In Today’s Episode:
Texas schools are closing: CBS Austin reporter Andrew Lamparski explains why education has become a major election issue as families face school closures, declining enrollment and a new private school voucher program.
Georgia swing voters are speaking out: Rich Thau, president of Engagious, shares what he learned from 12 voters who switched from Biden to Trump, including why 10 now regret their 2024 vote.
Good morning.
In Texas, education is emerging as a major issue in the races for governor and U.S. Senate, as families confront school closures and questions about the future of public education.
Meanwhile, in Georgia, voters who supported Joe Biden in 2020 and Donald Trump in 2024 are reconsidering their choices.
How Education Could Shape the Texas Elections
Texas has become a major focus of national midterm coverage, with Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton facing Democrat James Talarico in the U.S. Senate race.
CBS Austin reporter Andrew Lamparski says that education is the issue dominating conversations with voters.
Across the state, public schools are closing as districts struggle with declining enrollment and finances.
In Austin, 10 schools have been approved for closure, affecting approximately 3,800 students.
Parents are being forced to find new schools for their children, sometimes without knowing whether those schools will actually stay open.
“Parents feel like they’re sort of losing control of their students’ education.”
In the gubernatorial race, Republican Governor Greg Abbott is seeking a fourth term against Democrat Gina Hinojosa, a former Austin school board president.
Hinojosa has questioned how the state is handling school takeovers, while Abbott has championed a new private school voucher program.
Why Georgia’s Swing Voters May Be Changing Their Minds
Our next story moves to Georgia. The state has switched between Republicans and Democrats in recent presidential elections, and all eyes are focused on what may happen come November.
Rich Thau, president of the research firm Engagious, recently moderated a focus group of 12 Georgia voters who supported Biden in 2020 before switching to Trump in 2024.
What he heard surprised him.
Seven of the 12 participants said Trump would influence how they vote in the midterms. In previous focus groups, Thau says voters were more likely to focus on individual candidates rather than the president.
One participant, Michelle, explained why her feelings had changed.
“I voted for Trump in the last election, which was new for me, mostly because I felt like he spoke real, and I’m just exhausted with political rhetoric. And I feel like he hasn’t done any of the things he said he would do.”
Ten of the 12 voters said they regretted supporting Trump in 2024.
But that doesn’t necessarily mean they would all choose a Democrat instead.
When Thau asked how they would vote if they could redo the 2024 election, four chose Kamala Harris, two chose Trump, while four preferred a third-party candidate and two said they wouldn’t vote.
Their main concern is the economy.
Thau says participants described struggling to afford groceries, mortgages, gas, and education. Some have cut back on travel and eating out to make ends meet.
Many told him they supported Trump because they believed he would bring prices down. Now, they’re frustrated that those expectations haven’t been met.
Thau also found that all 12 participants said they were very likely to vote in November, something he hasn’t heard in previous months.
That’s the briefing for today.
What matters most to you ahead of the midterm elections? Is there an issue affecting your community that isn’t getting enough national coverage?
Let us know how you feel.
Thanks for spending part of your day with us.
The National Press
Real reporting. From real America.
