Texas Poll Shows Majority Backing School Vouchers

Recent polling by the University of Houston and Texas Southern University reveals that a majority of Texas adults support school voucher programs and educational savings accounts (ESAs), with 65% in favor of vouchers and 69% backing ESAs. This sentiment crosses racial, geographic, and partisan lines, with notable support among Black Texans and Republicans. The data contrasts sharply with an earlier poll by the Texas Hispanic Policy Foundation, which found 57% opposition to such programs. Governor Greg Abbott, who has been advocating for these measures, is expected to push for legislation again in 2025, buoyed by this newfound support and recent primary victories for voucher-supportive candidates. Despite opposition from some Democrats and rural Republicans, Abbott believes the turnover in the House will be favorable for passing the legislation. Critics argue that vouchers and ESAs divert necessary funds from public schools, a concern acknowledged by many respondents who nevertheless support the programs.