The future of school choice and school vouchers will become clearer as election results start coming in on Tuesday.

School choice and education savings accounts have been top political issues in Texas in recent years.

different versions school choice bills It was blocked by Texas Democrats and rural Republicans concerned about the impact on public schools.

Accounts one Governor Greg Abbott’s priority Tuesday’s results could clarify the program’s future when lawmakers return to Austin in January.

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

Twenty-one Republicans in the House of Representatives joined 63 Democrats to remove ESAs from an education bill in 2023. House Speaker Dade Phelan stated that he was present but did not vote.

Governor Abbott actively campaigned against Republicans in this year’s primaries.

Of the 21 House Republicans who opposed ESAs, nine lost the primary, while the other five decided not to seek re-election.

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

Here are the races that will determine the future of education savings accounts on Tuesday night.

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

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

Open Shofner’s website It lists strengthening parental rights and freedoms regarding their children’s school choice as one of its top priorities.

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

Republican Trey Wharton He is currently a member of the Huntsville ISD board of trustees.

“I support the Texas Senate’s 2023 plan to create an Education Savings Account that will unquestionably keep public schools strong and allow Texas parents to choose the best educational setting, school or community for their individual child,” the website reads.

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

Mullins’ website says that if elected, he would “prioritize education funding” and vote “no on vouchers.”

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

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 Dysonan attorney and businessman in Bryan-College Station. Approved by Governor Greg Abbott as a candidate who would expand school choice.

Democrat Fred Medina He is an army veteran and an attorney.

Medina calls school vouchers “scam” Facebook post in August.

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

Republican Janis HoltThe co-owner of an air purification business defeated State Rep. Ernest Bailes in a primary contest earlier this year.

Holt’s website states that “school choice is of great importance in the field of education.”

Libertarian Seth Steele’s website It does not mention public schools.

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

The winner of the 29th District race will take the seat of State Representative Ed Thompson, who has decided not to seek re-election.

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

Barry says he supports the idea of ​​school choice but calls for more accountability for private schools in exchange for tax revenues.

Democrat Adrienne Bell served as a public school educator before running for office.

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

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

Former Trump spokeswoman Katrina Pierson He defeated State Rep. Justin Holland in a May runoff.

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

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

Republican Alan Schoolcraft He defeated State Representative John Kuempel in the primary.

“Schoolcraft believes in giving families the freedom to choose the educational paths that best suit their children,” the website says.

Democrat Eric Norman stands against school voucher programs.

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

Texas House District 53 – Wes Virdell (R), Joe Herrera (D), BW Holk (L)

State Representative Andrew Murr (R-Kerrville) has decided not to run for re-election.

Republican Wes Virdell The U.S. Air Force veteran is a supporter of school choice.

basic topics about Democrat Joe Herrera The page reads, “Protecting Texas public schools against the terrible voucher program.”

B. W. Holk’s page on the Texas Libertarian Party’s website It does not contain any policies.

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

Republican Hillary Hickland this year he defeated State Representative Hugh D. Shine in the Republican primary.

Hickland’s website says he supports “parents’ God-given right to choose the best education for their children.”

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

Lee says school vouchers are ‘scam’ Posts on Facebook.

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

Republican Helen Kerwin He defeated State Rep. DeWayne Burns in this year’s primary.

Kerwin lists successful school selection as one of his priorities on his website.

rival, Libertarian Richard WindmannHe opposes school vouchers.

“We need to stand up and support our public school students and teachers by not cannibalizing them,” the website reads.

Texas House District 60 – Mike Olcott (R) – Unopposed

Republican Mike Olcott He defeated State Rep. Glenn Rogers in this year’s primary.

Research scientist Olcott 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 child’s education,” the website reads.

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

Republican Shelley Luther He defeated State Rep. Reggie Smith in this year’s primary election.

Luther, a Dallas salon owner who kept her shop open despite COVID orders from the county and state, says she supports school choice.

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

“Their mission is to provide voucher funding for private schools to the already wealthy to ensure that rural and low- and middle-income children receive no education at all,” Drake’s website reads.

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

Republican Caroline Fairly He won his party’s nomination after State Representative Four Price chose not to seek reelection.

Fairly, a health consultant, claims on its website that parents have choice when it comes to education.

rival, Democrat Timothy GassawayHe is the 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 says.

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

Republican Marc LaHood He defeated State Rep. Steve Allison in the primary earlier this year.

LaHood says on his website that parents know what’s best for their children.

“We must empower parents to make the absolute best educational decisions for their children; there is no one-size-fits-all school or environment; this is even true in my own home as we seek different educational opportunities for each of our children,” LaHood’s website reads.

Democrat Laurel SwiftHe’s running against LaHood, who works in biologics and medical sales.

“We must resist efforts to divert funds to private and home education that lacks accountability,” Swift’s website reads.