Insights | May 6, 2025

Oklahoma GOP Vo⁠t⁠ers Oppose Governmen⁠t⁠ Overreach ⁠i⁠n⁠t⁠o Pr⁠i⁠va⁠t⁠e Educa⁠t⁠⁠i⁠on

By: Matt Frendewey

Matt Frendewey

Insights

May 6, 2025

THE BOTTOM LINE

Oklahoma Republican primary voters overwhelmingly oppose legislation that would expand state control over private education—especially when it threatens the independence of faith-based schools.

Voters believe parents, not the state, should decide how and where children are educated. They are concerned that new regulations will force faith-based schools to compromise their mission and values. There is broad, cross-demographic support for policies that make it easier—not harder—for independent schools to open and operate freely.

Strong opposition to government strings on education scholarships

56% oppose legislation that would block parents from using scholarships at a faith-based school unless the school submits to state accreditation.

  • Parents: 60% oppose
  • Rural: 58% oppose
  • Urban: 58% oppose

Concerns about state overreach into private education

  • 66% are concerned politicians want new state oversight of private schools
  • 73% say schools would likely lose their ability to teach as they and parents see fit if forced into government accreditation
  • 77% oppose expanding government control over private K–12 education

Voters value religious liberty and educational autonomy

  • 82% say it’s important to make it easier for faith-based schools to operate as they and families see fit
  • 72% would be concerned if legislation is viewed as a government takeover of private education

Clear voter priority: freedom over bureaucracy

60% say the priority should be making it easier for more independent schools to open and operate freely—only 40% favor stricter enforcement of state rules on those schools.

Messaging Strongly Resonates

  • 89% agree: “Parents, not the state, are best suited to choose the right education for their children.”
  • 83% agree: “This legislation could lead to more government control over private education.”
  • 77% agree: “Faith-based schools should not have to compromise their mission to accept scholarships.”
  • 73% agree: “This is a dangerous government takeover that threatens school independence and religious liberty.”

Click Here for Topline Results

Methodology

Fielded May 2-4, 2025. N=500 “Likely” 2027 Republican primary voters. Margin of Error = +/- 4.38%. Online Panel & SMS.