Idaho’s leading school‑choice advocacy group has thrown its support behind Governor Brad Little as he seeks a second term. The AFC Victory Fund, the political action committee of the American Federation for Children, announced Thursday that it will endorse Little, citing his record of expanding education freedom for Idaho families.
Key accomplishments highlighted
In its press release, the AFC Victory Fund highlighted three signature initiatives championed by Little. First, the $50 million Parental Choice Tax Credit (PCTC), created by House Bill 93 in 2025, allows parents who send their children to nonpublic schools to claim up to $5,000 per child – or $7,500 for a child with a disability – toward private‑school tuition or homeschool expenses.
Second, the Idaho Launch grant program, established by House Bill 24 in 2023, provides graduating high‑school seniors with up to $8,000 in tuition assistance for in‑demand career‑training programs. The program is designed to give students a direct pathway from school to skilled employment.
Third, Governor Little’s recent executive order opted Idaho into the federal Education Freedom Tax Credit under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, further expanding the state’s toolbox for families seeking alternatives to traditional public schools.
Advocates praise the governor’s leadership
Tommy Schultz, CEO of the AFC Victory Fund, said Little has “empowered families to choose the education that best fits their child’s needs, abilities and aspirations.” Schultz added, “Idahoans are demanding school choice, and elected leaders are responding. We are proud to endorse Governor Brad Little for reelection and look forward to working alongside him and other Idaho leaders committed to delivering school choice for every family.”
Governor Little echoed the sentiment in a February statement, noting, “Idaho is proud to be the only state offering education freedom from kindergarten through career. My executive order strengthens our commitment to ensuring every parent has the opportunity to choose the education environment that best fits their child.”
Funding and political context
The AFC Victory Fund’s shift to a federal super PAC follows the April termination of the Idaho Federation for Children PAC, which spent $432,923 in 2024 on school‑choice candidates. The new super PAC has already spent $105,517 on the May primaries, signaling a robust financial commitment to pro‑choice candidates in upcoming races.
While the school‑choice coalition rallies behind Little, the Idaho Education Association, the state’s teachers’ union, issued a vote of no‑confidence in the governor earlier this month. The union’s criticism underscores the ongoing debate over public‑school funding and the role of private‑school vouchers in Idaho’s education system.
What this means for voters
Little’s endorsement by a national school‑choice super PAC adds a powerful political signal as the 2026 gubernatorial race heats up. Voters who prioritize parental control over education options may view the endorsement as a vote of confidence in Little’s ability to protect and expand those freedoms.
Conversely, opponents argue that expanding tax credits and grant programs could divert resources from traditional public schools. The debate is likely to shape campaign messaging on both sides as the election approaches.
Looking ahead
With the endorsement secured, the AFC Victory Fund plans to continue its outreach to Idaho families, emphasizing the tangible benefits of the Parental Choice Tax Credit, Idaho Launch grants and the federal education‑freedom credit. The group says it will work “alongside Governor Little and other Idaho leaders” to ensure that school‑choice policies remain a central pillar of the state’s education agenda.
Idaho voters will have the opportunity to weigh these arguments at the ballot box later this year, when Governor Little seeks reelection amid a competitive field of candidates and a sharply divided education policy landscape.
Original reporting: Idaho Education News — read the source article.
