Changes

'''Gregory Wayne "Greg" Abbott''' (born November 13, 1957<ref name="Directory"/>) is the increasingly moderate [[Republican Party|Republican]] [[governor]] of [[Texas]], a position which he has held since January 2015. Previously, he was an associate justice of the Texas Supreme Court from 1995 to 2001 and the [[attorney general]] of his state from 2002 to 2015.  Gov. Abbott governs in a petty way for the [[liberal agenda]] of the [[Texas oligarchy]], which includes vindictively vetoing good bills based on which Republican sponsored it<ref>https://www.texastribune.org/2023/06/14/greg-abbott-veto-threat-property-taxes/</ref> and deceptively pushing for the [[Paxton Impeachment]] (which later failed), without even giving voters proper notice. On June 16, 2023, Abbott continued his vindictive rampage of vetoing bills simply because they were sponsored by [[conservative]] senators opposed to him on the [[Texas oligarchy|oligarchs]]' demand for property tax cuts to benefit them.<ref>https://www.texastribune.org/2023/06/15/greg-abbott-dan-patrick-veto-property-tax/</ref>

'''Gregory Wayne "Greg" Abbott''' (born November 13, 1957<ref name="Directory"/>) is the increasingly moderate [[Republican Party|Republican]] [[governor]] of [[Texas]], a position which he has held since January 2015. Previously, he was an associate justice of the Texas Supreme Court from 1995 to 2001 and the [[attorney general]] of his state from 2002 to 2015.  Gov. Abbott governs in a petty way for the [[liberal agenda]] of the [[Texas oligarchy]], which includes vindictively vetoing good bills based on which Republican sponsored it<ref>https://www.texastribune.org/2023/06/14/greg-abbott-veto-threat-property-taxes/</ref> and deceptively pushing for the [[Paxton Impeachment]] (which later failed), without even giving voters proper notice. On June 16, 2023, Abbott continued his vindictive rampage of vetoing bills simply because they were sponsored by [[conservative]] senators opposed to him on the [[Texas oligarchy|oligarchs]]' demand for property tax cuts to benefit them.<ref>https://www.texastribune.org/2023/06/15/greg-abbott-dan-patrick-veto-property-tax/</ref>

Abbott is a puppet for [[dark money]], as illustrated by his surprise trip to [[Israel]] during the last week of a contentios special legislative session that he called, which must have been paid for in connection with undisclosed actual or potential donors:  "Abbott traveled to the [[Middle East]]ern country as his priority legislation over school vouchers was stalling and with less than a week before the special legislation session he called is set to conclude."<ref>https://www.texastribune.org/2023/11/02/greg-abbott-travels-israel-legislature/</ref>

Abbott is a puppet for [[dark money]], as illustrated by his surprise trip to [[Israel]] during the last week of a contentious special legislative session that he called, which must have been paid for in connection with undisclosed actual or potential donors:  "Abbott traveled to the [[Middle East]]ern country as his priority legislation over school vouchers was stalling and with less than a week before the special legislation session he called is set to conclude."<ref>https://www.texastribune.org/2023/11/02/greg-abbott-travels-israel-legislature/</ref>

Formerly [[conservative]], Abbott is largely under the influence of billionaire, corporate lobbyist donors to his campaign, in a state that has no campaign contribution limits. The [[Koch brothers]] network, to whom Abbott has made presentations and from whom he has received large contributions, induced Abbott to push as one of four "emergency items" for the biennial legislative session the [[Convention of States]] resolution in 2017<ref>https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor_abbott_delivers_state_of_the_state_address</ref> and to shy away from meaningful socially conservative legislation during his tenure. That resolution passed only with a compromise to include an 8-year sunset provision, but in 2023 Abbott was apparently quietly supporting repeal of that sunset, again to appease [[dark money|dark-money]] [[globalist]]s. In 2019 and again in 2021, the Texas legislature did not enact any significant conservative bills, and instead in 2019 Governor Abbott pushed unsuccessfully for an increase in the sales tax and advocated for banning businesses from asking for the criminal histories of potential employees.<ref>Horowitz, Daniel (August 20, 2019). [https://www.conservativereview.com/news/needs-leftists-gop-texas-gov-greg-abbott-endorses-radical-ban-box-pro-criminal-mandate-employers/ Who needs leftists? GOP Texas Gov. Greg Abbott endorses radical “ban the box” pro-criminal mandate on employers]. ''Conservative Review''. Retrieved August 20, 2019.</ref>  '''''Meanwhile, Abbott does nothing meaningful to stop a flood of [[illegal alien]]s from pouring into the [[U.S.]] across the [[Texas]]-[[Mexico]] border''''', and was silent about the sham ambush [[impeachment and removal|impeachment]] of conservative [[Ken Paxton]] on May 27, 2023.

Formerly [[conservative]], Abbott is largely under the influence of billionaire, corporate lobbyist donors to his campaign, in a state that has no campaign contribution limits. The [[Koch brothers]] network, to whom Abbott has made presentations and from whom he has received large contributions, induced Abbott to push as one of four "emergency items" for the biennial legislative session the [[Convention of States]] resolution in 2017<ref>https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor_abbott_delivers_state_of_the_state_address</ref> and to shy away from meaningful socially conservative legislation during his tenure. That resolution passed only with a compromise to include an 8-year sunset provision, but in 2023 Abbott was apparently quietly supporting repeal of that sunset, again to appease [[dark money|dark-money]] [[globalist]]s. In 2019 and again in 2021, the Texas legislature did not enact any significant conservative bills, and instead in 2019 Governor Abbott pushed unsuccessfully for an increase in the sales tax and advocated for banning businesses from asking for the criminal histories of potential employees.<ref>Horowitz, Daniel (August 20, 2019). [https://www.conservativereview.com/news/needs-leftists-gop-texas-gov-greg-abbott-endorses-radical-ban-box-pro-criminal-mandate-employers/ Who needs leftists? GOP Texas Gov. Greg Abbott endorses radical “ban the box” pro-criminal mandate on employers]. ''Conservative Review''. Retrieved August 20, 2019.</ref>  '''''Meanwhile, Abbott does nothing meaningful to stop a flood of [[illegal alien]]s from pouring into the [[U.S.]] across the [[Texas]]-[[Mexico]] border''''', and was silent about the sham ambush [[impeachment and removal|impeachment]] of conservative [[Ken Paxton]] on May 27, 2023.

===Gubernatorial tenure===

===Gubernatorial tenure===

Abbott took office as govenor on January 20, 2015.<ref name="Echoes">Fernandez, Manny (January 20, 2015). [https://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/21/us/politics/new-texas-governor-greg-abbott-expected-to-continue-on-perrys-path.html Texas’ New Governor Echoes the Plans of Perry]. ''The New York Times''. Retrieved October 1, 2016.</ref> Abbott called a special session in 2017, ordering the legislature to focus on conservative priorities.<ref>Price, Bob (June 6, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/texas/2017/06/06/texas-governor-calls-legislative-special-session-bathroom-bill-others/ Texas Governor Calls for Legislative Special Session for ‘Bathroom Bill’, Others]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 7, 2017.</ref> Despite Abbott's conservative views, some conservative commentators voiced their concerns that Texas bureaucrats were increasing Texas regulations and making it more like California.<ref>[https://www.breitbart.com/texas/2017/06/28/lennon-texas-bureaucrats-becoming-regulation-friendly-obama/ LENNON: Texas Bureaucrats Are Becoming More Regulation-friendly Than Obama]. ''Breitbart News''. June 28, 2017. Retrieved June 29, 2017.</ref> However, the Trump Administration nominated several conservative judges who once were employees of Abbott,<ref>Platoff, Emma (April 3, 2018). [https://www.texastribune.org/2018/04/03/greg-abbott-andrew-oldham-fifth-circuit-judicial-appointees/ "A friendly vote on the court": How Greg Abbott's former employees could help Texas from the federal bench]. ''The Texas Tribune''. Retrieved May 17, 2018.</ref> and Abbott appointed several conservatives to the courts himself.<ref>Vertuno, Jim (March 7, 2019). [https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/texas/article/Texas-governor-fills-courts-with-GOP-judges-13670767.php Texas governor fills courts with GOP judges voters rejected]. ''Houston Chronicle'' (from the ''Associated Press''). Retrieved March 8, 2019.</ref>

Abbott took office as governor on January 20, 2015.<ref name="Echoes">Fernandez, Manny (January 20, 2015). [https://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/21/us/politics/new-texas-governor-greg-abbott-expected-to-continue-on-perrys-path.html Texas’ New Governor Echoes the Plans of Perry]. ''The New York Times''. Retrieved October 1, 2016.</ref> Abbott called a special session in 2017, ordering the legislature to focus on conservative priorities.<ref>Price, Bob (June 6, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/texas/2017/06/06/texas-governor-calls-legislative-special-session-bathroom-bill-others/ Texas Governor Calls for Legislative Special Session for ‘Bathroom Bill’, Others]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 7, 2017.</ref> Despite Abbott's conservative views, some conservative commentators voiced their concerns that Texas bureaucrats were increasing Texas regulations and making it more like California.<ref>[https://www.breitbart.com/texas/2017/06/28/lennon-texas-bureaucrats-becoming-regulation-friendly-obama/ LENNON: Texas Bureaucrats Are Becoming More Regulation-friendly Than Obama]. ''Breitbart News''. June 28, 2017. Retrieved June 29, 2017.</ref> However, the Trump Administration nominated several conservative judges who once were employees of Abbott,<ref>Platoff, Emma (April 3, 2018). [https://www.texastribune.org/2018/04/03/greg-abbott-andrew-oldham-fifth-circuit-judicial-appointees/ "A friendly vote on the court": How Greg Abbott's former employees could help Texas from the federal bench]. ''The Texas Tribune''. Retrieved May 17, 2018.</ref> and Abbott appointed several conservatives to the courts himself.<ref>Vertuno, Jim (March 7, 2019). [https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/texas/article/Texas-governor-fills-courts-with-GOP-judges-13670767.php Texas governor fills courts with GOP judges voters rejected]. ''Houston Chronicle'' (from the ''Associated Press''). Retrieved March 8, 2019.</ref>

====Abortion====

====Abortion====

*Ertelt, Steven (July 18, 2019). [https://www.lifenews.com/2019/07/18/texas-gov-greg-abbott-signs-bill-to-stop-infanticide-care-for-babies-born-alive-after-abortion/ Texas Gov. Greg Abbott Signs Bill to Stop Infanticide, Care for Babies Born Alive After Abortion]. ''LifeNews''. Retrieved July 19, 2019.</ref>

*Ertelt, Steven (July 18, 2019). [https://www.lifenews.com/2019/07/18/texas-gov-greg-abbott-signs-bill-to-stop-infanticide-care-for-babies-born-alive-after-abortion/ Texas Gov. Greg Abbott Signs Bill to Stop Infanticide, Care for Babies Born Alive After Abortion]. ''LifeNews''. Retrieved July 19, 2019.</ref>

Gov. Abbott failed to make the [[Heartbeat Bill]] a priority in 2019 and it did not pass in the Texas House of Representatives.  Abbott's spokesman issued an ambiguous statement claiming that Abbott is [[pro-life]], yet not explaining why he allowed this bill to be blocked by Republicans.<ref>https://thetexan.news/texas-heartbeat-bill-on-life-support-stalled-in-the-house/</ref> In 2021, the legislature did pass the Hearbeat Act, which Abbott signed into law. The measure is being challenged before the [[United States Supreme Court]], which has permitted implementation of the law pending judicial review.

Gov. Abbott failed to make the [[Heartbeat Bill]] a priority in 2019 and it did not pass in the Texas House of Representatives.  Abbott's spokesman issued an ambiguous statement claiming that Abbott is [[pro-life]], yet not explaining why he allowed this bill to be blocked by Republicans.<ref>https://thetexan.news/texas-heartbeat-bill-on-life-support-stalled-in-the-house/</ref> In 2021, the legislature did pass the Heartbeat Act, which Abbott signed into law. The measure is being challenged before the [[United States Supreme Court]], which has permitted implementation of the law pending judicial review.

====Religious liberty====

====Religious liberty====

On June 11, 2015, Abbott signed an act into law that gives pastors that right to refuse to "marry" homosexual couples if it violates their conscience.<ref>Crampton, Liz (June 11, 2015). [https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/11/gov-abbott-signs-pastor-protection-act/ Abbott Signs "Pastor Protection Act" Into Law]. ''The Texas Tribune''. Retrieved October 1, 2016.</ref>

On June 11, 2015, Abbott signed an act into law that gives pastors the right to refuse to "marry" homosexual couples if it violates their conscience.<ref>Crampton, Liz (June 11, 2015). [https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/11/gov-abbott-signs-pastor-protection-act/ Abbott Signs "Pastor Protection Act" Into Law]. ''The Texas Tribune''. Retrieved October 1, 2016.</ref>

On May 21, 2017, Abbott signed Senate Bill 24 into law, preventing state or local governments from subpoenaing pastors' sermons.<ref name="SvitekSubpoenas">{{cite web | last1=Svitek | first1=Patrick | title=Abbott Signs Bill Protecting Sermons from Subpoenas | url=https://www.texastribune.org/2017/05/21/abbott-signs-bill-protecting-sermons-subpoenas/ | date=May 21, 2017 | publisher=''The Texas Tribune'' | accessdate=May 22, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Abbott Signs Bill Preventing Government From Subpoenaing Sermons | url=http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2017/05/21/abbott-signs-bill-preventing-government-subpoenaing-sermons/ | date=May 21, 2017 | publisher=CBS DFW | accessdate=May 22, 2017}}</ref> This bill was inspired by an [[Homosexual Agenda|pro-homosexual]] "anti-discrimination" ordinance in [[Houston]], where five sermons were subpoenaed.<ref name="SvitekSubpoenas"/>

On May 21, 2017, Abbott signed Senate Bill 24 into law, preventing state or local governments from subpoenaing pastors' sermons.<ref name="SvitekSubpoenas">{{cite web | last1=Svitek | first1=Patrick | title=Abbott Signs Bill Protecting Sermons from Subpoenas | url=https://www.texastribune.org/2017/05/21/abbott-signs-bill-protecting-sermons-subpoenas/ | date=May 21, 2017 | publisher=''The Texas Tribune'' | accessdate=May 22, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Abbott Signs Bill Preventing Government From Subpoenaing Sermons | url=http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2017/05/21/abbott-signs-bill-preventing-government-subpoenaing-sermons/ | date=May 21, 2017 | publisher=CBS DFW | accessdate=May 22, 2017}}</ref> This bill was inspired by an [[Homosexual Agenda|pro-homosexual]] "anti-discrimination" ordinance in [[Houston]], where five sermons were subpoenaed.<ref name="SvitekSubpoenas"/>

====Gun rights====

====Gun rights====

On June 13, 2015, Abbott signed the campus carry (SB 11) and the [[open carry]] (HB 910) bills into law.<ref name="OpenAndCampus">{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.kvue.com/story/news/state/2015/06/12/gov-abbott-open-carry-campus-carry/71160338/ |title=Gov. Abbott signs open carry, campus carry into law |website=Kvue.com |date=2015-06-13 |accessdate=2016-01-02}}</ref> The campus carry law went into effect on August 1, 2015, and allows the licensed carrying of a concealed handgun on public college campuses, with private colleges being able to opt out.<ref name="OpenAndCampus"/><ref name="Open">{{cite web|url=http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/13/abbott-signs-open-carry-bill/ |title=At Shooting Range, Abbott Signs "Open Carry" Bill |publisher=The Texas Tribune |date=2015-06-13 |accessdate=2016-01-02}}</ref> The open carry bill went into effect on January 1, 2016, and allows the licensed carrying of handguns openly in all locations that allow concealed carry.<ref name="OpenAndCampus"/><ref name="Open"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/01/us/-2016-01-01-texas-open-carry-gun-law.html|title=Texas Open Carry Gun Law|newspaper=''[[The New York Times]]''|accessdate=January 2, 2016}}</ref> Texas is the 45th state to have open carry.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://abc13.com/news/texas-becomes-45th-state-to-pass-open-carry-law/1143146/ |title=Texas becomes 45th state to pass open carry law |website=Abc13.com |date=2015-06-08 |accessdate=2016-01-02}}</ref> Later, in May 2017, Abbott signed a bill into law massively reducing handgun carry licence fees.<ref>Price, Bob (May 28, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/texas/2017/05/28/texas-governor-signs-law-reducing-handgun-carry-license-fees/ Texas Governor Signs Law Reducing Handgun Carry License Fees]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 28, 2017.</ref><ref>Samuels, Alex (May 26, 2017). [https://www.texastribune.org/2017/05/26/texas-gov-greg-abbott-signs-measure-reduce-handgun-license-fee/ Texas governor jokes about shooting reporters after signing gun bill]. ''The Texas Tribune''. Retrieved May 28, 2017.</ref>

On June 13, 2015, Abbott signed the campus carry (SB 11) and the [[open carry]] (HB 910) bills into law.<ref name="OpenAndCampus">{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.kvue.com/story/news/state/2015/06/12/gov-abbott-open-carry-campus-carry/71160338/ |title=Gov. Abbott signs open carry, campus carry into law |website=Kvue.com |date=2015-06-13 |accessdate=2016-01-02}}</ref> The campus carry law went into effect on August 1, 2015, and allows the licensed carrying of a concealed handgun on public college campuses, with private colleges being able to opt out.<ref name="OpenAndCampus"/><ref name="Open">{{cite web|url=http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/13/abbott-signs-open-carry-bill/ |title=At Shooting Range, Abbott Signs "Open Carry" Bill |publisher=The Texas Tribune |date=2015-06-13 |accessdate=2016-01-02}}</ref> The open carry bill went into effect on January 1, 2016, and allows the licensed carrying of handguns openly in all locations that allow concealed carry.<ref name="OpenAndCampus"/><ref name="Open"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/01/us/-2016-01-01-texas-open-carry-gun-law.html|title=Texas Open Carry Gun Law|newspaper=''[[The New York Times]]''|accessdate=January 2, 2016}}</ref> Texas is the 45th state to have open carry.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://abc13.com/news/texas-becomes-45th-state-to-pass-open-carry-law/1143146/ |title=Texas becomes 45th state to pass open carry law |website=Abc13.com |date=2015-06-08 |accessdate=2016-01-02}}</ref> Later, in May 2017, Abbott signed a bill into law massively reducing handgun carry license fees.<ref>Price, Bob (May 28, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/texas/2017/05/28/texas-governor-signs-law-reducing-handgun-carry-license-fees/ Texas Governor Signs Law Reducing Handgun Carry License Fees]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 28, 2017.</ref><ref>Samuels, Alex (May 26, 2017). [https://www.texastribune.org/2017/05/26/texas-gov-greg-abbott-signs-measure-reduce-handgun-license-fee/ Texas governor jokes about shooting reporters after signing gun bill]. ''The Texas Tribune''. Retrieved May 28, 2017.</ref>

In 2018, Abbott caved to the gun control lobby by canceling shotgun giveaway for a contest after left-wing gun control activists criticized him for it.<ref>Folley, Aris (May 21, 2018). [https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/388646-texas-governor-cancels-plans-of-shotgun-giveaway-days-after-school Texas governor cancels shotgun giveaway days after school shooting]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved May 21, 2018.</ref>

In 2018, Abbott caved to the gun control lobby by canceling a shotgun giveaway for a contest after left-wing gun control activists criticized him fort.<ref>Folley, Aris (May 21, 2018). [https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/388646-texas-governor-cancels-plans-of-shotgun-giveaway-days-after-school Texas governor cancels shotgun giveaway days after school shooting]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved May 21, 2018.</ref>

On June 6, 2019, Abbott signed a bill into law removing the state cap on the number of armed teachers allowed in school districts.<ref>Hawkins, Awr (June 6, 2019). [https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2019/06/06/greg-abbott-signs-bill-allowing-more-armed-teachers-texas-schools/ Greg Abbott Signs Bill Allowing More Armed Teachers in Texas Schools]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 7, 2019.</ref><ref>Barton, Regina (June 6, 2019). [https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/texas-governor-signs-bill-allowing-more-armed-teachers Texas governor signs bill allowing more armed teachers]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved June 7, 2019.</ref> To the consternation of left-wingers, Abbott signed several other pro-gun bills in 2019.<ref>Multiple references:

On June 6, 2019, Abbott signed a bill into law removing the state cap on the number of armed teachers allowed in school districts.<ref>Hawkins, Awr (June 6, 2019). [https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2019/06/06/greg-abbott-signs-bill-allowing-more-armed-teachers-texas-schools/ Greg Abbott Signs Bill Allowing More Armed Teachers in Texas Schools]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 7, 2019.</ref><ref>Barton, Regina (June 6, 2019). [https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/texas-governor-signs-bill-allowing-more-armed-teachers Texas governor signs bill allowing more armed teachers]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved June 7, 2019.</ref> To the consternation of left-wingers, Abbott signed several other pro-gun bills in 2019.<ref>Multiple references:

*Cuthbertson, Charlotte (January 12, 2020). [https://www.theepochtimes.com/texas-is-first-state-to-opt-out-of-accepting-refugees-in-2020_3201721.html Texas Is First State to Opt Out of Accepting Refugees in 2020]. ''The Epoch Times''. Retrieved January 12, 2020.</ref>

*Cuthbertson, Charlotte (January 12, 2020). [https://www.theepochtimes.com/texas-is-first-state-to-opt-out-of-accepting-refugees-in-2020_3201721.html Texas Is First State to Opt Out of Accepting Refugees in 2020]. ''The Epoch Times''. Retrieved January 12, 2020.</ref>

Jan 24, 2024 report: Abbott, defiantly, continued laying razor wire around migrant-engulfed border city despite recent Supreme Court ruling.<ref>https://nypost.com/2024/01/24/news/texas-gov-greg-abbott-laying-razor-wire-despite-court-order/</ref> As he is genuinely concerned about security, declaring invasion at the border, invokes [[constitutional]] 'right of self-defense'.<ref>https://dailycaller.com/2024/01/24/texas-greg-abbott-border-fence-supreme-court/</ref>

Jan 24, 2024 report: Abbott, defiantly, continued laying razor wire around migrant-engulfed border city despite recent Supreme Court ruling.<ref>https://nypost.com/2024/01/24/news/texas-gov-greg-abbott-laying-razor-wire-despite-court-order/</ref> As he is genuinely concerned about security, declaring invasion at the border invokes [[constitutional]] 'right of self-defense'.<ref>https://dailycaller.com/2024/01/24/texas-greg-abbott-border-fence-supreme-court/</ref>

====Israel====

====Israel====

On June 9, 2017, Abbott signed a bill into law expanding Texas's ban on [[female genital mutilation]].<ref>Hope, Merrill (June 14, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/texas/2017/06/14/texas-expands-ban-female-genital-mutilation/ Texas Expands Ban on Female Genital Mutilation]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 15, 2017.</ref>

On June 9, 2017, Abbott signed a bill into law expanding Texas's ban on [[female genital mutilation]].<ref>Hope, Merrill (June 14, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/texas/2017/06/14/texas-expands-ban-female-genital-mutilation/ Texas Expands Ban on Female Genital Mutilation]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 15, 2017.</ref>

Polls in April 2018 showed Abbott "highly vulnerable" to the challenge of either of his two Democratic opponents, Lupe Valdez (the lesbian Dallas County Sheriff, who failed to pay her property taxes until late June 2018) or Andrew White (son of former Governor Mark White). Valdez and White competed in the May 22 runoff election for their party's nomination to contest Abbott's re-election bid; Valdez won. However, Abbott handily won re-election.

Polls in April 2018 showed Abbott "highly vulnerable" to the challenge of either of his two Democratic opponents, Lupe Valdez (the lesbian Dallas County Sheriff, who failed to pay her property taxes until late June 2018) or Andrew White (son of former Governor Mark White). Valdez and White competed in the May 22 runoff election for their party's nomination to contest Abbott's re-election bid; Valdez won. However, Abbott handily won re-election.

On June 1, 2019, Abbott signed a bill into law banning red light cameras.<ref>Multiple references:

On June 1, 2019, Abbott signed a bill into law banning red light cameras.<ref>Multiple references: