Greg Abbott

Greg Abbott
Born	Gregory Wayne Abbott (1957-11-13) November 13, 1957 Wichita Falls, Texas, U.S.
Occupation(s)	Lawyer, jurist, politician
Years active	1984–present
Known for	48th governor of Texas, 50th attorney general of Texas, Texas Supreme Court justice

Gregory Wayne Abbott ( ; born November 13, 1957) is an American lawyer, jurist, and politician who has held the office of the 48th governor of Texas since 2015. Affiliated with the Republican Party, he previously served as the 50th attorney general of Texas between 2002 and 2015, and was a justice on the Texas Supreme Court from 1996 until 2001. , Abbott holds the distinction of being the longest-tenured sitting governor in the United States.

Born in Wichita Falls, Texas, Abbott obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Texas at Austin followed by a Juris Doctor from Vanderbilt University. His early career included private legal practice at Butler and Binion LLP from 1984 to 1992 before his appointment as a state trial judge in Houston’s 129th District Court. Governor George W. Bush appointed him to the Texas Supreme Court in 1995, and Abbott secured a full term in 1998, winning approximately 60% of the vote.

Abbott first won election as Texas attorney general in 2002 with 57% support, was reelected in 2006 with 60%, and again in 2010 with 64%, making him the longest-serving attorney general in Texas history with a total tenure of twelve years. He was only the third Republican to hold this role since Reconstruction. During his tenure as attorney general, Abbott successfully defended the display of the Ten Commandments at the Texas State Capitol in the landmark 2005 U.S. Supreme Court case Van Orden v. Perry, though he was unsuccessful in upholding Texas's prohibition on same-sex marriage. He also spearheaded multiple lawsuits against policies from the Obama administration, contesting aspects of the Affordable Care Act and environmental regulations.

Elected governor in 2014, Abbott became Texas’s first governor—and only the third U.S. state governor—to serve while using a wheelchair, joining Franklin D. Roosevelt and George Wallace. His governorship has emphasized a conservative platform, including upholding Texas’s comprehensive abortion ban, maintaining permissive gun legislation, increasing funding for law enforcement agencies, and pursuing election reforms. After the February 2021 winter storm that caused widespread power outages, Abbott advocated for changes to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) and required power plants to implement weatherization measures. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, he opposed mandates for masks and vaccines and prevented local governments from enforcing such requirements. Combating unauthorized immigration has been a major focus, highlighted by his initiation of Operation Lone Star in 2021.

Early life, education, and legal career

Abbott was born on November 13, 1957, in Wichita Falls, Texas, descending from English ancestry. His mother, Doris Lechristia Jacks Abbott, was a homemaker while his father, Calvin Rodger Abbott, worked as a stockbroker and insurance agent. The family relocated to Longview when Abbott was six years old and later settled in Duncanville at age twelve. Following his father's passing during his sophomore year of high school, his mother supported the family through real estate work. Abbott graduated from Duncanville High School, where he was active in track athletics, inducted into the National Honor Society, and earned recognition as "Most Likely to Succeed."

In 1981, Abbott completed a Bachelor of Business Administration degree specializing in finance at the University of Texas at Austin. During his time there he joined the Delta Tau Delta fraternity and participated in the Young Republicans Club. It was also at UT Austin where he met Cecilia Phalen; they married that same year. Abbott then pursued legal studies at Vanderbilt University Law School, earning his Juris Doctor degree in 1984.

Following law school graduation, he practiced law privately with Butler and Binion LLP from 1984 until 1992.

Judicial career

Abbott launched his judicial profession in Houston by serving as a state trial judge in the 129th District Court for a period of three years. Subsequently, Governor George W. Bush appointed him to the Texas Supreme Court, where he secured election victories twice—initially in 1996 for a two-year term, followed by a six-year term in 1998. In the 1996 election, Abbott won decisively against Libertarian John B. Hawley, obtaining 84% of the vote; two years later, he defeated Democrat David Van Os with 60% support.

In 2001, Abbott stepped down from the Supreme Court and resumed private legal practice at Bracewell & Giuliani LLC. Concurrently, he held a position as an adjunct professor at the University of Texas School of Law.

2002 election

Initially resigning from the Texas Supreme Court in 2001 to pursue the office of lieutenant governor, Abbott redirected his campaign toward the attorney general role after incumbent John Cornyn left to seek a U.S. Senate seat. Abbott triumphed over Democratic candidate and former Austin mayor and state senator Kirk Watson, capturing 57% of the vote compared to Watson’s 41%. He was officially sworn in on December 2, 2002, following Cornyn’s successful Senate bid.

Tenure

During his tenure as attorney general, Abbott significantly increased the size of the law enforcement division from roughly 30 personnel to more than 100. He also founded the Fugitive Unit dedicated to locating convicted sex offenders who violated parole or probation conditions.

In 2003, Abbott endorsed legislative measures that imposed a cap of $250,000 on non-economic damages in medical malpractice lawsuits, without adjustments for inflation.

In a 2013 address, Abbott described his role as actively challenging the Obama administration through litigation, having initiated 31 lawsuits targeting policies such as those enforced by the EPA, the Affordable Care Act, and the Department of Education. Between his time as attorney general and his initial gubernatorial term, Texas filed no fewer than 44 lawsuits against federal administration actions—more than any other state—addressing issues including carbon emission regulations, healthcare reform, and transgender rights. The Dallas Morning News likened Abbott to Scott Pruitt for his frequent legal opposition to federal environmental rules, while the Houston Chronicle remarked that he "spearheaded efforts against Obama-era climate policies."

Abbott resisted releasing Tier II Chemical Inventory Reports citing security concerns; however, he encouraged citizens to contact facilities directly for information. Koch Industries refuted any connection between its political contributions and Abbott’s decisions regarding chemical safety disclosures.

In March 2014, Abbott took action supporting Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Plano amid federal lawsuits alleging negligence by neurosurgeon Christopher Duntsch. He referenced statutory limits on malpractice damages and modifications to legal definitions as part of Baylor’s defense strategy.

During the late 2000s, Abbott created a voter-fraud prosecution unit financed by a $1.4 million federal grant. This unit pursued a small number of cases that mostly resulted in minor fines and brief jail sentences. The office did not uncover widespread fraud impacting election outcomes.

Lawsuit against Sony BMG

In late 2005, Abbott initiated legal proceedings against Sony BMG, making Texas the pioneering state to challenge the company over unauthorized spyware. This case, the inaugural one under Texas's 2005 spyware statute, accused Sony BMG of covertly embedding spyware on millions of music CDs, thereby jeopardizing consumers' computer security. On December 21, 2005, Abbott broadened the lawsuit to assert that Sony-BMG's MediaMax copy protection technology breached laws concerning spyware and deceptive trade practices. Although a licensing agreement was offered with CD purchases, the suit claimed that spyware was installed regardless of consumer consent, exposing users to security vulnerabilities and misleading buyers. Sony ultimately resolved this case along with a comparable lawsuit in California by agreeing to a $1.5 million settlement.

Separation of church and state

In March 2005, Abbott presented oral arguments before the United States Supreme Court in defense of a Ten Commandments monument located on the grounds of the Texas State Capitol. This monument was among thousands donated across the nation by the Fraternal Order of Eagles, inspired by the 1956 film The Ten Commandments. Abbott remarked, "The Ten Commandments are a historically recognized system of law." The Supreme Court ruled narrowly, 5–4, that the Texas monument did not breach the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. Following Abbott’s presentation in Van Orden v. Perry, Justice John Paul Stevens commended his advocacy despite Stevens’ use of a wheelchair.

Firearms

During his tenure as attorney general, Abbott opposed legislation aimed at gun control. In 2013, he criticized New York State’s NY SAFE Act—which expanded prohibitions on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines—and threatened legal action should Congress enact additional gun restrictions. After the law’s enactment, Abbott’s campaign launched digital advertisements targeting Albany and Manhattan ZIP codes, encouraging New York gun owners to relocate to Texas for lower taxes and greater economic opportunity. These ads linked to a letter promoting increased personal income retention and ammunition purchases.

In February 2014, Abbott voiced opposition to an NRA lawsuit seeking broader concealed carry rights, citing public safety concerns.

Tort reform

Abbott advocated for Texas laws capping "punitive damages for noneconomic losses" at $750,000 and limiting "noneconomic damages in medical malpractice claims" to $250,000. While his personal paralysis settlement was categorized as a "nonmedical liability lawsuit," which is exempt from these caps, he faced criticism—primarily from Democrats—for supporting limits perceived as favoring defendants in civil litigation.

Support for ban on sex toys

As attorney general, Abbott defended Texas’s prohibition on sex toys but was unsuccessful. He argued that the state had a valid interest in discouraging "prurient interests in autonomous sex and the pursuit of sexual gratification unrelated to procreation."

Opposition to same-sex marriage

Abbott upheld Texas’s ban on same-sex marriage by asserting that since LGBT individuals cannot biologically procreate together, such unions should be prohibited by the state. He contended that recognizing same-sex marriages does not further procreation objectives as opposite-sex marriages do and emphasized that gay individuals remain free to marry partners of the opposite sex. Additionally, Abbott cautioned that legalizing same-sex marriage might initiate a "slippery slope," potentially redefining other traditionally forbidden behaviors as constitutional rights.

In 2016, he urged the Texas Supreme Court to restrict the effects of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, which required nationwide recognition of same-sex marriages along with related state and federal benefits.

2006 election

On November 7, 2006, Abbott faced civil rights lawyer David Van Os, his Democratic adversary from the 1998 Texas Supreme Court contest, in the general election. Abbott secured reelection by earning 60% of the vote compared to Van Os’s 37%.

2010 election

Seeking a third term in 2010, Abbott defeated Democratic challenger Barbara Ann Radnofsky with 64% of the vote against her 34%. This victory made him the longest-tenured attorney general in Texas history.

In July 2013, the Houston Chronicle highlighted concerns regarding connections between Abbott’s principal contributors and the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, where Abbott held a director position.

2014 election

After Governor Rick Perry announced he would not pursue a fourth full term, Abbott declared his gubernatorial candidacy in July 2013. By early 2011, Abbott had raised $1.6 million for his campaign, outpacing other Texas politicians; the closest competitor was Texas Comptroller Susan Combs with $611,700.

Abbott secured the Republican nomination on March 4, 2014, capturing 91.5% of the primary vote and subsequently faced State Senator Wendy Davis in the general election.

He committed to tying pre-kindergarten funding to performance metrics without imposing standardized tests on four-year-olds. Citing Charles Murray’s work on family influence in academic success, Abbott proposed targeted funding adjustments capped at $118 million, contrasting with Davis’s universal pre-K plan estimated at $750 million. His education platform emphasized resource equalization and strengthening technology and math education in early grades.

Abbott received $1.4 million from recipients of the Texas Enterprise Fund. Analysts noted substantial financial backing from energy sector companies such as NuStar Energy, Koch Industries, Valero Energy, ExxonMobil, Chevron, and ConocoPhillips. He earned endorsements from prominent Texas newspapers including the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Dallas Morning News, Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, and Tyler Morning Telegraph. The NRA Political Victory Fund awarded him an "A" rating alongside lieutenant governor candidate Dan Patrick.

In the November general election, Abbott defeated Davis by a margin exceeding 20 percentage points.

2018 election

By January 2017, Abbott was actively fundraising for his 2018 reelection bid; as of December 2016, he held $34.4 million in campaign funds, including $9 million raised during the last half of that year. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick considered challenging him but ultimately chose to seek reelection himself. Abbott announced his intention to run again in January 2017 and reaffirmed it in March 2017.

Abbott officially launched his reelection campaign on July 14, 2017, amid internal divisions within the Republican Party between factions backing Abbott and Patrick and Moderate Republicans led by House Speaker Joe Straus.

In the November 6 general election, Abbott defeated Democratic nominee Lupe Valdez with approximately 56% of the vote, having outraised her by an eighteen-to-one ratio. He garnered 42% of the Hispanic vote and 16% of the African American vote, solidifying the Texas GOP’s control over statewide offices.

2022 election

Abbott pursued a third gubernatorial term, contending with primary opponents such as former Texas GOP chair Allen West and Don Huffines. On March 1, he clinched the Republican nomination by securing more than 66% of the vote. His Democratic challenger was ex-U.S. Representative Beto O'Rourke. Though Abbott initially led in fundraising, O'Rourke eventually surpassed him, raising $81.6 million compared to Abbott’s $78.5 million.

In the general election, Abbott prevailed with 54% of the vote against O'Rourke’s 43%, becoming the fifth Texas governor to achieve three terms, joining the ranks of Allan Shivers, Price Daniel, John Connally, and Rick Perry. His support included 68% of white voters, 18% of Black voters, and 42% of Latino voters.

2026 election

By January 2023, advisors close to Abbott revealed he had not dismissed the possibility of seeking a fourth term in 2026, which would make him Texas’s longest-serving governor, surpassing Perry’s 14-year tenure. On November 9, 2025, Abbott formally declared his candidacy for a fourth term.

Tenure as governor (2015–present)

Abbott was inaugurated as governor of Texas on January 20, 2015, succeeding Rick Perry. He is notable for being the first Texas governor and only the third U.S. state governor to serve while using a wheelchair.

His initial official engagement as governor was a meeting in March 2015 with Irish Taoiseach Enda Kenny to discuss trade and economic partnerships.

During the 2015 legislative session, budget reductions eliminated $150 million in Medicaid funding for developmental therapies for children, prompting a lawsuit that successfully obtained an injunction against these cuts.

Abbott demonstrated strong support for President Trump’s administration; numerous former appointees of Abbott were appointed to federal courts during Trump’s presidency, reflecting Abbott’s political influence. Trump endorsed Abbott’s 2021 reelection campaign over other Republican candidates aligned with Trump.

In 2016, Abbott authored Broken But Unbowed, detailing his personal journey alongside his political perspectives.

In October of that year, Abbott was targeted by an explosive device that failed to detonate due to improper handling.

Abbott convened a special legislative session in June 2017 to push forward priorities favored by Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick. During the regular session that year, he vetoed fifty bills—the highest number since 2007.

He appointed several Republican judges, including some who had recently been rejected by voters.

Following the 2021 legislative session, The New York Times characterized Abbott and Patrick as key architects behind Texas’s pronounced shift toward conservative policies. Additional sources observed Abbott’s advancement of strongly right-leaning agendas. By his 2022 reelection campaign, Abbott focused heavily on culture war themes and was likened to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for promoting conservative initiatives.

A joint report by Texas Tribune and ProPublica underscored Abbott’s consolidation of authority within the governor’s office throughout his time in office.

Abortion

In November 2016, at Governor Abbott's initiative, Texas enacted regulations mandating that abortion providers must cremate or bury fetal remains instead of discarding them in sanitary landfills. Although these rules were scheduled to begin on December 19, a federal judge halted their implementation following a lawsuit filed by advocacy organizations. On January 27, 2017, a federal court struck down the law, prompting Texas to announce plans to appeal the decision.

On June 6, 2017, Abbott signed legislation prohibiting dismemberment and partial-birth abortions while also requiring burial or cremation of aborted fetal tissue. This statute was similarly blocked by a federal judge, with the state indicating its intention to appeal.

Abbott approved the Texas Heartbeat Act on May 18, 2021, which bans abortions after six weeks of pregnancy. Later that year, in September, he endorsed a law preventing women from obtaining abortion medication through mail orders beyond seven weeks gestation.

Convention of States proposal

In 2016, Abbott spoke before the Texas Public Policy Foundation to promote a Convention of States aimed at amending the United States Constitution. He introduced the Texas Plan, which suggested nine constitutional amendments designed to reverse what he characterized as the federal government's prolonged "power grab." The proposal focuses on imposing fiscal limitations and curbing federal authority while enhancing states' rights, including empowering states to nullify specific federal statutes.

On January 8, 2016, Abbott called for a national constitutional convention as a response to what he viewed as excessive intervention by the United States Supreme Court, emphasizing the necessity to "restore the rule of law in the United States." He further elaborated on his proposal during a Hoover Institute seminar held on May 17, 2016.

Criminal justice

In response to the George Floyd protests, Abbott encouraged candidates in the 2020 elections to "back the blue." He warned that cities in Texas redirecting police budgets toward social services risked state intervention and takeover of their police departments. In 2021, Abbott spearheaded efforts to impose financial penalties on municipalities that reduced funding for law enforcement.

Abbott vetoed a bipartisan criminal justice reform bill in 2021 that would have permitted early parole for certain offenders convicted as juveniles and created review panels to evaluate inmates' age and mental condition for parole eligibility. Additionally, he vetoed legislation aimed at protecting chained dogs by ensuring access to water and shelter.

In May 2024, Abbott granted a full pardon to former Army Sergeant Daniel Perry, following a unanimous recommendation from the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles—all members appointed by Abbott. Perry had been convicted in 2023 for the killing of Air Force veteran Garrett Foster during a Black Lives Matter demonstration. Abbott had committed to swiftly issuing Perry’s pardon after his conviction.

Education

Abbott championed the use of public funds to assist families in enrolling children in private schools through "Education Savings Accounts" (ESAs). Despite persistent opposition from Democrats and rural Republicans in the Texas House—who raised concerns about public school financing—Abbott remained resolute. After the bill failed during the 88th Regular Session, he convened several special sessions; however, none succeeded in passing the measure.

Prior to the 2024 elections, Abbott targeted House Republicans opposing his voucher initiative by campaigning for their replacement with candidates supportive of ESAs. This approach resulted in securing majority support for ESAs during the 89th legislative session. An effort by House Democrats to challenge vouchers via referendum was unsuccessful, and the legislation passed with overwhelming Republican approval. Abbott signed it into law in 2025, allocating roughly $10,000 per eligible family for tuition and related costs.

Firearms

In 2015, Governor Abbott enacted the campus carry (SB 11) and open carry (HB 910) statutes. The campus carry legislation authorized concealed handguns on public university grounds for licensed individuals, while private institutions retained the option to prohibit them. The open carry law, which took effect in 2016, allowed licensed individuals to openly carry handguns in public spaces and private establishments unless a "30.07" sign was posted, barring open carry under Texas Penal Code section 30.07. This made Texas the 45th state to legalize open carry. In 2017, Abbott reduced fees associated with handgun carry licenses. By 2021, he approved a law permitting Texans to carry firearms without requiring a license.

Following the tragic 2017 shooting at Sutherland Springs church, Abbott called for reflection on the historical presence of evil in such atrocities. His comparison involving Holocaust victims sparked criticism from the Anti-Defamation League, which deemed it insensitive.

After the 2018 Santa Fe High School shooting, Abbott launched statewide initiatives aimed at curbing gun violence in schools. These efforts included roundtable discussions and a keynote speech at an NRA event focusing on moral considerations rather than gun control measures. In June 2019, he signed legislation that expanded the ability of teachers to be armed without restrictions from school districts and created "threat assessment teams" tasked with identifying students who might pose a danger. Although there were legislative attempts to enhance student mental health services, proposals for red flag laws did not succeed, with Abbott opposing their implementation in Texas.

In response to the 2019 El Paso mass shooting carried out by a racist attacker who killed 22 individuals, Abbott established a task force dedicated to domestic terrorism but declined calls for a special legislative session or the adoption of red-flag laws.

In June 2021, Abbott signed into law permitless carry legislation that allowed Texans to carry handguns openly or concealed without a license or training starting that September.

On May 24, 2022, an 18-year-old armed with a handgun and possibly an AR-15 style rifle fatally shot 19 students and two teachers at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde. Abbott attributed this tragedy largely to deficiencies in community mental health resources. During a May 25 press briefing, Democratic gubernatorial contender Beto O'Rourke confronted Abbott about gun violence; Abbott responded by emphasizing the importance of healing rather than political disputes. Rather than attending the NRA's annual meeting on May 27, Abbott released a YouTube statement asserting that existing gun laws were ineffective since the shooter had violated two laws—possession of a firearm on school grounds and capital murder—both punishable by death under Texas law.

Jade Helm 15

In April 2015, Governor Abbott ordered the Texas State Guard to oversee the military exercise Jade Helm 15 amid widespread online speculation alleging it was a secret military takeover. In 2018, former CIA and NSA director Michael Hayden disclosed that Russian intelligence agencies had spread this conspiracy theory and highlighted Abbott's reaction as an example of how disinformation campaigns can influence public perception in the United States.

Religion

In 2015, Abbott signed the Pastor Protection Act, which grants clergy members the right to refuse performing marriages for same-sex couples based on religious convictions.

In 2017, he enacted Senate Bill 24, which prohibits state or local authorities from subpoenaing pastors’ sermons—legislation prompted by subpoenas issued under Houston’s anti-discrimination ordinance.

That same year, Abbott approved House Bill 3859, allowing faith-based organizations involved in child welfare services within Texas to deny services conflicting with their religious beliefs. Critics contended this could facilitate discrimination against certain religions and LGBTQ individuals, leading to legal challenges. In response, California implemented a ban on official state travel to Texas.

In 2025, Abbott signed Senate Bill 10 requiring public schools to display the Ten Commandments within classrooms. This action followed a federal court’s decision blocking a similar law in Louisiana just one day earlier.

Immigration and border security

In June 2015, Abbott enacted legislation aimed at strengthening Texas's border defenses by boosting state law enforcement presence, expanding technological resources, and establishing intelligence units. Following the November 2015 Paris terrorist attacks, he declared Texas would not accept Syrian refugees. The subsequent December 2015 directive to initiate legal action to halt refugee resettlement was overturned by a federal court.

By February 2017, Abbott reduced funding to Travis County, Texas in response to its sanctuary city stance. In May 2017, he approved Texas Senate Bill 4, which penalizes officials who fail to cooperate with federal immigration authorities and permits law enforcement to verify immigration status during detentions.

In January 2020, Texas became the first state to reject refugee resettlement under a new Trump administration policy, a decision that faced criticism from all sixteen Catholic bishops of Texas.

Abbott characterized unauthorized immigrants in 2021 as intruders in private homes and asserted that the Biden administration was releasing hundreds of COVID-positive illegal immigrants into Texas communities; this assertion was rated "Mostly False" by PolitiFact. In June of that year, he directed child-care regulators to revoke licenses of facilities housing unaccompanied migrant minors, citing adverse effects on foster care systems. Later in June, Abbott unveiled plans for a $250 million state-funded border wall along the Mexico border, supplemented by contributions from the public.

In July 2021, Abbott ordered state law enforcement officers to arrest illegal entrants for trespassing and deployed the National Guard to support these efforts. He also imposed restrictions on ground transportation of migrants due to COVID-19 concerns. Migrants apprehended under this policy were held for extended periods without access to legal counsel or formal charges. By December 2023, nearly 10,000 migrants had been detained on trespassing violations.

September 2021 saw Abbott signing legislation dedicating close to $2 billion toward border security operations, including $750 million earmarked for wall construction—adding to the $1 billion previously allocated in the state budget. In December 2021, he reaffirmed his commitment to continue building the U.S. Border Wall initiated during Donald Trump's presidency.

In April 2022, Abbott launched an initiative to transport released illegal immigrants from Texas to Washington D.C., anticipating increased arrivals following the rollback of Title 42 COVID-19 restrictions. This program permitted local officials to request buses for migrants; participation was voluntary. The first groups reached Washington D.C. in April 2022 amid criticism and calls from some academics for federal prosecution, while Senator Ted Cruz advocated expanding the practice to other Democratic-led regions. Both the White House and D.C.’s mayor recognized the influx as a significant challenge necessitating National Guard involvement.

Continuing this approach in September 2022, Abbott dispatched buses carrying Venezuelan migrants apprehended at the U.S.-Mexico border directly to Vice President Kamala Harris's residence in Washington D.C., reinforcing his strategy of relocating migrants to jurisdictions overseen by federal officials.

In June 2023, Abbott implemented floating barriers along the Rio Grande intended to deter unlawful crossings; after his refusal to remove them, the U.S. Justice Department filed suit against Texas.

By December 2023, Abbott had signed three new border-security laws into effect, including one that criminalizes illegal immigration at the state level and grants police authority to arrest migrants entering without authorization.

Border inspections

In April 2022, Abbott initiated intensified scrutiny of commercial vehicles crossing into Texas from Mexico aimed at intercepting illicit drugs and unauthorized migrants. This enforcement led to extensive congestion, with long lines of trucks transporting produce, automotive components, and household items. The Fresh Produce Association highlighted that delays affected as much as 80% of perishable fruits and vegetables, creating a significant risk of spoilage. Additionally, the Texas Trucking Association reported that these disruptions influenced all sectors of the trucking industry across the United States. In response, Mexican truck drivers organized protests by blocking several border crossings.

Under mounting criticism from Texas business leaders opposing the so-called "secondary inspections," Abbott rescinded the policy on April 15. He referenced new agreements with governors of neighboring Mexican states aimed at enhancing cooperation to combat trafficking and illegal commerce.

The inspection initiative ultimately inflicted an estimated $4.2 billion economic loss on Texas without yielding any arrests related to drug smuggling or migrant apprehensions.

Environment

Abbott acknowledges climate change but disputes that human activities are its chief cause, rejecting the prevailing scientific consensus on the issue.

In early 2014, he collaborated with the United States Chamber of Commerce to formulate legal approaches opposing climate change regulations. He endorsed Scott Pruitt’s appointment to lead the EPA in 2016, emphasizing their shared legal challenges against the agency. During his tenure as Texas attorney general, Abbott frequently contested federal environmental policies.

Following Joe Biden's presidential victory, Abbott committed to mounting vigorous legal resistance against the administration’s environmental agenda.

Voting rights

Abbott pushed for the removal of close to 100,000 registered voters from Texas's voter rolls, initially attributing the action to concerns over non-citizen registrations. However, after legal disputes uncovered that numerous lawful voters had been mistakenly targeted, the purge was halted in April 2018. Although Abbott initially denied his involvement, subsequent email communications revealed he was the primary advocate behind this initiative.

In September 2020, Abbott restricted each Texas county to a single early voting ballot drop-off site, asserting this would curb illegal voting despite a lack of evidence supporting such claims. That same month, he extended early voting periods due to the COVID-19 pandemic—a decision opposed by the Texas Republican Party.

After the 2020 presidential election, Abbott focused on legislation aimed at enhancing "election integrity," responding to unfounded fraud allegations circulated by Trump and certain Texas Republicans. Critics from voting rights organizations argued that these laws disproportionately hindered voters of color and individuals with disabilities.

In July 2021, Democratic lawmakers from Texas left the state to prevent the passage of election reform bills; Abbott warned they would face arrest upon returning. Subsequently, the Texas Supreme Court authorized law enforcement to detain these legislators to ensure their attendance.

By October 2021, Abbott appointed John Scott as Secretary of State of Texas to supervise elections. Scott had previously assisted Trump in contesting the 2020 election outcomes.

LGBT rights

In 2014, Abbott defended Texas’s prohibition on same-sex marriage, which a federal court declared unconstitutional. Serving as attorney general, he argued that the ban promoted children being raised within "stable, lasting relationships." He criticized the Supreme Court's decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, which legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, accusing the Court of abandoning its neutral role. Following this ruling, Abbott filed a lawsuit aimed at preventing same-sex spouses of municipal employees from obtaining benefits.

In May 2017, leaders of 14 prominent technology companies—including Facebook, Apple, Microsoft, and Amazon—appealed to Abbott to reject the so-called "bathroom bill," which mandated restroom use based on birth certificate sex. Despite opposition, Abbott revived the bill with backing from Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, though it never became law. During his 2018 gubernatorial campaign, Abbott later indicated that the bill was "not on my agenda."

Abbott signed legislation in 2017 permitting adoption agencies receiving public funds to deny services to same-sex couples on religious grounds. In 2021, after facing criticism from a Republican primary opponent over LGBTQ-related resources at Texas’s child welfare agency—which operates under Abbott’s oversight—the agency removed a webpage offering suicide prevention hotlines tailored for LGBTQ youth.

In 2022, Abbott instructed state agencies to categorize gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors—including puberty blockers and hormone treatments—as child abuse. This directive led to investigations and attracted widespread national attention.

Homelessness

In June 2019, Austin overturned a longstanding 25-year ban that prohibited homeless individuals from camping or sleeping in public spaces. In October of that year, Abbott condemned this repeal and threatened to mobilize state resources to tackle homelessness issues. By November, he ordered the establishment of a temporary homeless encampment on a former vehicle storage site, which residents dubbed "Abbottville."

Marijuana

In June 2019, Governor Abbott approved House Bill 1325, which legalized the cultivation of industrial hemp—defined as cannabis containing less than 0.3% THC—and permitted the sale of hemp-derived CBD products without requiring a physician’s authorization. The legislation received overwhelming support in both legislative chambers. This development prompted certain prosecutors to dismiss minor marijuana-related charges due to challenges in testing. Abbott highlighted that hemp products must carry a "hemp certificate" and directed authorities to maintain enforcement of marijuana regulations.

By 2022, support for cannabis legalization among Texas voters reached 55%. Following the enactment of HB 1325, the market for consumable hemp goods, including products containing delta-8-THC, experienced significant growth. In 2025, the legislature passed Senate Bill 3 aiming to prohibit all THC product sales; however, Abbott vetoed this measure after public opposition and disagreements with Lieutenant Governor Patrick. He contended that the proposed ban was overly restrictive and susceptible to legal disputes, advocating instead for a regulated framework featuring age limits, restricted purchase hours, and testing protocols akin to those applied to alcohol.

During two special legislative sessions in summer 2025, Abbott sought to address THC regulation; yet ongoing conflicts with Patrick hindered the passage of comprehensive laws. On September 10, 2025, Abbott issued an executive order instructing the Texas Department of State Health Services and the Alcoholic Beverage Commission to establish regulations for THC products. These rules included prohibiting sales to individuals under 21 and mandating government-issued identification for purchases.

COVID-19 pandemic

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Abbott implemented a stay-at-home directive from April 2 through May 1, 2020—one of the briefest statewide orders among U.S. governors. After reopening commenced, a surge in COVID-19 infections led Abbott to temporarily halt further reopening efforts. On June 24, Texas recorded its highest number of daily new cases. Critics argued that this pause was insufficient and urged a full rollback of reopening measures to better control virus transmission.

Abbott’s handling of the pandemic featured notable contradictions: he encouraged Texans to remain home while simultaneously promoting business activity; he supported mask usage but opposed a statewide mandate initially. In July 2020, he mandated mask-wearing in counties reporting more than 20 cases after previously blocking local mask ordinances.

In December 2020, Abbott instructed Texas restaurants to disregard local curfews designed to limit indoor dining amid a COVID surge. On March 2, 2021, he lifted all remaining COVID restrictions—including mask mandates—allowing businesses to operate at full capacity. The following month, Abbott prohibited state agencies and publicly funded organizations from requiring proof of vaccination; in June, he signed legislation penalizing businesses that demanded vaccine verification.

On May 18, 2021, Abbott banned mask mandates within public schools and government bodies, imposing fines for noncompliance. In August 2021, he tested positive for COVID-19 but remained without symptoms and underwent monoclonal antibody treatment.

Throughout the pandemic, Abbott prioritized individual responsibility over governmental mandates. Amid rising case numbers in July 2021, he issued executive order GA-38 forbidding local governments, state agencies, public universities, and state-contracted businesses from enforcing mask or vaccine requirements—threatening fines for violations. This policy attracted criticism from President Biden and provoked legal challenges by municipalities and school districts.

By October 2021, Abbott extended the prohibition on vaccine mandates to include private-sector businesses. As reported by the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resources Center in November 2024, Texas had recorded a total of 93,390 deaths attributed to COVID-19.

February 2021 North American ice storm

Amid the February 13–17, 2021 North American winter storm, failures at power plants resulted in approximately four million Texas households losing electricity.

Terrorism

In 2025, Governor Abbott labeled the Council on American–Islamic Relations as both a "foreign terrorist organization" and a transnational criminal entity, signaling a firm stance on internal security threats.

Personal life

Abbott practices Catholicism and is married to Cecilia Phalen Abbott, whose grandparents immigrated from Mexico. The couple tied the knot in 1981 in San Antonio. Cecilia’s role as First Lady made her the first Latina to hold this position since Texas became a state.<ref>She has been an advocate for the Hispanic community during her tenure.<ref> They have one adopted daughter named Audrey. Cecilia’s background includes experience as both a schoolteacher and a principal.

Wheelchair use

At 26 years old, on July 14, 1984, Abbott became paralyzed from the waist down after an oak tree toppled onto him while he was jogging in River Oaks, Houston following a storm. His treatment involved the insertion of two steel rods into his spine and extensive rehabilitation at TIRR Memorial Hermann in Houston. Since then, he has used a wheelchair. Abbott pursued legal action against the property owner and a tree service company, which resulted in an insurance settlement that provides him with lump sum payments every three years through 2022, along with monthly lifetime payments—both adjusted for inflation. As of August 2013, these monthly payments amounted to $14,000, while the three-year lump sums were $400,000; all of these funds are tax-exempt. Abbott has indicated that this financial arrangement has covered nearly thirty years of medical and associated costs.

Further reading

• Gonzalez, John W. "Abbott has friends and foes in disabled community ." Houston Chronicle. July 29, 2013.

External links

• Governor Greg Abbott Official state website