Some advocates for the region worry freshmen lawmakers will start deal-making at a deficit, while other voters see a chance for new blood.

VanDeaver, who represents northeast Texas, was one of two House Republicans to oppose a school voucher program this year after he narrowly beat a pro-voucher primary challenger in 2024.

Six of eight GOP incumbents lost their races. Gov. Greg Abbott declared he “now has enough votes to pass school choice.”

Despite all the hubbub about vouchers and the attorney general’s impeachment, it’s still about the border.

As promised, the governor is going after members of his own party after some of them tanked his top legislative priority.

Despite intense political pressure, Republican Rep. Gary VanDeaver said he won’t support a bill that includes school vouchers. Rural Republicans like VanDeaver have long opposed school vouchers because of the unique role public schools they play in their communities.

The outcome was an embarrassment to Gov. Greg Abbott, who spent seven months lobbying two dozen Republicans who signaled opposition to vouchers in April.

Supporters of the measure said it will help the colleges better prepare students for the workforce.

Under this new model, community colleges would receive state funds based on the number of graduates who earn certificates or degrees and the number of students who transfer to four-year universities.

The COVID-19 pandemic, inflation and burnout have pummeled teachers in the last few years. Lawmakers from both parties agree they should get a pay bump — but it won’t happen without some negotiation.

Any school choice policy must win over rural Republicans, who have historically been against diverting public dollars to private schools.