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A mascot poses with students during the "Meet the Wildcats" community event at Splendora High School on Friday, Aug. 16, 2024, in Splendora.
2024 Texas Elections

How a school voucher supporter won in a Texas House district with almost no private schools

Gov. Greg Abbott said the primary showed Texans want vouchers. In House District 18, an ad blitz and immigration fears may have played a larger role.


Texas State Representative Ernest Bailes, left, speaks to constituents in the board room after a TEA scheduled meeting was cancelled  in Shepherd, Texas Monday, March 9, 2020. Shepherd ISD is at risk of a state takeover.
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Public schools and the voucher debate

Cheer teams chant on beat during the "Meet the Wildcats" community event at Splendora High School on Friday, Aug. 16, 2024, in Splendora.
Matilda Shaefer asks her mom Allyson to look over a class folder on their way to Timber Lakes Elementary School  on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024, in Splendora.
Matilda Shaefer gets a goodbye kiss from her mom Allyson as she heads to class at Timber Lakes Elementary School  on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024, in Splendora.
Janis Holt is the Republican candidate for Texas House District 18. She defeated incumbent Ernest Bailes in the primary.

Immigration fears and beyond

An overhead view of the Colony Ridge development on Monday, Oct. 9, 2023, in New Caney, Texas.
A sign outside of the Colony Ridge development on Oct. 10, 2023, in New Caney, Texas.
Billy Helmick, center, relays a hot dog order inside the concession stand during a JV football game between Cleveland and Splendora at Cleveland High School on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024. Helmick is the Band Booster President and a parent.
A full rainbow arches over a football game between Splendora High School and Cleveland High School on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024, in Cleveland.

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Immigration Politics Public education 2024 elections Ernest Bailes Greg Abbott