Historic election results must translate into action to strengthen public schools for all students
Following historic 2026 elections in Texas and Georgia, IDRA calls on incoming governors Gina Hinojosa and Keisha Lance Bottoms to translate public support for strong public schools into meaningful policy changes. IDRA reaffirms its commitment to fair and full school funding, college access, multilingual students and student civil rights, emphasizing the importance of students, families and educators in shaping the future of public education.
Key Takeaways
- Historic elections signal new opportunities for public education. Texas and Georgia elected new governors whose campaigns emphasized the importance of strong public schools.
- Students, families and communities helped drive change. IDRA recognizes the organizing and advocacy that brought public education priorities to the forefront.
- Election results must translate into action. IDRA calls for policies that strengthen public schools, ensure fair and full school funding, expand college access, support multilingual students and protect student civil rights.
- Community voices must shape the future of education. IDRA remains committed to working with students, families and educators to build excellent and equitable public schools.
Resource from the Intercultural Development Research Association (IDRA), a nonprofit advancing education equity.
(Thursday, November 5, 2026 – San Antonio) – This moment is no accident. Communities have grown tired of the systematic starvation, demonization and privatization of public schools. And they have made their voices heard. Students stood up and walked out. Families organized. Communities demanded better.
This week’s historic election brings in a new generation of diverse leaders in two states where IDRA focuses its policy advocacy work and that have an outsized impact on public education across the country. Texas, a state that educates 10% of the nation’s children, elected Gina Hinojosa as its first Latino/a governor. Georgia made history by electing Keisha Lance Bottoms, the nation’s first Black woman governor. In their campaigns, both governors-elect centered IDRA’s core belief that strong public schools create strong communities.
IDRA is energized and ready to meet this moment. As Texas and Georgia transition to new state leadership, IDRA will continue its proud legacy of leadership in advocating for fair and full school funding, ensuring all students can access college, supporting multilingual students and protecting students’ civil rights.
Our vision for public education is about cultivating an ecosystem that supports the students, families and educators who make up thriving public schools. We must work together to make our vision for a brighter future for public education a reality. Let’s get to work.
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FAQs
What does IDRA say about the 2026 elections in Texas and Georgia?
IDRA views the election of Gina Hinojosa as Texas governor and Keisha Lance Bottoms as Georgia governor as an opportunity to strengthen public education. The organization emphasizes that the election results reflect the efforts of students, families and communities advocating for strong public schools and that new leadership must translate campaign commitments into meaningful policy action.
What public education priorities does IDRA want Texas and Georgia leaders to address?
IDRA calls for fair and full public school funding, policies that ensure all students can access college, stronger support for multilingual students, and protections for students’ civil rights. These priorities reflect IDRA’s commitment to excellent and equitable public schools in both states.
How can communities help strengthen public education following the 2026 elections?
Students, families, educators and community organizations can continue advocating for policies that support public schools and ensure students have the resources and opportunities they need. IDRA encourages collective action to turn the promise of new leadership into lasting progress for students.
