Republican State Reps. Hugh Shine and Steve Allison have encouraged voters to vote for Democrats in next week’s general election.

While appearing on public radio last week, Allison endorsed Democrat Laurel Jordan Swift, and Shine has encouraged anti-school choice voters to support Democrat Jennifer Lee.

Shine (Temple) and Allison (San Antonio) were defeated in the May 2024 primary runoff election. Both were opposed from the right after voting against school choice in 2023.

Hillary Hickland (Belton) defeated Shine, and Marc LaHood (San Antonio) defeated Allison. 

Among other issues, including the impeachment of Attorney General Ken Paxton, the May primary runoff served as a referendum on school choice policies in Texas. Many candidates advocated for increased educational choice, receiving heavy funding and political backing from Gov. Greg Abbott.

Anti-school choice forces in the state were routed in the primary but have protested that the General Election would see the tide turn in their favor. 

Pro-government education sources heavily backed Shine and Allison in their primary elections.

Additionally, Shine was given $250,000 by Drayton McLane and $79,000 from the casino lobby of Texas Sands. Charles Butt, the owner of HEB, and Speaker Dade Phelan each gave nearly $50,000 to Shine’s reelection bid.

Charles Butt, a constituent of Allison’s, gave $360,608 to his failed bid, while the Associated Republicans of Texas dropped $316,052. Phelan was third with $137,000. Texans for Lawsuit Reform dropped $99,500, and Texas Sands PAC spent $79,000.

In comparison, Transparency USA lists Greg Abbott as Marc LaHood’s largest donor during the 2024 election cycle, donating over $780,000. The Family Empowerment Coalition PAC, a pro-school choice committee, was second in total contributions at $155,000, followed by Texans United for a Conservative Majority at $95,000.

Hickland’s top two donors are also Abbott and the Family Empowerment Coalition, which gave $423,575.86 and $178,250, respectively. State Sen. Mayes Middleton (R-Galveston) was the third-highest donor at $55,446.

Early voting is underway, and Election Day is Tuesday, November 5.

Daniel Greer

Daniel Greer is the Director of Innovation for Texas Scorecard.

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