

Jennifer Lee is a Texas public school teacher, a single mother, and the type of person who showed her son Obama’s acceptance speech when he was only a baby. “I just wanted him to know that at some point in America, we had a lot of hope and I hope to bring us back to that point,” Lee says.

During the Texas Democratic Convention earlier this month, Lee, the Texas Democratic candidate for House District 55, connected with RA News for an interview. Surrounded by Democrats from all over Texas, the atmosphere in El Paso was nothing short of hopeful.

Lee was no different and for her, running for office felt like an obligation, a matter of when, not if.

“I just said, you know what, if you want something different, you gotta do something different. If you’re tired of your life the way that it is and you’re tired of things the way that they are, do something different,” Lee says. “Stop doing the same thing.”

As a Texas public school teacher, Jennifer Lee has been fighting for years against detrimental education policies. She is no stranger to the legislative process and recounts how, even from her hospital bed during the COVID-19 pandemic, she attended a school board meeting via Zoom, oxygen tubes in place.

“For years, I have been fighting against terrible education legislation. I’ve held rallies, gone to the commissioner’s court, and attended school board meetings because I believe in us and in public education. I wouldn’t devote my entire life to it if I didn’t,” she says.

Over the past few years, Texas’ public education system has faced numerous challenges, from online classes and mask debates to controversies over teaching race and sex, book banning, and school safety concerns following the Uvalde shooting.

In the last survey conducted by the Texas American Federation of Teachers union, nearly 70% of 6,000 Texas educators surveyed said they were ready to quit their jobs. Low pay was the biggest cause of dissatisfaction, the survey found. Average teacher salaries in Texas lag the national average by about $7,000.

In the 88th Legislature, lawmakers failed to raise teacher wages, after GOP leaders tied the funding to private school vouchers – a policy that Democrats and rural Republicans have historically been against.

Lee emphasized the need for greater investment in education: “If we say that we care about children the way that I’ve heard so many Republicans say they care about children, then care about them by investing in them. Care about them by investing in the people who work with them.”

Gov. Abbott failed to use the state’s historic $33 billion budget surplus to boost school funding due to a contentious voucher proposal that ultimately failed to pass. In response, the governor vowed revenge on rural Republicans who opposed this policy, investing millions in same-party challengers – successfully ousting eight incumbents.

One of Abbott’s targets, Rep. Hugh Shine from House District 55, lost to Hilary Hickland, an activist mother endorsed by the governor. Lee, who had always wanted to run for office, but didn’t imagine it would be this year, realized that the seat was open and that Hickland, backed by Abbott, aimed to implement his voucher policies.

“My first thought was I do not and I cannot tolerate her being the only name on the ballot in November. It has to be me. It has to be both of us. Because I knew that she would end up just being unopposed otherwise. And so she is part of the reason why I chose to run,” Lee says. “To me, it was unethical for her to be unopposed.”

Unfazed by Abbott’s vendetta, Lee is determined to challenge his agenda.

“Public education is something I’m always watching, and they’re weakening it year after year after year. And that’s very intentional to get us to this point where people say, ‘Oh man, public schools are just terrible. We should start supporting private schools and charter schools.’ I’ve seen the long game for a while now,” Lee explains. “I saw where we were going and I’ve been fighting it every step of the way. And now this time, I just have to get in front of it and say, ‘No more. We’re not going to keep doing this.’ Because I’m tired of, ‘Oh my gosh, they came out with this bill, I gotta fight that.”

With her campaign, Lee plans to confront public education challenges head-on, advocating for stronger support and funding for public schools.

In addition to tackling vouchers, Lee is committed to fighting for increased special education funding, robust investment in career and technical education, changes to the basic allotment, and ensuring that everyone in public education earns a livable wage.

“It seems like instead of having teachers at the table, teachers have always been on the menu,” Lee says. “I need more of my fellow educators to get off the platter and scoot up a chair. Because this is about us.”

House District 65

In House District 65, Detrick Deburr, a committed public servant with deep roots in North Texas, is challenging the far-right Republican Candidate Mitch Little.

Deburr has served North Texas over the past 23 years. Including roles as a Planning and Zoning Commissioner in The Colony and Cedar Hill, chairing the Dallas Blueprint for Leadership Program, served on the Board of St. Philips School and he is also an active member of The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated, according to his campaign website.

He is also a software engineer, father of three, and grandfather of three. His legislative priorities focus on expanding Medicaid, improving education funding, and enacting reasonable gun-control measures.

“I’m running because I’m not beholden to any political agenda. I am running as a progressive because my personal views align more with today’s Democratic Party than today’s Republican Party,” Deburr states on his website. “I’m running to bring back two-party politics in the State of Texas.”

The Challenge: Mitch Little

Deburr faces Mitch Little, a far-right extremist with a controversial record. Little, who unseated moderate Rep. Kronda Thimesch (R-Carrollton) in the March 5 Republican primary, is known for his extreme positions, including pledges to ban abortion, advance secession legislation, and undermine fair representation for communities of color.

Little previously served on Attorney General Ken Paxton’s defense team during his impeachment trial.

House District 65: A District in Flux

House District 65, part of the gerrymandered districts in Denton County, is experiencing significant demographic shifts and rapid growth. The district encompasses parts of Carrollton, Lewisville, Flower Mound, and smaller suburban areas, with a diverse population of 53% Anglo and 46% non-Anglo.

According to Lone Star Left, despite being a +8.3 Trump district in 2020, the area’s explosive growth and shifting demographics have moved it further left. Denton County, one of the fastest-growing counties in America, is becoming more urban and Democratic, making HD65 a prime target for Democrats.

House District 66

In House District 66 (Collin County) David Carstens, a Plano native, challenges the incumbent, Matt Shaheen.

Carstens is deeply rooted in Plano, Collin County. He’s not just a writer and filmmaker; he’s a community-focused candidate committed to fostering inclusivity and collaboration in the Texas State House, according to his campaign website.

Michelle H. Davis of Lone Star Left described Carstens’ campaign as “driven by a vision to bridge divides and foster a collaborative, forward-thinking environment in the Texas State House. As the election approaches, Carstens’ unique blend of creative prowess and dedication to his Texan roots could make him a pivotal figure in transforming the political dynamics of House District 66.”

“What we’re seeing right now is it’s the party that has that complete death grip on power being unable to govern itself,” Carstens remarked at the start of his campaign, highlighting the current state of Texas politics.

His focus in his campaign on local issues such as education, healthcare, and economic development.

As an educator himself, Carstens understands that sustained investment in public schools is essential.

“He strongly opposes the private school voucher program, which he believes is cynically designed to further weaken our already underfunded public system,” his campaign website states.

The Challenge Ahead: Matt Shaheen

Carstens faces a tough opponent in Matt Shaheen, a Republican incumbent known for his controversial stances and divisive rhetoric. Shaheen has been in office since 2014 and is a member of the Texas Freedom Caucus.

Throughout his career, he has been involved in passing some of the most conservative legislation in the state, including efforts to restrict LGBTQ rights and dismantle environmental protections.

However, Shaheen’s recent vote to impeach Attorney General Ken Paxton in the Texas House has alienated a significant portion of the Republican base, making him vulnerable to a strong Democratic challenge in this election cycle.

Collin County: A Changing Landscape

Collin County, once a Republican stronghold, is becoming a battleground as demographic changes and rapid growth reshape its political landscape. According to The Lone Star Left, the county has shifted significantly to the left over the past two decades, with Donald Trump winning by only four points in 2020, compared to a 49-point margin for Republicans in 2000.

HD66, which was a +7.9 Trump district after the last redistricting cycle, is now seeing a surge in new, more diverse voters. Additionally, the district has a high percentage of residents with four-year degrees, a demographic that increasingly leans Democratic. This combination of factors makes HD66 a prime target for Democrats looking to flip the seat.

House District 108

In House District 108,Elizabeth Ginsberg, accomplished lawyer, challenges the incumbent, Morgan Meyer. 

Ginsberg, born in Houston, earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin in 1990 and her law degree from the University of Texas School of Law in 1993. 

She has a diverse career background as an attorney and small business owner. As of 2023, Ginsberg was actively involved with several organizations, including the Dallas Bar Association, Dallas Founders Lions Club, Dallas County Historical Commission, Reading Partners, Preston Hollow Democrats, and Daughters of the American Revolution.

According to her campaign website, Ginsberg’s key priorities include restoring reproductive rights by opposing restrictive legislation and advocating for healthcare decisions to be made between individuals and their doctors. She defends public education by opposing vouchers, supporting teacher raises, and ensuring adequate funding for schools. Additionally, she promotes responsible gun ownership through measures like red flag laws, background checks, and limiting military-grade weaponry.

Ginsberg stands out among Democratic challengers with a significant number of endorsements. Her supporters include the Dallas Morning News, District Attorney John Creuzot, Commissioner Andrew Sommerman, Former DISD Superintendent Michael Hinojosa, and State Representative John Bryant.

The Dynamics of HD108

HD 108 is one of only two Republican-leaning districts in Dallas County, but demographic changes have made it increasingly challenging for incumbent Morgan Meyer to fend off Democratic opponents. Meyer, along with state Rep. Angie Chen Button, R-Garland, are the only Republicans from Dallas County in the Legislature.

Meyer, who is 49 years old, was first elected in 2014 and has served as the chair of the House Ways and Means Committee during the 88th Legislative Session.

In the recent Republican primary, Meyer narrowly secured his position with an endorsement from Gov. Greg Abbott, while his opponent was backed by Attorney General Ken Paxton, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, and Agricultural Commissioner Sid Miller.

Meyer voted to impeach Paxton in May but opposed removing education savings accounts from the House education omnibus bill in November.

An analysis made by The Texas Tribune, which ranked Texas House Representatives from conservative to liberal based on their voting records in the 88th Legislative Session, placed Meyer on the more liberal side among Republicans, alongside Reps. Steve Allison and Ryan Guillen.

The district encompasses the Park Cities, downtown Dallas, Uptown, Preston Hollow, Lake Highlands, and Lakewood.

House District 112

In House District 112, former Miss Texas, Averie Bishop, is challenging the incumbent state Rep. Angie Chen Button, R-Richardson.

Bishop is the daughter of a Filipino immigrant mother and a fifth-generation Texan father. Bishop attended Southern Methodist University (SMU) for college and law school, becoming the first Asian American to hold the title of Miss Texas.

During her reign, she made headlines by speaking out on controversial issues such as guns, racism, and reproductive rights, which helped raise her profile and pave the way for her political career. Last August, she entered the Democratic primary for Texas House District 112 in Dallas County, a seat held since 2009 by Republican Angie Chen Button from Richardson.

She made history as the first Asian contestant to win Miss Texas in the pageant’s 85-year history. If elected, she would also become the first Filipino American to serve in the Texas Legislature.

Her journey into politics began in 2016 when Donald Trump was elected president.

“I started off as an acting major at Texas State University, but in 2016 Donald Trump was elected, and I made the commitment to someday run for office. So in 2017, I transferred to SMU, because I knew that North Texas, which is where I’m from, was where I wanted to run,” Bishop told Texas Monthly in an interview. At SMU, she majored in human rights, studied the Holocaust in Poland, traveled across the Deep South following Martin Luther King Jr.’s footsteps, and wrote an honors thesis on comprehensive sexual education in Texas.

When talking to the Texas Monthly Bishop also emphasized the importance of state-level politics: “A lot of people are like, ‘Why aren’t you running at the federal level?’ But they don’t understand that the state level is where it’s at. Our public schools are underfunded? That’s the state. The roads suck? That’s the state. You don’t have access to health care? That’s state budget allocation.”

In her run for office, Bishop aims to protect Texas youth, ensure economic prosperity, fight for affordable healthcare, and safeguard our environment against the climate emergency. Her platform reflects a deep understanding of Texas’ population and the need for leadership that truly represents its communities.

You can learn more about Averie Bishop on her website, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

The Most Winnable Seat In Texas?

So, why is Bishop marketing her campaign as “The most winnable seat in Texas”? It might have to do with her opponents’ campaign history.

In 2020, Button won reelection by less than 300 votes, while President Joe Biden carried her district by 9 percentage points.

Redistricting efforts have made the district more conservative. Under the new boundaries, Biden would have lost the district by a narrow margin of less than 1 point. Despite this shift, Button managed to secure a victory over her Democratic challenger last year, winning by only 10 points.

Additionally, HD112 has another factor working in the Democrats’ favor: Dallas County is the home turf of Colin Allred, who is running for Ted Cruz’s Senate seat. This connection is expected to provide a significant boost to down-ballot candidates in the area.

Button’s voting history reflects her far-right alignment with the wealthy. She is anti-worker and anti-civil rights. Because of her anti-worker, pro-millionaire positions, she’s typically a favorite by PACs led by the Republican establishment.

The Lone Star Left’s Newsletter examined Button’s positions and voting history to outline her stance on various issues:

• Pro-vouchers
• Anti-democratic
• Anti-civil rights
• Pro-oil
• A climate change denier
• Anti-worker
• Anti-immigrant
• Anti-healthcare
• Pro-billionaire

The competitiveness of the district is also reflected in the significant fundraising battle between Bishop and Button.

Button, who chairs the International Relations & Economic Development Committee, raised $201,000, spent $17,000, and has $780,000 cash on hand.

Hardcore Button donor Felix Chen, CEO of PAJ, gave $20,000, Hillwood Chair Ross Perot, Jr. gave $5,000, Sen. Mayes Middleton gave $2,500, Dallas Police Officer PAC gave $1,500 and Former Rep. Linda Koop gave $1,000.

Meanwhile, Bishop raised $191,000, spent $75,000, and has $106,000 cash on hand. Former EDS Vice Chairman Gary Fernandes, philanthropist Amy Fikes, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers PAC, and United Food and Commercial Workers International Union each gave $5,000. Congressman Lloyd Doggett gave $500, Lone Star Project gave $15,000 in kind and the Texas Democratic Party gave $27,000 in kind.

House District 118

One key target is GOP state Rep. John Lujan, who narrowly won his Bexar County district in 2022 despite Democrat Beto O’Rourke carrying the district over Abbott.

Kristian Carranza, a progressive organizer, and Lujan’s Democratic opponent, says public education and the voucher fight are the top issues for voters, as first reported by The Texas Tribune. She also noted that districts like Harlandale ISD in her area have closed schools due to funding deficits.

Harlandale ISD school officials nixed the 4-day school week and reported that closing four elementary schools – Columbia Heights, Morrill, Vestal, and Rayburn – will help deal with their $12 million dollar budget shortfall.

“We want to keep that Harlandale legacy. We don’t want a few years from now that Harlandale is over and doesn’t exist because we know that could happen,” said Mariana Vierya, Harlandale ISD School district spokesperson.

Carranza argues that the financial crises facing schools result from budget deficits caused by officials like Lujan prioritizing party loyalty over community needs.

“For people, this is a lived reality when we talk about private school vouchers,” Carranza, who opposes the measure, told The Texas Tribune. “The way I talk about this is, the financial crisis schools are facing is due to massive budget deficits, and that’s the inevitable result of elected officials like John Lujan who have been choosing to toe the line with their party rather than stand up for their community.” 

Abbott and his pro-voucher supporters argue that parents should have the option to remove their children from the public education system, criticizing its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and the teaching of race, history, and sex in classrooms.

House District 121

In House District 121, Laurel Swift is challenging Republican Candidate Marc LaHood, a prominent lawyer who defeated incumbent Rep. Steve Allison in the GOP primary.

Swift, whose family has been deeply rooted in the District 121 community for over seven decades, is a San Antonio native and a testament to resilience and dedication. According to her campaign website, her extensive background in biology and medical sales, combined with personal experiences in healthcare advocacy and raising a successful family, shapes her commitment to public education and mental health reform.

Her key priorities include expanding Medicaid to increase healthcare access for low-income Texans and reduce local hospital burdens. She advocates for boosting public school funding and opposing private school vouchers while supporting improved teacher pay and trade education. Swift also calls for repealing restrictive abortion laws and enhancing support for young parents. On border policies, she urges federal action for comprehensive solutions and opposes using state resources to address national issues.

Outlook for District 121

District 121, covering Alamo Heights, Terrell Hills, Olmos Park, and parts of North San Antonio, has long been a Republican stronghold. However, recent elections have seen shrinking margins of victory for the GOP, providing a glimmer of hope for Democrats aiming to flip the district. This year, the Democratic campaign is being managed by Ashley Cham, a newcomer to San Antonio provided by the Blue Leadership Collaborative (BLC), as first reported by San Antonio Express-News. 

BLC combines practical political training with personal development, preparing campaign managers not only for the strategic aspects of campaigning but also for the emotional and mental challenges.

The Texas Democratic Party, through BLC, is funding campaign managers like Cham to support competitive races, providing expertise and strategic guidance at no cost to the candidates.

With Marc LaHood, a local attorney and GOP nominee, running on a right-wing platform, Democrats hope that voters will view him as too extreme.

LaHood emerged as a prominent figure with significant support from Governor Greg Abbott. LaHood’s campaign received a substantial boost, with Abbott’s funding accounting for approximately 81% of his campaign finances.

His primary contest with incumbent Democrat Steve Allison was marked by a deluge of TV ads and mailers, heavily funded by donations from groups advocating for the use of public tax dollars for private school tuition. Allison, a firm supporter of public education, had previously voted against a voucher-like measure, aligning himself with the 21 Texas House Republicans who blocked the passage of such vouchers despite Abbott’s threats and endorsements.

Abbott’s support was a decisive factor, as he endorsed and heavily financed candidates challenging Republicans who opposed vouchers, including LaHood. Abbott contributed nearly $700,000 to LaHood’s campaign.

Following his victory, LaHood asserted that District 121 voters support private school vouchers. He emphasized that education is about securing the best opportunities for children, free from political labels.

Meanwhile, Swift states that when it comes to vouchers, “we must resist efforts to divert funds to private and homeschooling, which lack accountability.”

House District 138

In House District 138, Stephanie Morales, a dedicated attorney with deep Texas roots, is the Democrat challenging the incumbent, Lacey Hull. 

Morales grew up in the Rio Grande Valley, and was inspired by her mother, a Texas teacher, and pursued her education at Texas A&M University. She excelled as a member of the Corps of Cadets and the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band before earning her Juris Doctor at South Texas College of Law. 

According to her campaign website, her career as an Assistant District Attorney in Harris County honed her courtroom skills and led to the founding of The Morales Law Firm, focusing on criminal and juvenile cases.

Her key priorities include supporting public schools by opposing vouchers, advocating for increased funding, and working to raise teacher salaries. She stands with working families, believing in access to good-paying jobs and fair labor practices. Morales emphasizes community service, having served as a 10-year volunteer with Rodeo Houston and a member of the Spring Branch ISD Financial Advisory Committee. Her campaign focuses on prioritizing children’s education, standing against political interference in schools, and continuing her lifelong dedication to improving her community.

“Our State Representative should be involved in our community, she should represent the interests of our community, and she should work to fund our public schools,” Morales said.

Why HD138 Matters

House District 138 encompasses Jersey Village, Spring Valley Village, Hilshire Village, and a small portion of Houston. The district is notably diverse, with 62.7% of residents being non-Anglo, predominantly Hispanic.

Voter turnout in 2022 was 37%, but with the increased focus on HD138 and a presidential election year, turnout is expected to rise to around 65%. The district’s political leanings, with a +5.4 Trump margin, present a realistic opportunity for a Democratic shift. It is a critical battleground in the fight for control of the Texas House.

Morales is up against Representative Lacey Hull, a Republican with a controversial past. Hull’s previous scandals, including a high-profile affair and subsequent controversies, have not deterred her supporters.

Here are some of the bills Hull has authored or co-authored in the past: 

•  She signed on to be a co-author of HB6, the Jim Crow voter suppression bill. 
• Authored HB530, allowing election judges to carry guns to the polls on election day.
• She co-authored HB1280, which completely bans abortions.
• She also co-authored HB1399, an anti-trans bill prohibiting trans youth from any medical care related to their true self.

Despite this, Morales’ campaign aims to highlight Hull’s controversial stances and focus on Morales’ integrity and community service.

When it comes to vouchers, Morales has openly spoken out against Hull, claiming the incumbent is only interested in lining the pockets of her donors and not in the well-being of public education.

“Note the terminology of #laceyhull post… “school choice” also known as vouchers. Her terminology tells us what way she’s going to vote. She’s not worried about funding public education, she’s worried about lining the pockets of her donors,” Morales posted on Instagram.