Election Analysis: More than Half of Nation’s State Executives Well-Equipped to Positively Impact Education System
CER Press Release
Washington, D.C.
November 6, 2014
With two gubernatorial election results pending, more than half (57 percent) of governors and governors-elect in the United States and the mayor of Washington, D.C. hold encouraging views or have proven track records on promoting charter schools, school choice and teacher quality measures, according to an Education50 Election Day analysis from The Center for Education Reform.
“It’s incredibly heartening to see voters were able to spot the real reformers in a majority of gubernatorial elections during this midterm cycle,” said Kara Kerwin, president of The Center for Education Reform. “Americans have made it abundantly clear that there must be meaningful change at the state level to increase parental empowerment and access to opportunities that will help students excel.”
Of the 36 gubernatorial elections and the D.C. mayoral race held in 2014, an impressive 62 percent so far (Alaska and Vermont pending) have resulted in a pro-reform candidate emerging victorious. Notably, governors-elect candidates Doug Ducey of Arizona, Bruce Rauner of Illinois, and Greg Abbott of Texas will join the ranks of states currently led by reformers.
“While on the campaign trail or during their incumbencies, these candidates have demonstrated a commitment to creating policy environments in which educational options and classroom freedom can truly thrive,” said Kerwin.
“Now that the gubernatorial campaign dust has settled, governors must embrace their ability as state executives to take the lead on implementing policies rooted in choice and accountability for families.”
Click here for An Education50 Analysis: Governor Grades on Education Reform 2014.
