Now seems like the perfect moment to embrace the saying, “Everything Is Bigger In Texas!” The 2024 Elections certainly lived up to that claim. While these elections made waves nationwide, let’s be clear:
The Elections Were Bigger in Texas!
Probably now more than ever, parental rights have taken center stage and the momentum generated during the Primaries and Runoffs set the stage for the results we witnessed last night during the General Election.
Journey Back In Time
During the Primaries and Runoffs, we witnessed notable changes in the Texas House with the overturning of multiple seats and important wins in the Senate. Keep in mind, one of THSC’s primary focuses has been to unapologetically unseat the 21 Republican House members who voted with all the Democrats to kill parental choice in 2023 and who tried to block UIL Equal Access for homeschoolers in 2021 (You can read more about the Primaries and Runoffs Election Results here). Since then, our goal has been to position Texas to be a state that continues to respect the choices of parents while empowering them to tailor education to fit their children’s unique needs and. . .
We did it!
We secured more House Seats and more Senate Seats. Thanks to the hard work of THSC, its Vetting Committees, and your continued vigilance and support, homeschool families are poised to benefit from candidates who champion parental rights. Now, buckle in and hold on tight while we recap the victories last night.
U.S. Senate Wins
With over 50 percent of the vote and a 10 percent difference between his opponent, Ted Cruz has secured another victory to begin his third term as U.S. Senator. Cruz has consistently stood up for parental rights and worked to ensure that families have the freedom and resources to make the best choices for their children’s education and well-being. His commitment to fighting for the values that matter most to homeschool families makes him a trusted ally in the ongoing effort to protect and empower parents.
Texas Supreme Court Wins
CONGRATULATIONS to Justices Jimmy Blacklock (Place 2), John Devine (Place 4) , and Jane Bland (Place 6) who each pulled in close to 60 percent of the vote and will be returning to their seats at the Texas Supreme Court.
Texas Court Of Criminal Appeals Wins
CONGRATULATIONS to David Schenck and Gina Parker, who back in the Primaries, unseated incumbents. David Schenck won the seat for Chief Justice with 57 percent of the vote. Gina Parker will now serve as Judge for Place 7 after winning with 58 percent of the vote.
Texas Senate Wins
CONGRATULATIONS to Paul Bettencourt for SD 7, Angela Paxton for SD 8, Phil King SD 10, Tan Parker SD 12, Joan Huffman SD 17, Donna Campbell for SD 25, and Brent Hagenbuch SD 30.
Notable Texas Senate Win
CONGRATULATIONS to Adam Hinojosa who declared victory by unseating challenger and one-time incumbent Morgan LaMantia from Senate District 27.
Texas House Wins
-
Matt Morgan is the new Representative for Texas HD 26, winning with 59 percent of the vote.
-
Denise Villalobos will step into the seat vacated by Abel Herrero to represent Texas HD 34. Denise Villalobos secured the win by pulling in 55 percent of the vote.
-
A win for an open seat was captured by Pat Curry who will now reprsent Texas for HD 56 after securing close to 70 percent of the vote.
-
Don McLaughlin earned close to 60 percent of the vote and secured the open seat for Texas HD 80
-
John McQueeney is the new Representative in Texas HD 97 capturing 58 percent of the vote.
For homeschooling families, these victories mean more than just new faces in office. They signify a commitment to preserving our rights and expanding options for our children’s education.
Texas Notable Losses
-
Homeschool dad Steve Kinard lost to incumbent Mihaela Plesa in Texas HD 70.
-
Robert Garza conceded to incumbent Eddie Morales in Texas HD 74.
Now What Does the Future Hold?
First, let’s celebrate this win knowing that these victories are vital for advancing policies that support homeschooling families and promote educational freedom.
Second, with only a handful of losses, the overall results reflect a robust desire among voters to ensure that parents have a strong voice in education.
Third, with a strong legislative environment, we can anticipate policies that honor the decisions of Texas families while providing us the flexibility to continue to homeschool in one of the freest states to do so.
Lastly, as we celebrate these wins, it’s essential for us to stay engaged and informed about future developments. The momentum is on our side, so go ahead – do a victory lap. These results are ones that we’ve been fighting, but keep in mind: this isn’t the time to fold our arms and lean back. Make no mistake. Victory is only secure for those who continue to show up . . . so show up and help us advocate for parental rights – your rights – so that, together, we can continue to help shape the educational landscape in Texas for years to come.
Now seems like the perfect moment to embrace the saying, “Everything Is Bigger In Texas!” The 2024 Elections certainly lived up to that claim. While these elections made waves nationwide, let’s be clear:
The Elections Were Bigger in Texas!
Probably now more than ever, parental rights have taken center stage and the momentum generated during the Primaries and Runoffs set the stage for the results we witnessed last night during the General Election.
Journey Back In Time
During the Primaries and Runoffs, we witnessed notable changes in the Texas House with the overturning of multiple seats and important wins in the Senate. Keep in mind, one of THSC’s primary focuses has been to unapologetically unseat the 21 Republican House members who voted with all the Democrats to kill parental choice in 2023 and who tried to block UIL Equal Access for homeschoolers in 2021 (You can read more about the Primaries and Runoffs Election Results here). Since then, our goal has been to position Texas to be a state that continues to respect the choices of parents while empowering them to tailor education to fit their children’s unique needs and. . .
We did it!
We secured more House Seats and more Senate Seats. Thanks to the hard work of THSC, its Vetting Committees, and your continued vigilance and support, homeschool families are poised to benefit from candidates who champion parental rights. Now, buckle in and hold on tight while we recap the victories last night.
U.S. Senate Wins
With over 50 percent of the vote and a 10 percent difference between his opponent, Ted Cruz has secured another victory to begin his third term as U.S. Senator. Cruz has consistently stood up for parental rights and worked to ensure that families have the freedom and resources to make the best choices for their children’s education and well-being. His commitment to fighting for the values that matter most to homeschool families makes him a trusted ally in the ongoing effort to protect and empower parents.
Texas Supreme Court Wins
CONGRATULATIONS to Justices Jimmy Blacklock (Place 2), John Devine (Place 4) , and Jane Bland (Place 6) who each pulled in close to 60 percent of the vote and will be returning to their seats at the Texas Supreme Court.
Texas Court Of Criminal Appeals Wins
CONGRATULATIONS to David Schenck and Gina Parker, who back in the Primaries, unseated incumbents. David Schenck won the seat for Chief Justice with 57 percent of the vote. Gina Parker will now serve as Judge for Place 7 after winning with 58 percent of the vote.
Texas Senate Wins
CONGRATULATIONS to Paul Bettencourt for SD 7, Angela Paxton for SD 8, Phil King SD 10, Tan Parker SD 12, Joan Huffman SD 17, Donna Campbell for SD 25, and Brent Hagenbuch SD 30.
Notable Texas Senate Win
CONGRATULATIONS to Adam Hinojosa who declared victory by unseating challenger and one-time incumbent Morgan LaMantia from Senate District 27.
Texas House Wins
-
Matt Morgan is the new Representative for Texas HD 26, winning with 59 percent of the vote.
-
Denise Villalobos will step into the seat vacated by Abel Herrero to represent Texas HD 34. Denise Villalobos secured the win by pulling in 55 percent of the vote.
-
A win for an open seat was captured by Pat Curry who will now reprsent Texas for HD 56 after securing close to 70 percent of the vote.
-
Don McLaughlin earned close to 60 percent of the vote and secured the open seat for Texas HD 80
-
John McQueeney is the new Representative in Texas HD 97 capturing 58 percent of the vote.
For homeschooling families, these victories mean more than just new faces in office. They signify a commitment to preserving our rights and expanding options for our children’s education.
Texas Notable Losses
-
Homeschool dad Steve Kinard lost to incumbent Mihaela Plesa in Texas HD 70.
-
Robert Garza conceded to incumbent Eddie Morales in Texas HD 74.
Now What Does the Future Hold?
First, let’s celebrate this win knowing that these victories are vital for advancing policies that support homeschooling families and promote educational freedom.
Second, with only a handful of losses, the overall results reflect a robust desire among voters to ensure that parents have a strong voice in education.
Third, with a strong legislative environment, we can anticipate policies that honor the decisions of Texas families while providing us the flexibility to continue to homeschool in one of the freest states to do so.
Lastly, as we celebrate these wins, it’s essential for us to stay engaged and informed about future developments. The momentum is on our side, so go ahead – do a victory lap. These results are ones that we’ve been fighting, but keep in mind: this isn’t the time to fold our arms and lean back. Make no mistake. Victory is only secure for those who continue to show up . . . so show up and help us advocate for parental rights – your rights – so that, together, we can continue to help shape the educational landscape in Texas for years to come.
