Former Democratic Georgia State Representative Mesha Mainor, now a Republican, expressed her disappointment with Democratic leadership for not prioritizing alternative education options for children. In an interview with Fox News Digital, Mainor explained her reasons for switching parties, emphasizing the importance of school choice and her disillusionment with the Democratic stance on education.

Mainor, who has represented District 56 in the Georgia House since January 2021, revealed that her perspective shifted after thoroughly examining legislation. She found that many policies, despite being promoted as beneficial for underprivileged communities, were not producing the desired outcomes. She described this as "propaganda."

Representing a district with a high concentration of charter schools, Mainor witnessed firsthand the demand for educational alternatives. She recounted her own childhood experience of using another person's address to access a better school district, a practice she acknowledges is still prevalent, albeit illegally. Her goal is to eliminate zip code restrictions within school districts, empowering parents with more control over their children's education.

School choice was a cornerstone of Mainor's campaign. She stressed the urgent need for change in districts where a significant percentage of students struggle with basic literacy and math skills, citing the dire conditions and limited opportunities in these areas. She believes that providing alternatives like vouchers, tax-credit scholarships, and education savings accounts, as well as supporting charter schools, magnet schools, and homeschooling, are essential for improving educational outcomes.

Mainor criticized Democratic leadership for not leveraging their authority to improve the educational system. She believes they have the power to adapt curriculum, adjust school schedules, and empower teachers, but have failed to do so. This inaction, coupled with her support for a school choice bill that faced opposition from within her former party, solidified her decision to switch to the Republican Party.

Mainor's switch follows a similar move by former Georgia state Rep. Vernon Jones in 2021, further bolstering the Republican majority in the House. Her decision underscores the growing debate surrounding school choice and the role of political parties in shaping education policy.