ICYMI: Brand New Democratic Outfit Launches to Protect, Transform Public Education as Federal Funding Crisis Highlights Urgent Need for State-Level Champions – MORE HERE

ATLANTA, GA – Following Monday’s high-profile launch of the Center for Strong Public Schools Action Fund (CSPS Action) and its complementary think tank, the Center for Strong Public Schools (CSPS), Democratic elected officials and education advocates from across the South are hailing the new organizations as essential allies in the fight to strengthen public education while improving outcomes for all students. The organizations, founded by former Georgia state lawmaker and school superintendent Alisha Thomas Searcy and veteran Texas political strategist Garry Jones, announced plans to make substantial investments in the 2026 election cycle while advancing policy priorities to bolster accountability systems, funding equity, teacher support, comprehensive school safety and public school options.

“As a State Senator and lifelong champion for public education, I know firsthand how critical it is to have partners in this movement who understand the stakes,” said Georgia State Senator RaShaun Kemp (D, District 38). “That’s why I’m so excited about the launch of CSPS Action: a thought-partner on forward-thinking education policy, and an organization willing to invest in electing and protecting leaders like me who are fighting every day for our kids.”

The wave of endorsements from state legislators and grassroots advocates in Georgia, Texas, Alabama and Tennessee—states where CSPS Action is active—underscores the immediate impact and widespread enthusiasm for CSPS Action’s mission to support courageous center-left elected officials who are passionate about transforming public education. The endorsements also highlight a key theme emerging from yesterday’s launch: that Democratic lawmakers have long felt isolated in pushing for transformational education policies, and CSPS Action fills a critical gap by providing both policy expertise and political muscle.

“Texas has made some real strides on education funding and early learning reform, but we need to keep building momentum,” said Texas State Representative Josey Garcia (D, District 124). “CSPS Action is going to bring legislators together to share what’s working and figure out next steps, which is something I appreciate. Having an organization like this behind us that actually understands our values as Democrats helps make me a more effective advocate for my constituents and our public schools.”

The endorsements come as CSPS Action positions itself as a powerful new voice in Democratic politics–both through the organization’s’ commitment to data-driven policy solutions, a key differentiator in the education advocacy landscape, and by offering leaders and voters a new middle ground between right-wing privatization advocates and defenders of the status quo who resist innovation within public education. The rapid response from elected officials also underscores the immediate political significance of CSPS Action’s launch, including the organization’s plans to make substantial investments in Georgia’s 2026 Democratic primaries for Governor and State School Superintendent, while building support for education champions in Texas, Tennessee, and Alabama.

“This outpouring of support from Democratic leaders across our target states validates exactly why we created these organizations,” said Searcy. “For too long, courageous elected officials who want to champion transformational policies have felt alone in this work. We’re providing them with the home, the resources, and the political support they need to succeed.”

Additionally, the support extends beyond elected officials to education advocates who have worked with the founders in their previous roles:

“I celebrate this bold new beginning and the vision that brought it to life,” said Neonta Williams, Founder of Black Alabamians for Education and a member of the Birmingham (AL) City School Board. “May [CSPS Action’s] work create lasting impact, uplift the communities that you will serve, and inspire change for generations to come! Wishing you strength, clarity, and continued success on this powerful impactful journey ahead!”

See additional endorsements for CSPS Action from public education champions below:

“I came to this work as a teacher, and I govern like one. That means putting students first, trusting educators, and staying rooted in what works. CSPS and CSPS Action are essential partners in helping leaders like me move bold, evidence-based education policy and stay in the fight to get it done.”

– Georgia State Representative Mekyah McQueen (D, District 61)

“Few people bring the combination of vision, collaboration, and credibility that Alisha Searcy does. Her unwavering commitment to public education—and to expanding high-quality options within the system—has made her a trusted partner in Tennessee. This new organization is a natural extension of that work and will no doubt be a force for meaningful impact.”

– Carra Powell, Senior Vice President of Advocacy at the Tennessee Charter School Center

“As a state legislator committed to advancing equitable and effective public education policy, CSPS and CSPS Action support my mission and provide essential research. I’m thankful for continued engagement and encouragement.”

– Georgia State Representative Robert Flournoy (D, District 74)

For more information about the Center for Strong Public Schools visit strongschoolsnow.org, and for more information about the Center for Strong Public Schools Action Fund, visit strongschoolsaction.org.

About the Founders:

Alisha Thomas Searcy served six terms as the first African American elected to the Georgia House of Representatives from Cobb County, and is a former school superintendent of a network of public charter schools in metro Atlanta. She brings over 20 years of experience as a non-profit executive, policymaker, and education leader, and is a frequent media contributor on politics and education issues.

Garry Jones moved to Texas more than a decade ago and has remained deeply engaged in Democratic politics at state, district, and local levels. Prior to co-founding CSPS Action, he served as Executive Director of a statewide education advocacy organization in Texas and spent over three years as Chief of Staff in the Texas Senate, successfully managing the state’s most competitive Senate race in 2018.

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