Policy Expert and Community Organizer Brings Wealth of Experience to
Advance Quality Education in Washington, DC
WASHINGTON, DC (September 16, 2024) — Democrats for Education Reform DC (DFER DC), along with its partner Education Reform Now Advocacy and affiliate non-profit organization Education Reform Now DC, proudly announce the appointment of Victor Horton as Deputy Director.
Horton previously served as Director of Leaders of Color DC and is a former Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner in 7E. His dynamic blend of experience in organizing communities, empowering Black and Brown leaders to pursue community leadership roles, and shaping informed education policies has solidified his role as a leader in educational reform.
"Stepping into the role of Deputy Director at DFER DC marks a profound opportunity to impact student and family lives directly in my hometown," said Horton. "I am committed to using my extensive policy, politics, and community engagement background to further our mission of advancing educational equity and broadening the opportunities for every individual we serve."
"Victor's deep-rooted understanding of our mission, through his pioneering work with Leaders of Color, has made him an essential thought leader within our team,” said Jessica Giles, Executive Director of DFER DC. “His expansive knowledge in public policy and political consultancy, and passion for community empowerment, will amplify our efforts to ensure that every student in DC. can access a just and equitable education."
A native Virginian, Horton has been a part of the Washington DC community for nearly a decade, where he has also made significant strides on Capitol Hill, managing education portfolios and aiding non-profits. His tenure as Commissioner saw him spearheading major civic projects, including public library renovations, advocating for equitable school funding, and leading neighborhood beautification initiatives.
Horton holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Virginia State University, a Master of Public Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University, and a Master of Education specializing in Public School Leadership from Columbia University.
##
About DFER DC
Democrats for Education Reform DC (DFER DC) is the District’s leading political organization building a pipeline of Education Reform Champions who are committed to ensuring our public education system justly and equitably serves all students. With a network of over 10,000 District residents and supporters, we’ve propelled 24 candidates to run for local offices and trained over 100 candidates and campaign staff.
Elorza Urges Vice President Harris to Champion Education Reform Issues, Highlighting Its Vital Role in Strengthening America's Workforce and Economic Growth
(September 10, 2024, Washington, DC) -- Ahead of tonight's presidential debate, Jorge Elorza, CEO of Democrats for Education Reform (DFER), released the following statement, outlining key priorities for Vice President Kamala Harris:
“As Vice President Harris prepares for tonight’s presidential debate, we are encouraged by her focus on building an ‘opportunity economy’—one that recognizes education as a critical pathway to upward mobility. We urge her to make education policy, from early childhood to college, a central focus of her economic agenda.
At the debate, and in the upcoming weeks, we hope to hear Vice President Harris emphasize an uncompromising commitment to quality and innovation in public education. School systems must be held accountable, with a focus on transparency and performance, and innovation should be encouraged by embracing forward-thinking data-driven solutions that push beyond the status quo.
With Trump’s Project 2025 threatening the very existence of the Department of Education, we would also like to hear Vice President Harris underscore the importance of not only preserving the Department but empowering it as a key driver of her economic agenda.
By setting concrete, ambitious goals and making it known that this is a priority of hers, Harris has the opportunity to mobilize the country to transform our public education systems. We look forward to working with Vice President Harris to realize this vision and ensure that every student has the opportunity to attend a great public school that allows them to reach their fullest potential.”
###
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Thomas-Searcy emphasizes the need for common-sense gun control and mental health support, urging communities to stand together against violence in schools.
(September 5, 2024, Atlanta, Georgia) — In the wake of the tragic shooting at Apalachee High School, Democrats for Education Reform (DFER) South President Alisha Thomas Searcy, released the following statement:
"As an educator, as a former state representative—and most of all, as a parent with children in Georgia’s public schools—yesterday’s tragedy at Apalachee High School has left me both completely heartbroken and deeply frustrated. Furthermore, the continuation of devastating incidents like this leaves me grappling with ongoing feelings of helplessness—overwhelmed by the senseless violence taking place in our communities. Yet, I refuse to allow this sense of powerlessness to immobilize me, and I look to my fellow community members, parents, families, and courageous educators and students themselves, to join me in calling on leadership to enact real change.
Let me be clear: tragedies like these are not normal; and we must never let ourselves be persuaded that they are. As the media moves on to the next headline, we cannot allow this horrific event to become just another day in America. We must remember and honor the victims—the two bright young students with bright futures, the two respected educators, the families now torn apart, and the lives forever altered. We must also push for policies that protect our students: policies that prioritize their mental health, ensure they feel safe in their classrooms, and address the urgent need for common-sense gun control.
We owe it to our communities and to our children to fight tirelessly for a future wherein they have a future.”
###
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Support in Upcoming Election Campaign
(July 23, 2024, New York, NY) — Today, Democrats for Education Reform CEO Jorge Elorza announced the endorsement of Kamala Harris for President, releasing the following statement:
“Democrats for Education Reform (DFER) is pleased to endorse Kamala Harris for President of the United States. Throughout her career, Vice President Harris has consistently advocated for families and students, supporting policies that aim to provide opportunities for all and address systemic inequities. As a self-described "reformer," we trust that she will bring her commitment to justice into the education system and work to ensure every child has access to a high-quality education.
The stakes of this election could not be higher. In the next 100 days, we will work to elect Vice President Harris and additionally to ensure she has a Democratic House and Senate to work with.
In the coming years we look forward to working alongside President Harris and her administration to advance initiatives that expand educational access for all students. Her vision for a more inclusive and just society reflects the values we at DFER hold dear, and we are hopeful to work together on an education agenda that will shape a brighter future for all students across our nation. Her leadership offers a promising path forward, one where all children have the chance to succeed and thrive.”
###
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(New York, NY, July 14, 2024) — Today, Democrats for Education Reform (DFER) CEO Jorge Elorza released the following statement in response to the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump:
“Democrats for Education Reform unequivocally denounces the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. Such acts of violence must be rejected outright—not only as direct threats to individuals but as fundamental assaults on the democratic process our nation was built upon.
It is incumbent upon leaders from all backgrounds to explicitly condemn this incident—and all attacks on democracy—and tirelessly work to bridge the divides that threaten our unity. In this critical moment, I urge my fellow Democratic leaders to prioritize a commitment to our nation over ideological divides. As advocates for democracy, our North Star has always been protecting a vibrant and resilient system that allows for robust participation without fear of retribution. Let us therefore uphold this guiding principle and steadfastly work to protect a healthy democracy in which citizens shape the future with their votes and voices, not with violence and intimidation.
Democrats for Education Reform remains dedicated to fostering an environment where democratic principles thrive, ensuring every American feels empowered to freely express their views and safely engage in a civic-minded ethos that upholds the values of inclusivity, peace, and democratic integrity.”
###
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(New York, NY, June 28, 2024) — Today, in response to the latest FY25 funding bill passed by House Republicans, Democrats for Education Reform (DFER) CEO Jorge Elorza released the following statement, condemning the proposal for its harmful consequences for American students, labeling it a dangerous step backward for public education.
“Democrats for Education Reform (DFER) strongly opposes the partisan Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies funding bill that was passed out of the Subcommittee today by House Republicans. Once again, House Republicans have advanced a reckless and destructive set of proposals that would undermine the interests of our nation’s students and families. Today’s hurried process, reminiscent of past failed attempts, also neglects crucial discussions and good-faith negotiations necessary to create a fair and impactful bill.
This proposal represents the latest attack on public education, at the moment when we need to unite around helping students recover from the learning loss experienced during the pandemic.
The Republicans’ proposed cuts are a direct attack on the future of our nation’s students. These reductions in funding will severely disrupt the support systems that help ensure all students can prepare for college, careers, military service, and beyond. This budget proposal not only jeopardizes critical education programs but also reveals a distressing lack of commitment by Republicans to supporting our nation's students.
Among the most damaging provisions, the bill proposes severe cuts to K-12 education, including critical programs like Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies. These cuts threaten to undermine the ability of schools and educators to support our nation’s most in-need students and further exacerbate historical disinvestment in under-resourced communities. Additionally, the proposed budget would significantly reduce funding for programs supporting English Language Learners and other essential initiatives that have historically received broad bipartisan support due to their vital role in promoting student success.
Higher Education is not safe from Republicans either, with the proposed decreases in federal student aid programs, including stagnant funding for Pell Grants and cuts to work-study and grant programs, which will make it harder for low-income and minority students to access and afford college—further perpetuating opportunity gaps. The elimination of support for programs like the Augustus Hawkins Centers of Excellence and reductions in funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) threaten initiatives vital to educational innovation and diversity in the teaching workforce. Finally, Republicans seem to erroneously think that the relaunch of the simplified FAFSA this year went well, since they have decided to cut funding for the Office of Federal Student Aid at the very moment when it needs greater support to ensure all Americans have access to the grants and loans that make postsecondary education possible for millions of people.
This bill is a disservice to our nation’s commitment to preparing students for their futures. Now more than ever, we need to support our educators and students with the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. Our focus should be on setting high expectations for all students and providing the necessary tools to those who educate them, not cutting their resources. Instead of slashing funding, we should be working to strengthen programs that support high-quality, data-driven educational innovations.
While the bill proposes a modest boost in funding for public charter schools—which has garnered additional bipartisan support—this meager increase neither offsets nor alleviates the strains placed on the program by stagnant funding since FY19, such as, ever-growing waitlists of families for charter schools, rising facilities costs, and the burden of inflation. This, in addition to the overall detrimental effects of the proposed budget, underscores the bill's failure to address the pressing needs of public education.
DFER emphasizes the need for Congress to reject this harmful bill and instead prioritize investments that strengthen public education, promote inclusive learning environments, and empower educators to deliver an equitable high-quality education to every student. It is crucial to uphold high standards for student achievement, ensure accountability for educational outcomes, and foster innovation to address the evolving needs of our education system.
DFER urges fellow Democrats to hold policymakers accountable and advocate for an education budget that reflects our party's commitment to supporting every student’s success, regardless of their background. We call on the full House to reject this harmful bill and work collaboratively with the Senate and the Administration to create a budget that invests in our students and educators.”
###
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With the latest victory secured in the June 18 runoff by RaShaun Kemp,
DFER maintains an 8:2 winning record.
ATLANTA, GA (June 20, 2024) –Today, DFER's Regional President, South, Alisha Thomas Searcy, released the following statement congratulating DFER endorsed Georgia Primary candidates for their respective hard work and hard won victory:
"In our first Southern political races, we've laid a strong foundation for education reform," said Thomas Searcy. "RaShaun Kemp's thrilling victory in Senate District 38 made history as he will become the first openly gay man to serve the Georgia State Senate. Both RaShaun's win and Valencia Stovall's resilience during a difficult campaign taught us invaluable lessons for future Southern races. We're proud of all of our candidates this Primary season and are excited to continue to support education reform champions who seek a future where all students thrive."
The Georgia Primary Elections ended on the Primary Runoff on June 18th, 2024. The official results are as follows:
The following candidates are DFER Endorsed and did not face opposition in this election cycle.
In total, of the 13 endorsed candidates, DFER maintained an 8:2 winning record.
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ATLANTA, GA (May 23, 2024) – Today, DFER's Regional President, South, Alisha Thomas Searcy, released the following statement congratulating DFER-endorsed Georgian candidates for their victories in both House and Senate races:
"We extend our heartfelt congratulations to these successful DFER candidates, and applaud both their dedication and well-earned victories," said Thomas Searcy. "The successes of these education champions reflect voters' demands for leaders who will advocate for a more innovative and equitable public education system for students, families, and teachers. We are proud to stand with each and every one of these legislators and look forward to working with them to build a stronger future for Georgia's families."
The official results are as follows:
In total, of the 13 endorsed candidates, DFER maintained a 7:1 winning record. Moving forward, Thomas Searcy will continue to support the two candidates in their runoffs, and is preparing a convening of DFER endorsed Georgia candidates together to continue building DFER's Southern network of Ed Reform Champions.
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ATLANTA, GA – Today, Democrats for Education Reform's (DFER) Southern Region—currently covering Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee and North Carolina—announced its endorsement of thirteen education leaders running for seats in the Senate and House primaries in Georgia. DFER's Regional President, South, Alisha Thomas Searcy, a former six-term State Representative from Cobb County and the 2022 Democratic nominee for State School Superintendent, released the following statement:
“We’re proud to support each one of these strong DFER Champions in their races,” said Searcy. “These candidates are prioritizing education issues that are focused on implementing and investing in the Science of Reading, ensuring we have a well-built and well compensated teacher pipeline, accountability in our schools, and ensuring parents have the ability to choose the schools that work best for their children within the public school system. We are proud to be aligned with such strong education reformers, and are looking forward to continuing our support throughout the duration of their campaigns.”
The thirteen candidates officially endorsed are:
DFER is looking forward to continuing to expand our presence in the Southern region, and is dedicated to electing Democratic champions for education reform up and down the ballot.
###
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New Data Reveals Shift in Parental Priorities Towards Quality Education, Democrats Must Emphasize Outcomes in Education Policy Agenda
NEW YORK, N.Y. (April 18, 2024) – Today, Democrats for Education Reform partner Education Reform Now Advocacy released results from an extensive study in collaboration with Impact Research and BSP Research. Seeking to better understand voter sentiment ahead of the 2024 election season, the findings reveal both a concerning trend and a significant opportunity for Democratic leadership.
Prior to Covid, Democrats typically enjoyed double digit advantages over Republicans on education, but that traditional advantage has continued to slide, as evidenced clearly in ERNA’s new polling. The data shows that while Democrats still lead by 15-percentage points in trust on initiatives that prioritize “caring” for students, such as ensuring equality and providing essential services like free lunch and after-school care, the advantage has significantly eroded—down to a 1-percentage point lead over Republicans—on education measures that “deliver” for students. Specifically, voters no longer view Democrats as the party that will educationally prepare kids for future economic success.
The perception that Democrats “care” about education but do not “deliver” on education is shared across various demographics, including Independents and core Democratic voters. When voters were asked whether they believe that Democrats care about education and thereafter were asked whether Democrats will deliver on education, there was a striking dropoff:
"This is a wake-up call for Democrats," said DFER CEO Jorge Elorza. "If Democrats want to deliver for their constituents and win back voter trust on education, they have to offer a vision that both delivers results and resonates deeply with voters.”
While voters are still primarily motivated by ongoing worries over the economy, with a significant majority of voters and parents (59%) believing that young people will be economically worse off than previous generations, the data also illustrates that voters believe education is the key to driving future economic prosperity. The survey results further showed broad bi-partisan support for public school choice and offered a clear path forward in addressing voters’ concerns: Democratic leaders need to embrace improved access to public school options and they must focus on delivering high-quality results that prepare young people for the economy of the future.
“Choice resonates deeply with voters,” Elorza continued. “Since COVID, several Republican states have adopted private school choice laws, but there has been no alternative education vision offered by the left. As such, we’ve lost ground on an issue that was historically a strength for us and continues to be incredibly important to our voter base. With important elections on the horizon, Democrats must embrace an education vision based on improved access to high-quality public school options.”
Matt Hogan, Partner at Impact Research who helped conduct the polling, reiterated Elorza’s cautioning, saying, “To make up the ground they have lost on education, Democrats need to meet voters and parents where they are by focusing more on ensuring that students are learning the skills they need to succeed as adults.”
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This study consisted of a series of three virtual focus groups and a nationally representative poll. The three virtual focus groups were conducted by Impact Research between December 5-6, 2023, consisting of swing voters between the ages of 25-55 with children in public school. The groups were split by race, with one group each of White, Black, and Latino parents. The sample size is n=1,200 with a credibility interval of +/- 3%. The survey was fielded online by BSP Research from February 2-12, 2024. The sample size is =2,500 registered voters in total, including: n= 1100 White; n= 500 Latino; n=500 Black; n=250 AAPI; and n=922 parents with children age 18 or younger. The questionnaire was conducted in either English or Spanish, according to preference, and results have been weighted to census estimates of the profile of national registered voters. There is a credibility interval of +/-2.0%.
You can view the summary memo here. Additional crosstabs available upon request.
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Advance Quality Education in Washington, DC
WASHINGTON, DC (September 16, 2024) — Democrats for Education Reform DC (DFER DC), along with its partner Education Reform Now Advocacy and affiliate non-profit organization Education Reform Now DC, proudly announce the appointment of Victor Horton as Deputy Director.
Horton previously served as Director of Leaders of Color DC and is a former Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner in 7E. His dynamic blend of experience in organizing communities, empowering Black and Brown leaders to pursue community leadership roles, and shaping informed education policies has solidified his role as a leader in educational reform.
"Stepping into the role of Deputy Director at DFER DC marks a profound opportunity to impact student and family lives directly in my hometown," said Horton. "I am committed to using my extensive policy, politics, and community engagement background to further our mission of advancing educational equity and broadening the opportunities for every individual we serve."
"Victor's deep-rooted understanding of our mission, through his pioneering work with Leaders of Color, has made him an essential thought leader within our team,” said Jessica Giles, Executive Director of DFER DC. “His expansive knowledge in public policy and political consultancy, and passion for community empowerment, will amplify our efforts to ensure that every student in DC. can access a just and equitable education."
A native Virginian, Horton has been a part of the Washington DC community for nearly a decade, where he has also made significant strides on Capitol Hill, managing education portfolios and aiding non-profits. His tenure as Commissioner saw him spearheading major civic projects, including public library renovations, advocating for equitable school funding, and leading neighborhood beautification initiatives.
Horton holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Virginia State University, a Master of Public Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University, and a Master of Education specializing in Public School Leadership from Columbia University.
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About DFER DC
Democrats for Education Reform DC (DFER DC) is the District’s leading political organization building a pipeline of Education Reform Champions who are committed to ensuring our public education system justly and equitably serves all students. With a network of over 10,000 District residents and supporters, we’ve propelled 24 candidates to run for local offices and trained over 100 candidates and campaign staff.
