SAN ANGELO, Texas — As early voting continues for the March 5 primary election, both Texas House District 72 candidates remain split on the issue of private school vouchers.
Incumbent State Representative Drew Darby said the race is about one issue. While Bradley said she is also heavily focused on the border, school choice has been the most notable divide between the two candidates.
After private school vouchers failed to pass as part of Texas State Legislature's 2023 education spending bill, Bradley said she is willing to make changes to make sure the provision passes.
"I'm not the kind of person that's just gonna jump in and create a half-hearted bill," she said. "I do think there's some things with that bill that didn't pass that need some amending... to make sure that we in rural Texas are getting the representation that we want."
Tuesday, former President Donald Trump announced he was endorsing Bradley on Truth Social. He said Bradley would "champion school choice." Bradley has also been endorsed by a number of prominent Republicans including Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and U.S. Senator Ted Cruz.
She is also a member of the Coahoma Independent School District's board of trustees. She homeschools her children - a decision she said she made because of her schedule as a business owner and her boys' commitments to drag racing. She said they attended public school in the past.
"I have a different vantage point than others that have just been in the public school system, or just been in the homeschool system or just been in the private sector," Bradley said. "It gives me a little bit more diversification on what we need for our schools."
Early voting for the primary election ends Friday. Election Day is Tuesday, March 5.