Title: Governor Abbott Invests Over $2.3 Million in Candidates Supporting School Choice in Texas House Runoffs

In a bid to bolster support for his "school choice" plan in the Texas House, Governor Greg Abbott has generously contributed almost $2.3 million to candidates participating in the primary runoff elections. These candidates, many of whom are incumbents or challengers aligned with Abbott's vision, will play a crucial role in passing the school choice bill during the upcoming 2025 legislative session.

Since the March 5 primary elections, Abbott has directed his financial support towards 10 Republican candidates, including both incumbents and challengers, who have expressed their commitment to advocating for the use of public funds for private schooling. The governor's contributions come on the heels of a previous $6 million investment in House candidates before the primary, most of whom were vying against incumbents that had previously opposed Abbott's favored voucher-like program.

This recent spending spree follows a remarkably timed $6 million donation from Jeff Yass, a Pennsylvania billionaire and leading supporter of voucher programs. With this significant financial backing, Abbott's campaign team estimates that they require just two more votes to secure the necessary support to sign the school choice bill into law next year.

Among the recipients of Abbott's largesse, Trey Wharton emerged as the top beneficiary, receiving the largest sum of $340,581. Wharton is currently facing off against Ben Bius in the GOP primary for a District 12 seat, which will be vacated by state Representative Kyle Kacal, R-College Station.

Abbott's assistance was primarily channeled towards challenging incumbents, with notable contributions of nearly $300,000 to Chris Spencer's campaign against Rep. Gary VanDeaver, R-New Boston, in House District 1. Other challengers backed by the governor include Alan Schoolcraft in District 44 ($189,674), Katrinia Pierson in District 33 ($186,901), and Helen Kerwin in District 58 ($160,576).

Abbott's support for Pierson in District 33 prompted him to join her for a get-out-the-vote rally in Rockwall on Friday. Additionally, the governor also made strategic donations to safeguard incumbent representatives, such as Rep. Stephanie Klick of Fort Worth, who received $272,101 in her rematch against David Lowe, and Rep. Lynn Stucky of Denton, who was granted $163,273 to ensure victory against Andy Hopper.

Furthermore, Abbott demonstrated his commitment to reinforcing the Republican majority by contributing substantial amounts to candidates running for open seat races. Jeff Bauknight in District 30 received $261,328, Alex Kamkar in District 29 received $260,250, and John McQueeney in District 97 received $161,798.

The McQueeney-Bean primary in District 97 holds particular importance, as it seeks to fill the seat being vacated by state Representative Craig Goldman, R-Fort Worth, who is currently running for Congress, aiming to succeed the retiring Republican U.S. Representative Kay Granger.

Governor Abbott's chief political strategist, Dave Carney, expressed confidence in the candidates, citing their grassroots efforts, digital outreach, cable and television advertisements, and block walking activities as reasons for optimism.

With seven primary victories already under Abbott-supported candidates' belts, including defeating incumbents and securing spots in open seat races, only five contests remain to be decided in the runoffs. While two of Abbott's endorsed candidates fell short, the governor remains undeterred in his pursuit of establishing school choice legislation for Texas families.

The financial backing Governor Abbott has provided to candidates aligning with his school choice plan underscores his commitment to transforming the education landscape in Texas. As the primary runoff elections draw near, the governor's strategic investments and endorsements will undoubtedly shape the future of education in the Lone Star State.