These results represent a seismic shift in support. As the group’s polling memo noted, “this represents a steep drop-off from before the pandemic, when Democrats enjoyed a double-digit advantage on education.” A 2017 Gallup poll put Democrats up by 19 points on education.

Signals of the shift came in November, when Virginia elected Gov. Glenn Youngkin. He beat former Gov. Terry McAuliffe by 2 points. Exit polls showed education was the most important issue for voters, after jobs and the economy, and Mr. Youngkin’s margin was 6 points among those who rated education their top priority.

Republicans help Democrats when they keep quiet on education, as many of them have for years. But now Democrats are in a bind on educational freedom. Mr. McAuliffe hewed to his antiparent rhetoric while Ms. Weingarten stumped for him. Republicans would be wise to follow Mr. Youngkin’s lead and make themselves the parents’ party.