CLEBURNE, Texas — A battle is brewing between Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Texas Republicans who voted against his school voucher agenda.
On Monday, Abbott visited Cleburne to campaign against a fellow Republican, Rep. DeWayne Burns.
Abbott, who has endorsed Burns in the past, has instead endorsed Republican Helen Kerwin ahead of the March 5 race.
The event held at The Depot at Cleburne Stadium drew about 100 people. It’s one of several campaign events Abbott is holding to campaign against 16 Republican lawmakers who voted against his voucher proposal and are up for reelection.
In total, 21 Republicans voted against the governor's voucher proposal last year.
“We need someone who will vote conservative in Austin, Texas,” Abbott said during the event in Cleburne. “A person who will have your values and vote your values. For whatever reason, your current representative says he disagrees [with school choice]."
A group of about 10 people protested against vouchers outside of the governor’s event.
Mandy Mankin Holleman, an independent voter and retired teacher said she's concerned vouchers would take away resources from public schools.
“It would devastate our community,” Holleman said.
Dexter Baldwin, a Democratic voter, organized the demonstration.
“Vouchers are welfare for the rich,” Baldwin said.
Kerwin, who is running against Burns, said she’ll support a future fight on vouchers.
“It’s critical we give families choice,” Kerwin said. “I will make sure Texas education freedom is available to every family.”
The failed voucher proposal would’ve given eligible students $10,000 to attend the private school of their choice. The proposal, which aimed to pay for vouchers using the state’s budget surplus, was part of a larger measure that would also have given more money to public schools and teacher pay raises.
There were dueling events in Cleburne on Monday.
Shortly after Abbott’s event in support of Kerwin, the incumbent Burns held an event at the Cleburne Convention Center that drew hundreds, including several city mayors and law enforcement leaders.
In an interview with WFAA, Burns explained why he couldn’t support the proposed voucher plan.
“When it comes to the voucher program, there were two things: It was way too expensive and would’ve been an additional burden on taxpayers that I just couldn’t support," Burns said. "The second thing is it would’ve been a free handout for illegal immigrants to take a free handout and go to private schools."
Burns said he’s disappointed Abbott is campaigning against him.
“It hurts to have him endorse against me,” Burns said. “I’ve known the governor for 10 years, he’s endorsed me in the past.”
While Abbott takes on a representative in a small town, a David and Goliath battle is unfolding.
“We won’t be bullied. I won’t be bullied,” Burns said. “We’re gonna do what’s right for our community.”