Recently, voter priorities have been changing. According to a recent survey, education is now the second most important issue to voters, only behind the economy. With parents frustrated by many issues in education today - from school closings to curriculum and masking - it comes as no surprise that voters, especially voters who are parents, are focused on better education. And as governors’ races heat up across the country, republican candidates are leaning into school choice ideas, believing that many hispanics and suburban voters who shifted to voting for Biden might just vote republican again if they believe in the education options that republicans are offering.

But why would “school choice” sway voters over to a different party? Well, to be frank, school choice is not really a democrat or republican issue. Although republicans are using it to their advantage since democrats seem somewhat controlled by teachers unions at the moment, the ideas and values behind school choice do not just align with the republican party.

As we wrote about here and here, school decisions for every family come with a lot of complex context and decision making. And this is a concept understood by democrat and republican voters alike. So, it’s not inconceivable to think that a family that cares about climate change might also care deeply about education. That’s what our organization is all about as Environmentalists for Effective Education. And especially when families believe that public school systems have added to the chaos and struggle of the past two years, it is no wonder that, despite political affiliations, an innovative perspective on education might persuade a parent.

Republican governor candidates are not backing the wrong horse on this one. In a nation where the education system seems to be in turmoil, betting on school choice is a safe bet!