Nearly 3 million Texans participated in the November 4 off-year election, marking a record turnout for such an election in the state. This figure represents about 15% of registered voters, surpassing the previous high set in 2023.
Voters approved all 17 proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution. Among these, Propositions 9, 11, and 13 are expected to reduce local property tax revenue, which will limit funding available to public school districts and local governments. Although current policy requires the state to replace lost revenue tied to Proposition 13, some experts have raised concerns about whether this approach is sustainable as the costs continue to rise.
Proposition 15 was also approved and centers on affirming parental rights in decisions regarding children’s upbringing. Critics argue that while it addresses parental authority, it does not address working or learning conditions in public schools and could be used to influence curriculum decisions.
In several local races, candidates who emphasized practical issues over partisan politics were successful. In Cy-Fair ISD, three new trustees—Lesley Guilmart, Dr. Cleveland Lane Jr., and Kendra Camarena—were elected after running on platforms focused on community engagement. Two of these trustees are members of AFT (American Federation of Teachers). Nikki Cowart, president of Cy-Fair AFT, stated: “Cy-Fair families don’t want hardline politicians and ideologues who voted to ban science lessons, slash bus routes, and permanently close school libraries.”
Houston ISD voters chose two new trustees from an “End the Takeover” slate: Maria Benzon (an AFT member) and Michael McDonough. The elected board is expected to regain control when the state takeover ends. Jackie Anderson, president of Houston Federation of Teachers said: “When this painful takeover eventually ends, Houston educators and their students will need leaders they can trust to right the ship. No more unceremonious layoffs, no more retaliation against employees, and no more destruction of the wraparound services our students need… Today’s results get us a little bit closer to restoring thoughtful leadership to the Houston ISD school community.”
Taylor Rehmet advanced to a runoff for Texas Senate District 9 with support from Texas AFT COPE and Texas AFL-CIO. Rehmet campaigned on lowering living costs and supporting workers’ needs.
However, funding measures for schools failed in Brownsville and Socorro ISDs. In Brownsville ISD, a $460 million bond proposal aimed at facility upgrades did not pass. Socorro ISD’s Prop Aa tax swap measure also narrowly failed; this outcome may lead to potential layoffs as enrollment declines.
Zeph Capo, president of Texas AFT commented: “If the state would step up and pay its fair share of school funding, school districts would not be forced to go to the voters to ask for relief.”
The election outcomes suggest that many Texans seek changes related to cost-of-living pressures and education policy.
