Who Are The Big Donors Fueling Texas’ School Voucher Fight?

As Texas heads toward the upcoming elections, the political fight over school vouchers is heating up, with major contributors pouring money into key races that could shape the future of public education in the state.

Governor Greg Abbott, a staunch advocate of vouchers, has relied heavily on well-funded individuals and entities to support candidates who back his plan to divert public funds to private schools. In response, Texas Democrats and their allies are mobilizing to counter the governor’s agenda, framing the voucher debate as critical amid ongoing teacher shortages and budget shortfalls.

The situation was exacerbated by lawmakers’ failure to utilize the state’s historic $33 billion budget surplus to enhance school funding, as the surplus became entangled in the voucher controversy.

With Abbott armed with a substantial campaign war chest, Democrats are hopeful that recent electoral momentum—bolstered by Kamala Harris’ nomination and Colin Allred’s strong challenge against Senator Ted Cruz—will lead to down-ballot victories. This mirrors the 2018 elections when Cruz’s presence on the ballot helped Democrats flip 12 House seats.

Here are the top five entities contributing according to campaign finance reports from July 1 to September 26, 2024. This analysis focuses solely on the top competitive races in the voucher fight, as identified by RA News: House Districts 37, 52, 63, 80, 108, 112, 118, and 121.

Top Republican Contributors:

– Texans for Lawsuit Reform PAC

– Butch’s Rat Hole & Anchor Services

– San Antonio Fire & Police Pensioners Association PAC

– Greg Abbott Campaign

– A&B Leasing, LLC

Other important contributors included: Associated Republicans of Texas Campaign Fund, Family Empowerment Coalition PAC, Texas Defense PAC, Texans United for a Conservative Majority and Dade Phelan Campaign.

Top Democratic Contributors:

– Annie’s List

– United Food and Commercial Workers International Union Action Ballot Club

– Trey Martinez Fischer Campaign

– Texas House Democratic Campaign Committee

– Lone Star Project Nonfederal

Other important contributors included: Texas Democratic Party, Fair Shot for Texas Workers PAC, Julie Johnson for Texas, Big and Bright PAC and Planned Parenthood Texas Votes.

Notably, Governor Abbott personally contributed $48,143.03 to Rep. Angie Chen Button of House District 112. Button’s voting record demonstrates a strong alignment with far-right interests, showcasing anti-worker and anti-civil rights stances that have endeared her to Republican PACs.

Button is currently facing a challenge from Averie Bishop, who has positioned herself as a formidable contender to flip the seat, declaring it “the most winnable seat in Texas.”