Texas Gov. Greg Abbott rallies faith leaders and education advocates at Texas Pastors’ Policy Conference, calling for expanded school choice to empower parents in their children’s education
Austin, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott took the stage at the Texas Pastors’ Policy Conference in Austin today, delivering a passionate speech on the importance of school choice and the role of parents in shaping their children’s education. Addressing a room filled with faith leaders and education advocates, Abbott made it clear that the fight for school choice is a top priority for his administration.
“Our most important task this session is passing school choice,” Abbott said, emphasizing that parents should have the power to choose the best educational path for their children.
He argued that a one-size-fits-all approach fails to address the unique needs of every student, and families deserve the ability to select schools that align with their values and academic expectations.
A key point in Abbott’s speech was the shifting political landscape in the Texas House of Representatives. For the first time in state history, a majority of House members support school choice, a milestone he credited to years of persistent advocacy. However, he cautioned that this majority remains slim, and victory is far from guaranteed.
“We need all Texans to rise up and meet this challenge,” he urged, calling on attendees to take action by reaching out to their legislators and voicing their support.
Abbott also addressed concerns raised by critics of school choice, particularly those who argue that expanding options could undermine existing educational pathways, such as homeschooling.
He dismissed these claims as misinformation, assuring the audience that Texas’ strong homeschooling community would not be disrupted. Instead, he argued, school choice strengthens parental rights and expands opportunities rather than limiting them.
During his speech, Abbott expressed gratitude for key political allies who have backed the initiative, notably Speaker Dustin Burrows. He credited Burrows with helping push the proposal forward and reaffirmed his commitment to passing a universal school choice program.
As he wrapped up his remarks, Abbott left the crowd with a clear message: the battle for school choice is at a critical juncture, and grassroots support is essential. He called on pastors and faith leaders to mobilize their communities, urging them to advocate for policies that give parents greater control over their children’s education.
The Texas Pastors’ Policy Conference provided a significant platform for Abbott to rally support, and with the legislative session in full swing, the coming months could prove decisive for the future of school choice in the state. Whether his call to action will translate into legislative success remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Abbott is not backing down from this fight.
