Trump Endorses Texas Lawmakers Who Backed School Choice

Trump Endorses Texas Lawmakers Who Backed School Choice

By | Texas Scorecard | July 10, 2025

In a move telegraphed months in advance, President Donald Trump has endorsed Republican state lawmaker in Texas who voted for the state’s new $1 billion school choice program in their re-election campaigns, fulfilling a promise reportedly made during the legislative session.

When Senate Bill 2 passed earlier this year, lawmakers were reportedly told by Gov. Greg Abbott that Trump would have their backs come election season if they voted yes. That political assurance seems to have paid off.

Only one Republican in the Senate, State Sen. Robert Nichols (who is retiring), and two in the House—State Reps. Dade Phelan and Gary VanDeaver—opposed the measure.

Now, Trump’s political action committee, Never Surrender Inc., is sending out endorsement emails to those lawmakers who helped push the bill over the finish line.

“Thanks to the dedication of Lone Star State Legislators like you, Texas can now empower parents to choose the school that is BEST for their child, a Gigantic Victory for Texas families!” the letter reads, before offering Trump’s “Complete and Total Endorsement” based on lawmakers’ “Professionalism” and “Patriotism.”

The endorsements came the same day Abbott announced the agenda for the upcoming special session, which includes redistricting, something that has been pushed by Trump in an effort to increase the Republican majority in Congress.

The endorsements haven’t come without pushback.

Last month, the State Republican Executive Committee passed a resolution urging Trump to withhold endorsements until after November 8. The timing would allow the party to complete potential censure proceedings under Rule 44, which penalizes lawmakers for straying from the party’s legislative priorities or core principles.

Some activists have also cast doubt on whether Trump is personally involved in the endorsements or if they’re being driven by political operatives in his orbit.

Either way, the endorsements are now landing in inboxes across the state, setting up a 2026 primary season in which Republican incumbents can campaign with Trump’s backing, even as some friction continues inside the party.

Brandon serves as the Senior Editor for Texas Scorecard. After managing successful campaigns for top conservative legislators and serving as a Chief of Staff in the Texas Capitol, Brandon moved outside the dome in order to shine a spotlight on conservative victories and establishment corruption in Austin. @bwaltens