AUSTIN, Texas—As the 89th Texas House Legislative Session convenes on Jan. 14, Republican lawmakers are poised to advance a robust agenda that reflects priorities outlined by delegates at the 2024 state convention.

From border enforcement to school choice, GOP legislators are signaling a push to deliver on campaign promises while navigating potential internal challenges.

Key Republican Priorities

At the forefront of the session are Republican priorities such as strengthening border security, securing Texas elections and reforming education.

State Rep. Gary Gates (R-D28) identified school choice as a leading issue.

“I think the top priority is getting the school choice bill resolved, get it filed, and that’d be probably the top issue that we tackle,” Gates said, noting that Gov. Greg Abbott’s support could expedite progress.

State Rep. Matt Morgan (R-D26) echoed Gates’ sentiments, stating, “School choice is absolutely part of the agenda. I have seen at least half a dozen school choice bills that have been filed already, and I don’t even think the one that the governor has been eyeing has been filed as of yet.”

School choice allows parents to use public funding allocated for their child’s education to enroll them in the school of their choice, including private, charter, or homeschool options. Proponents argue this empowers families, particularly those in failing school districts, by giving them the freedom to seek alternatives that better fit their children’s needs.

Critics, however, claim it diverts money from public schools and undermines the public education system—an assertion that has been debunked with evidence that school choice benefits families of all socioeconomic statuses and cultures.

“Since 2015, the Senate has passed school choice five times. It died in a Republican-controlled House each time. That is unacceptable and inexcusable,” Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick pointed out in a post-election statement in November. “With an expanded Republican majority in the Texas House, there is no reason Texas students should be left behind.”

Lawmakers and Gov. Abbott seem to agree. Gates emphasized that school choice bills have gained momentum due to changes in the political landscape.

“The governor was very successful in replacing a lot of the Republicans that had voted and fought us on that issue so that they’re no longer there. I think the governor’s going to be a little bit more aggressive on what we’re going to try to get done,” he said.

Border enforcement was a pivotal issue in the recent election cycle as citizens experienced a rise in every type of crime, a consequence of mass illegal immigration through the Texas-Mexico border.

On border enforcement, Gates highlighted efforts to collaborate with federal authorities, including plans to construct detention centers and continue building the border wall.

“Now that the Trump administration is taking over, Texas will be kind of waiting to see what cooperation we can expect from the federal government,” Gates said.

Morgan underscored the importance of engaging with property owners along the Texas-Mexico border to secure easements for wall construction.

“It’s my intent, on January 15, to start having the people in my office work on fulfilling our campaign promise,” Morgan added.

Republicans also plan to tackle election security measures, such as requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote, limiting mail-in ballots, and mandating photo IDs for all voters. Proposals to prohibit taxpayer-funded lobbying and restrict land sales to foreign entities from countries like China and Russia are also on the table.

Gates emphasized the need for accountability in government spending.

“We have all this great surplus, but we never cut government,” he said. “My whole purpose would be on appropriations. I want to cut the government, cut the size of it, but these agencies just continue to get more money and ask for exceptional items.”

Morgan echoed the importance of Republican unity in achieving these goals. “Republicans sent a clear message in March and November, and they expect us to do the will of the people we represent,” Morgan said. “I will be fighting for the Republican priorities and common-sense solutions for Texans.”

Challenges Ahead

The session’s early focus will be on selecting the next House speaker, a decision that could shape the trajectory of GOP priorities.

Gates acknowledged the importance of this vote, stating, “The biggest challenge is going to be electing the speaker on Tuesday because that has a huge influence on the committees and the way the committees run.”

Morgan also noted potential difficulties within the Republican caucus. “The biggest challenge that we face is the current infighting within the Republican caucus,” he said. “We need to have adults in that room, and people need to understand that if you kill one piece of legislation of mine, I shouldn’t target yours.”

Despite these challenges, Morgan expressed optimism about the session. “We did pick up seats, so I think we will have a very good session for Republican lawmakers, regardless of who the speaker is,” he said.

Looking Ahead

Both representatives expressed optimism about achieving their legislative goals. Gates emphasized the potential for significant reforms, including vocational training initiatives and property tax reductions.

“My top issue is pushing and making vocational training full-time in our high schools, and I’ve been given a priority bill number and it’s been filed as HB20,” he said.

If HB20 gains enough traction, it could better prepare tens of thousands of Texans for the work force every year, providing them with marketable skills and means to achieve gainful employment.

Further, the bill could provide a solution to one of the wildest money-funneling schemes in Texas public education: Career-Technical Education Certifications.

Morgan highlighted the importance of delivering results for constituents and maintaining focus on shared priorities.

“In the 89th legislative session, constituents can expect for me to fight for the items that they elected me to fight for. I’m your voice in Austin, so it’s your vote I take in each bill,” he said.

As lawmakers prepare for a packed session, Texans will be watching closely to see how these priorities unfold and whether Republican leaders can turn their agenda into reality by the session’s conclusion on June 2.