TEXAS — There are four competitive Texas House races that could make or break Gov. Greg Abbott’s plan to send state money to private schools.

What You Need To Know

  • Abbott joined Republican House candidate Marc LaHood at a campaign event in the north San Antonio district LaHood is hoping to represent on Wednesday

  • The governor spent millions during this year’s primaries to help LaHood and other challengers beat eight Republican incumbents who helped to block his school voucher plan last year during a special legislative session

  • Abbott believes he has the 76 votes he needs in the 150-member Texas House to approve his plan, but there are still candidates like LaHood who have to beat their Democratic challengers

Abbott joined Republican House candidate Marc LaHood at a campaign event in the north San Antonio district LaHood is hoping to represent on Wednesday.

The governor spent millions during this year’s primaries to help LaHood and other challengers beat eight Republican incumbents who helped to block his school voucher plan last year during a special legislative session.

Those rural House Republicans joined with Democrats to vote against the voucher plan, worrying it would take away from public school funding. Supporters of vouchers claim Texas can afford to divert public school dollars to accounts families can use for private school.

Abbott believes he has the 76 votes he needs in the 150-member Texas House to approve his plan, but there are still candidates like LaHood who have to beat their Democratic challengers.

“If there’s any kind of fear right now, that’s bringing the governor in. The only reason the governor would step in to try to help these candidates is because A, he thinks they might win, but B, he’s afraid they may not win,” said David Crockett, a professor of political science at Trinity University.

LaHood faces Democrat Laurel Swift, who is vocally against school vouchers. Swift has received the endorsement of Rep. Steve Allison, the district’s current representative and a Republican who lost to LaHood in the March primary.

On the south side of San Antonio, incumbent Rep. John Lujan is trying to beat Kristian Carranza.

Carranza has a large backing from the Texas Democratic Party and is trying to flip the district.

The Abbott-backed Republican candidates may have more success in North Texas.

In the Park Cities north of downtown Dallas, Abbott campaigned with incumbent Rep. Morgan Meyer, who is in a rematch race with Democrat Elizabeth Ginsberg.

One political scientist said he expects Meyer to win and describe Abbott’s appearance as a political favor.

“He’s just trying to ensure that the votes he has for vouchers are still there,” said Cal Jillson, a professor of political science at Southern Methodist University.

But a House race in the northeast part of Dallas County may put a wrench in Abbott’s plans.

Political newcomer Averie Bishop has made education the focal point of her campaign to unseat Republican incumbent Rep. Angie Chen-Button.

“Angie Chen-Button is a good politician… and has won close elections in the past. So, this will be closer, but whether or not Bishop can get over the top remains to be seen,” said Jillson.

Jillson believes Abbott has the votes he needs for his plan, but campaigning for pro-voucher candidates in tight races will make sure that he is better safe than sorry.

“He’d hate to come close again and lose. That would be embarrassing for him,” said Jillson.