AUSTIN — Texas’ new school voucher program is already at the center of a fight over whether public money should help families pay for private education, with Democrats seeking repeal and Republicans arguing the program should grow. The Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA), created by Senate Bill 2 and signed by Gov. Greg Abbott, began operating this fall. The Legislature set aside $1 billion for its first school year. Comptroller Don Huffines has asked lawmakers to at least double that funding, according to a report by The Texas Tribune. State Sen. Carol Alvarado, a Houston Democrat, said Thursday she sees the program as a failure. State Rep. Ann Johnson, also a Houston Democrat, called the vouchers a costly “scam” and urged lawmakers to eliminate them. Republicans counter that ending the program would take away an option from families already using it. State Rep. Cody Vasut of Angleton said participating families would oppose repeal. State Rep. Jeff Leach of McKinney said lawmakers should expand the program if it is working, while reviewing concerns such as parents approved for funding who later returned it and families who did not receive assistance. The next major test will come in the November elections and the 2027 legislative session. State Rep. Gene Wu, a Houston Democrat, said his party has a chance to flip the 14 Texas House seats needed to take control of the chamber for the first time in 26 years. Democrats acknowledge that capturing the Senate is far less likely. A victory by Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gina Hinojosa over Abbott could also give the party greater influence over negotiations, lawmakers said. State Rep. Barbara Gervin-Hawkins of San Antonio said a more balanced government could bring both parties to the negotiating table. She hopes Democrats can gain the 14 seats but expects gains of six to eight. Republicans dismissed the prospect of losing control. State Rep. Mitch Little of Lewisville said Republican turnout would prevent Democrats from making that kind of breakthrough. Even if Democrats gain seats, repealing the program would face a steep climb: Republicans have controlled Texas government for nearly all of this century. The November results will help determine whether the voucher debate in 2027 centers on expanding the program, changing it or trying to undo it.