This fall, voters from South Padre to Matagorda Bay have a superpower. It’s the power to positively impact the future of millions of Texas public school children. With a simple vote, they can replace a politician who sides with far-right crusaders on the State Board of Education with an educator who grew up in local public schools, and is a passionate advocate for local public schools. An educator who will fight for high-quality education and access to opportunity for all children, regardless of income or zip code. Texas Freedom Network is proud to endorse Thomas Ray Garcia for State Board of Education, District 2.
Thomas Ray Garcia: Educator and SBOE Candidate
Raised by a single mother in the Rio Grande Valley, Thomas Ray Garcia went on to study at Princeton University, UCLA, and UTRGV, then returned home as an educator–creating educational opportunities at every step. First, he created his own educational opportunities. He worked hard to graduate at the top of his class at PSJA North Early College High School, earning a full ride to an Ivy League university as a first-generation college student. Then, he worked to secure opportunities for other students. He founded organizations at Princeton and in the Valley to help other low-income and first generation students pursue their education. Finally, he opened educational doors directly, as a public high school teacher and college professor.
Now, he feels called to expand educational access for Texas students in his own community and beyond, as a member of the State Board of Education (SBOE).
Why this State Board of Education seat matters
The 15 members who sit on the SBOE hold a lot of power. The board oversees the $60 billion Texas Permanent School Fund, which helps support our public schools. They also decide what goes into the curriculum for 5.5 million public school students in Texas – and what to leave out. From approving or rejecting high school math textbooks to dictating which board books a kindergarten teacher must read to her students, the SBOE is pulling the strings. The board’s reach has only grown in recent years thanks to laws passed by the Texas legislature. That’s why it’s more important than ever that we elect leaders who will put Texas students above politics.
The current District 2 member, LJ Francis, voted with the far-right majority on the board in 2024 to approve a reading curriculum full of Bible lessons. That curriculum, called Bluebonnet, was optional for schools, and despite the state essentially bribing districts to use it, many rejected the error-filled product. Just two years later, Francis and other Republican members voted to make Bible readings mandatory in grades 1-12.
In addition to forcing one brand of Christianity on millions of public school children, Francis voted to institute a deeply flawed social studies curriculum that whitewashes history, downplays the importance and contributions of non-Western cultures, and shows clear religious bias.
New Republican candidate, same multimillionaire and billionaire donors
Garcia will not be facing Francis on the ballot this November, though. Frances lost his primary election to someone who appears to be even more extreme than he is. Garcia’s Republican opponent is primarily funded by the political action committee Texans for Educational Freedom (TEF), which in turn is funded by wealthy donors who support private school vouchers and the privatization of education. TEC funded Francis’ campaign when he flipped the District 2 seat from Democrat to Republican, and has been accused of trying “to purchase an entire regulatory arm of government.” Several of its largest donors have financial interests in charter schools, and one of the SBOE’s roles is to approve new charter school applications.
Why you should vote for Thomas Ray Garcia
Texas children deserve to have decision-makers on the SBOE who are there for the right reasons, not to further the political agenda and financial interests of wealthy donors. Thomas Ray Garcia is not in this fight to advance culture wars or line pockets. He’s in this fight because he believes in the power of public schools.
“The power of public schools is truly a thing to marvel at. The power of public schools is the power to uplift students, not just educate students. It’s the power to bring together people from different cities, different belief systems, different value systems, and put them into a classroom to flourish and to go forward in their own unique ways to uplift their community.”
We need Texans who believe in the transformative and equalizing power of strong public schools on the SBOE; smart, experienced, dedicated, and hard-working people of character. With a master’s degree in Higher Education Administration, 13 years of teaching experience, and a track record of fighting to increase access to educational opportunities, Thomas Ray Garcia will bring concrete ideas from his training and his students’ lived experiences to improve public education.
Fighting to put students first
Unlike candidates who use the term “parental rights” as a fig leaf to exert more control and impose their ultra-conservative beliefs, Garcia seeks to genuinely empower parents to be partners in their children’s education and increase meaningful engagement between schools, families, and communities. He plans to uplift students by ensuring every child has equal access to college or career and technical education programs, prioritizing school safety, and supporting school workers. He’ll fight for teacher autonomy, truth in our social studies courses, and putting students, not politics, first. Visit his website to learn more about his ideas for improving public education and setting students on the path to success.
Texans have endured years of extremism and politicization at the SBOE, costing tax payers millions of dollars and leaving students, parents, and teachers stuck in the middle. Our communities have had enough of the far right’s attacks on public education. It’s beyond time for leaders who want to strengthen, not weaken our public schools. Leaders who aren’t out to turn public schools into Sunday Schools. Leaders who truly represent the communities who elect them, not deep-pocketed donors. It’s time for public servants who know what works in the classroom because they’ve spent years in the classroom. It’s time for leaders like Thomas Ray Garcia.
Visit and share our Voter Hub in English or Spanish to be sure you and your community are ready to vote for change. And learn more about the entire slate of progressive SBOE candidates we’ve endorsed this year.
