New Poll: GOP primary voters strongly support the Mississippi Education Freedom Act

Mississippi Republican primary voters strongly support school choice and will vote accordingly, with 74% of Republican primary voters in support of the Mississippi Education Freedom Act (MEFA) and only 15% opposed, according to a newly released poll. The poll of likely Republican primary voters, conducted by Cygnal on January 12-13, also showed that 70% of primary voters will back a pro-school choice candidate for state office, with only 15% supporting a candidate opposed to school choice.

The more conservative the voter, the likelier they are to support the MEFA, with Trump Republicans at 80% support and voters identifying as Very Conservative at 78% support.

Sponsored by House Speaker Jason White and Representative Jansen Owen, MEFA creates Magnolia Student Accounts and establishes funding to support school choice statewide. If enacted, it would provide school choice to 12,500 students in year one, while prioritizing low-income and working-class families and expanding over time. MEFA also includes a slate of key reforms to existing school choice and K-12 education in the state. It passed the Mississippi House on January 15.

Statement from Ryan Cantrell, Chief State Strategy Officer, American Federation for Children

“The bottom line is clear: if you oppose school choice, you risk losing your election. These results show that Mississippi voters want their elected officials to advance school choice and are strongly in support of MEFA. The Mississippi Education Freedom Act would empower Mississippi families to benefit more fully from the promise of school choice, a key agenda item for President Trump and conservative leaders.

“We applaud the Mississippi House for courageously joining with President Trump in advancing urgently needed school choice expansion and responding to families’ demand for more options. Now, the Senate must demonstrate its support for Mississippi families by sending MEFA to Governor Reeves’ desk.”

Details:

• The poll was conducted on January 12-13 and surveyed likely Republican primary voters statewide in Mississippi, with an oversample in suburban counties.
• 74% of Republican primary voters support the Mississippi Education Freedom Act (MEFA), with only 15% opposed. Support remains strong among suburban voters, with 65% in favor and just 26% opposed.
• 4/4 Republican primary voters are at 80% support, with just 11% opposed.
• The more conservative the voter, the more likely they are to support the MEFA, whether Trump Republicans (80% support / 13% opposed) or Very Conservative voters (78% support / 10% opposed).
• 70% of primary voters will back a pro-school choice candidate, with only 15% supporting a candidate opposed to school choice.

About AFC:  
The American Federation for Children is the nation’s largest school choice advocacy organization and the most successful force for education freedom in America, passing over 200 laws across 31 states throughout our history. Our affiliated Super PAC, AFC Victory Fund, is the only nationwide Super PAC focused on advancing school choice.