Findings highlight opportunity for Democratic governors to deliver resources directly to families
Washington, DC — Democrats for Education Reform (DFER) today released findings from a new national poll showing broad public support for the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA). The polling underscores growing pressure on Democratic governors to decide whether their states will participate in the federal program set to take effect in 2027.
According to the survey, nearly two-thirds of voters (64%) favor their governor opting into ECCA, compared to just 19% who oppose. Of voters who expressed an opinion on ECCA, 77% favor their governor opting into the program. Support is strong across key constituencies, including:
- Democrats: Overall 61% support, 20% oppose, 19% no opinion. Of the voters who expressed an opinion, 75% supported their governor opting in.
- Hispanic voters: Overall 68% support, 16% oppose, 16% no opinion. Of the voters who expressed an opinion, 81% supported their governor opting in.
- Black voters: Overall 63% support, 20% oppose, 17% no opinion. Of the voters who expressed an opinion, 76% supported their governor opting in.
The findings suggest that Democratic leaders who embrace the program could tap into a rare point of bipartisan consensus at a time of deep political division.
“This polling makes it clear that opting into ECCA isn’t just smart policy, it’s good politics. Supporting ECCA is a winning issue that Democrats can’t afford to get wrong,” said Jorge Elorza, CEO of Democrats for Education Reform. “Parents want more choices, better resources, and student-centered innovation for their kids’ education. By opting in, Governors have a chance to deliver all three for working families while demonstrating that they’re willing to put students above partisanship and the status quo.”
Support for ECCA is consistent across demographic groups, with little variation by race, gender, or education level, even showing strong support alongside both college graduates (68% / 18%) and non-college graduates (60% / 18%). Notably, opposition remains under one in five voters across all groups tested, pointing to broad enthusiasm that ECCA represents an opportunity for families nationwide.
Elorza added, “Families shouldn’t lose out on resources just because of where they live or what party their governor belongs to. These findings show that voters, especially those in communities of color, want leaders who will say yes to opportunity. Supporting ECCA will help Democrats align their policy priorities with those of voters who have steadily drifted away from the party in recent elections.”
Beyond the program itself, the poll sheds light on broader voter attitudes toward education politics. Democrats are essentially tied with Republicans (37% to 36%) on which party voters trust most on education. That margin is driven by strong partisan alignment, with Independents more likely to trust neither party (32%).
The Emerson College Polling national survey was conducted August 25–26, 2025, among a sample of 1,000 U.S. active registered voters. The poll has a credibility interval of +/- 3 percentage points.
Read the full findings here: [National ECCA Poll Findings Memo.pdf]
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