View source for Greg Abbott

{{Short description|American attorney and politician (born 1957)}}
{{About|the politician|other people with the same name|Greg Abbott (disambiguation)}}
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{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2021}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| name                = Greg Abbott
| image               = Greg Abbott at NASA 2024 (cropped).jpg
| caption             = Abbott in 2024
| alt                 = Abbott in 2024
| order               = 48th
| office              = Governor of Texas
| lieutenant          = [[Dan Patrick (politician)|Dan Patrick]]
| term_start          = January 20, 2015
| term_end            = 
| predecessor         = [[Rick Perry]]
| successor           = 
| office1             = Chair of the [[Republican Governors Association]]
| term_start1         = November 21, 2019
| term_end1           = December 9, 2020
| predecessor1        = [[Pete Ricketts]]
| successor1          = [[Doug Ducey]]
| office2             = 50th [[Texas Attorney General|Attorney General of Texas]]
| governor2           = [[Rick Perry]]
| term_start2         = December 2, 2002
| term_end2           = January 5, 2015
| predecessor2        = [[John Cornyn]]
| successor2          = [[Ken Paxton]]
| office3             = Justice of the [[Supreme Court of Texas]]
| appointer3          = [[George W. Bush]]
| term_start3         = January 2, 1996
| term_end3           = June 6, 2001<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.txcourts.gov/supreme/about-the-court/court-history/justices-since-1945/justices-place-5/ |title=TJB {{!}} SC {{!}} About the Court {{!}} Court History {{!}} Justices Since 1945 {{!}} Justices, Place 5 |website=txcourts.gov |language=en |access-date=May 22, 2018}}</ref>
| predecessor3        = [[Jack Hightower]]
| successor3          = [[Xavier Rodriguez]]
| birth_name          = Gregory Wayne Abbott
| birth_date          = {{birth date and age|1957|11|13}}
| birth_place         = [[Wichita Falls, Texas]], U.S.
| party               = [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican Party]]
| spouse              = {{marriage|[[Cecilia Abbott|Cecilia Phalen]]|1981}}
| children            = Audrey Abbott
| residence           = [[Texas Governor's Mansion]]
| education           = [[University of Texas at Austin]] ([[Bachelor of Business Administration|BBA]])<br />[[Vanderbilt University]] ([[Juris Doctor|JD]])
| signature           = Greg Abbott Signature.svg
| module              = {{Listen|pos=center|embed=yes|filename=Greg Abbott on the reopening of Texas's economy following the COVID-19 pandemic.ogg|title=Greg Abbott's voice|type=speech|description=Greg Abbott on the reopening of Texas's economy following the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Texas|COVID-19 pandemic]]<br/>Recorded May 7, 2020}}
}}
'''Gregory Wayne Abbott''' ({{IPAc-en|æ|b|ə|t}} {{respell|ABB|ət}}; born November 13, 1957) is an American politician, attorney, and jurist who has served since 2015 as the 48th [[governor of Texas]]. A member of the [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican Party]], he served from 2002 to 2015 as the 50th [[Texas Attorney General|attorney general of Texas]] and from 1996 to 2001 as a justice of the [[Texas Supreme Court]]. Abbott is the longest-serving incumbent governor in the United States.

Abbott was the third Republican to serve as attorney general of Texas since the [[Reconstruction era|Reconstruction]] era. He was elected to that office with 57% of the vote in [[2002 Texas Attorney General election|2002]] and reelected with 60% in [[2006 Texas Attorney General election|2006]] and 64% in [[2010 Texas Attorney General election|2010]], becoming the longest-serving attorney general in state history, with 12 years of service.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Texas Governor Greg Abbott |url=https://gov.texas.gov/governor-abbott |access-date=2025-02-21 |website=gov.texas.gov |language=en}}</ref> Before becoming attorney general, Abbott was a justice of the Texas Supreme Court, a position to which he was appointed in 1995 by then-governor [[George W. Bush]]. Abbott won a full term in 1998 with 60% of the vote. As attorney general, he successfully advocated for the [[Texas State Capitol]] to display the [[Ten Commandments]] in the 2005 [[Supreme Court of the United States|U.S. Supreme Court]] case ''[[Van Orden v. Perry]],'' and unsuccessfully defended the [[Same-sex marriage in Texas|state's ban on same-sex marriage]]''.'' He was involved in numerous lawsuits against the [[Presidency of Barack Obama|Barack Obama administration]], seeking to invalidate the [[Affordable Care Act]] and the administration's environmental regulations.

Elected [[2014 Texas gubernatorial election|in 2014]], Abbott is the first Texas governor and third governor of a U.S. state to use a wheelchair, the others being [[Franklin D. Roosevelt]] and [[George Wallace]]. As governor, Abbott supported the [[first Donald Trump administration]] and has promoted a conservative agenda, including maintaining [[Abortion in Texas|Texas's total abortion ban]], lenient gun laws, support for law enforcement funding, and election reform. In response to the [[2021 Texas power crisis|power crisis]] following a [[February 13–17, 2021 North American winter storm|February 2021 winter storm]], Abbott called for reforms to [[Electric Reliability Council of Texas]] (ERCOT) and signed a bill requiring power plant [[weatherization]]. During the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Texas]], Abbott opposed implementing [[Face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States|face mask]] and [[vaccine mandates]], while blocking local governments, businesses, and other organizations from implementing their own. He has also made a priority of fighting [[Illegal immigration to the United States|illegal immigration]], starting [[Operation Lone Star]] in 2021.

==Early life, education, and legal career==
Abbott was born on November 13, 1957, in [[Wichita Falls, Texas]], of [[English American|English descent]].<ref>{{cite web| title=Biography of Greg Abbott |url=https://texapedia.info/biography/greg-abbott/ |publisher=Texapedia |access-date=April 8, 2023}}</ref> His mother, Doris Lechristia Jacks Abbott, was a [[housewife]] and his father, Calvin Rodger Abbott, was a [[stockbroker]] and [[insurance agent]].<ref name="TXMonthSweany102013"/> When he was six years old, they moved to [[Longview, Texas|Longview]]; the family lived there for six years.<ref name="TXMonthSweany102013"/> When he was 12, Abbott's family moved to [[Duncanville, Texas|Duncanville]]. In his sophomore year in high school, his father died of a [[heart attack]]; his mother went to work in a real estate office.<ref name="TXMonthSweany102013"/> Abbott graduated from [[Duncanville High School]],<ref>[http://www.vote-smart.org/bio.php?can_id=MTX98792?q=print vote-smart.org.] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081023213318/http://www.vote-smart.org/bio.php?can_id=MTX98792%3Fq%3Dprint |date=October 23, 2008 }}</ref> where he was on the track team,<ref name="WashPostReid10302014">{{cite news |last=Wilson |first=Reid |date=October 30, 2014 |title=The likely next governor of Texas is full of Lone Star swagger. Don't be surprised if he runs for president. |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/govbeat/wp/2014/10/30/the-likely-next-governor-of-texas-is-full-of-lone-star-swagger-dont-be-surprised-if-he-runs-for-president/ |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |location=[[Washington, D.C.]] |access-date=October 31, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141031141816/https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/govbeat/wp/2014/10/30/the-likely-next-governor-of-texas-is-full-of-lone-star-swagger-dont-be-surprised-if-he-runs-for-president/ |archive-date=October 31, 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref> in the [[National Honor Society]] and was voted "Most Likely to Succeed".<ref name="WashPostReid10302014" />

In 1981, Abbott earned a [[Bachelor of Business Administration]] in finance from the [[University of Texas at Austin]], where he was a member of the [[Delta Tau Delta]] fraternity and the [[Young Republicans Club]]. He met his wife, Cecilia Phalen, while attending UT Austin.<ref name="TXMonthSweany102013"/> The two married in 1981.<ref>{{cite web |title=Texas Governor Greg Abbott |url=https://gov.texas.gov/governor-abbott |access-date=April 8, 2023}}</ref> In 1984, he earned his [[Juris Doctor]] degree from the [[Vanderbilt University Law School]].<ref name="TXMonthSweany102013"/>

Abbott went into private practice, working for Butler and Binion, [[Limited Liability Partnership|LLP]] between 1984 and 1992.<ref name="TXAttyGenBio">{{cite web|title=oag.state.tx.us|url=https://www.oag.state.tx.us/agency/agga_bio.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017181451/https://www.oag.state.tx.us/agency/agga_bio.shtml|archive-date=October 17, 2013|access-date=October 14, 2013|publisher=oag.state.tx.us}}</ref>

==Judicial career==
Abbott's judicial career began in [[Houston, Texas|Houston]], where he served as a [[Texas judicial system|state trial judge]] in the 129th District Court for three years.<ref name="TXAttyGenBio" /> Governor [[George W. Bush]] appointed Abbott to the [[Texas Supreme Court]]; he was then twice elected to the state's highest civil court—in 1996 (two-year term) and in 1998 (six-year term). In 1996, Abbott had no [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] opponent but was challenged by [[Libertarian Party (United States)|Libertarian]] John B. Hawley of Dallas. Abbott defeated Hawley, 84% to 16%.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1996-11-05 |title=Race Summary Report - 1996 General Election |url=https://elections.sos.state.tx.us/elchist56_state.htm |access-date=2022-08-28 |website=Texas Secretary of State |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150609025837/https://elections.sos.state.tx.us/elchist56_state.htm |archive-date=June 9, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> In 1998, Abbott defeated Democrat [[David Van Os]], 60% to 40%.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1998-11-03 |title=Race Summary Report - 1998 General Election |url=https://elections.sos.state.tx.us/elchist72_state.htm |access-date=2022-08-28 |website=Texas Secretary of State |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150406041242/https://elections.sos.state.tx.us/elchist72_state.htm |archive-date=April 6, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2001, after resigning from the Supreme Court, Abbott returned to private practice and worked for [[Bracewell & Giuliani|Bracewell & Giuliani LLC]].<ref name="BusWk09192013"/> He was also an adjunct professor at [[University of Texas School of Law]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://votesmart.org/candidate/biography/50168/greg-abbott |title=Attorney General Greg Abbott's Biography |publisher=Project VoteSmart.org |date=November 13, 1957 |access-date=October 14, 2013}}</ref>

==Attorney General of Texas (2002–2015)==
[[File:President George W. Bush Discusses Harriet Miers Nomination with Former Texas Supreme Court Justices.jpg|thumb|right|Greg Abbott (bottom) talks about the [[Harriet Miers]] nomination with [[President of the United States|President]] [[George W. Bush]] and former [[Texas Supreme Court|Texas Supreme Court Justices]] in 2005. From left: [[Eugene A. Cook|Eugene Cook]], Raul Gonzalez, Abbott, [[John Hill (Texas politician)|John Hill]], [[James A. Baker (justice)|James Baker]], Bush, and [[Craig T. Enoch|Craig Enoch]]]]
[[File:Greg Abbott and John Cornyn highlight Crime Stoppers Month.jpg|thumb|right|Abbott (center in wheelchair) and [[John Cornyn]] highlight Crime Stoppers Month in [[San Antonio]], 2008]]

===2002 election===
Abbott resigned from the Texas Supreme Court in 2001 to run for [[Lieutenant Governor of Texas|lieutenant governor of Texas]].<ref name="TXMonthSweany102013"/> He had been campaigning for several months when the previous attorney general, [[John Cornyn]], vacated the post to run for the [[United States Senate|U.S. Senate]].<ref name="TXMonthSweany102013"/> Abbott then switched his campaign to the open attorney general's position in 2002. He defeated the Democratic nominee, former [[Austin, Texas|Austin]] mayor and former state senator<ref>{{Cite news|last=Goudeau|first=Ashley|date=April 30, 2020|title=State Sen. Kirk Watson headed to University of Houston|work=[[KVUE (Texas)|KVUE]]|url=https://www.kvue.com/article/news/politics/state-sen-kirk-watson-headed-to-university-of-houston/269-73329bce-5933-4028-a1ef-e2ba9802ae21|access-date=June 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200506204329/https://www.kvue.com/article/news/politics/state-sen-kirk-watson-headed-to-university-of-houston/269-73329bce-5933-4028-a1ef-e2ba9802ae21|archive-date=May 6, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Kirk Watson]], 57% to 41%.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2002-11-05 |title=Race Summary Report - 2002 General Election |url=https://elections.sos.state.tx.us/elchist95_state.htm |access-date=2022-08-28 |website=Texas Secretary of State |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150227030603/https://elections.sos.state.tx.us/elchist95_state.htm |archive-date=February 27, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> Abbott was sworn in on December 2, 2002, following Cornyn's election to the Senate.<ref>{{Cite web|first=Janet|last=Elliott|date=December 3, 2002 |title=Abbott is sworn in as attorney general|url=https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/abbott-is-sworn-in-as-attorney-general-2087441.php|access-date=2025-04-18 |website=Chron.com}}</ref>

===Tenure===
Abbott expanded the attorney general's office's law enforcement division from about 30 people to more than 100.<ref name="TXMonthSweany102013"/> He also created a new division, the Fugitive Unit, to track down convicted sex offenders in violation of their paroles or probations.<ref name="TXMonthSweany102013"/>

In 2003, Abbott supported the [[Texas Legislature]]'s move to [[Non-economic damages caps|cap non-economic damages]] for [[Medical malpractice in the United States|medical malpractice]] cases at $250,000, with no built-in increases for rising cost of living.<ref name="Malpractice">{{cite web |url=https://www.texastribune.org/2013/08/04/candidate-faces-questions-turnabout-and-fair-play/ |title=Abbott Faces Questions on Settlement and His Advocacy of Tort Laws |author=Root, Jay |work=The Texas Tribune |date=August 4, 2013 |access-date=November 5, 2018}}</ref>

In a 2013 speech to fellow Republicans, when asked what his job entails, Abbott said: "I go into the office in the morning, I sue Barack Obama, and then I go home."<ref name=":3">{{cite web|url=http://www.gosanangelo.com/news/2013/feb/19/abbott-shares-views-with-local-republicans/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130424004833/http://www.gosanangelo.com/news/2013/feb/19/abbott-shares-views-with-local-republicans/|title=Greg Abbott shares views with local Republicans|work=SAST|date=February 19, 2013|access-date=June 25, 2016|archive-date=April 24, 2013 |last1=Rios |first1=Jennifer }}</ref> Abbott filed 31 lawsuits against the Obama administration,<ref name=texastrib20170117>{{cite news |title=Texas vs. the Feds — A Look at the Lawsuits |first1=Neena |last1=Satija |first2=Lindsay |last2=Carbonell |first3=Ryan |last3=McCrimmon |date=January 17, 2017 |access-date=October 4, 2017 |url=https://www.texastribune.org/2017/01/17/texas-federal-government-lawsuits/ |work=[[The Texas Tribune]]}}</ref> including suits against the [[United States Environmental Protection Agency|Environmental Protection Agency]]; the [[U.S. Department of Health and Human Services]], including challenges to the [[Affordable Care Act]] ("Obamacare"); and the [[U.S. Department of Education]], among many others.<ref name="TXMonthSweany102013"/> According to ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'', from Abbott's tenure as attorney general through his first term as governor, Texas sued the Obama administration at least 44 times, more than any other state over the same period; court challenges included carbon-emission standards, health-care reform, transgender rights, and others.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Frosch |first1=Dan |first2=Jacob |last2=Gershman |title=Abbott's Strategy in Texas: 44 Lawsuits, One Opponent: Obama Administration; Former Attorney General, Now Governor, has Led a Red-State Revolt Against the White House |work=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |date=June 24, 2016 |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/abbotts-strategy-in-texas-44-lawsuits-one-opponent-obama-administration-1466778976 |access-date=October 5, 2017}}</ref> ''[[The Dallas Morning News]]'' compared Abbott to [[Scott Pruitt]], noting that both attorneys general had repeatedly sued the federal government over its environmental regulations.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/news/environment/2016/12/07/new-epa-administrator-oklahomas-answer-greg-abbott|title=Trump's EPA pick sued Obama's agency early and often with anti-climate change ally Greg Abbott|date=December 7, 2016 |website=dallasnews.com |access-date=February 18, 2018}}</ref> The ''[[Houston Chronicle]]'' noted that Abbott "led the charge against Obama-era climate regulations".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/texanomics/article/The-problem-with-the-blue-state-governor-s-11191549.php|title=Why the blue states' climate alliance may not work |newspaper=[[Houston Chronicle]] |access-date=February 18, 2018}}</ref>

Abbott has said that the state must not release [[Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act#Inventory Reporting|Tier II Chemical Inventory Reports]] for security reasons, but that Texans "can ask every facility whether they have chemicals or not".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.texastribune.org/2014/07/01/abbott-ask-chemical-plants-whats-inside/ |title=Abbott: Ask Chemical Plants What's Inside |last1=Root |first1=Jay |date=July 1, 2014 |work=The Texas Tribune |publisher=texastribune.org |access-date=July 1, 2014}}</ref> [[Koch Industries]] has denied that its contributions to Abbott's campaign had anything to do with his ruling against releasing the safety information.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/state-politics/20140703-koch-industries-says-gifts-abbotts-chemical-ruling-not-linked.ece |title=Koch Industries says gifts, Abbott's chemical ruling not linked |last1=Slater |first1=Wayne |date=July 3, 2014 |website=The Dallas Morning News |publisher=The Dallas Morning News Inc. |access-date=July 8, 2014}}</ref>

In March 2014, Abbott filed a motion to intervene on behalf of [[Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Plano]] in three federal lawsuits against the hospital, brought by patients who alleged that the hospital allowed [[Christopher Duntsch]] to perform [[neurosurgery]] despite knowing that he was a dangerous physician.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.texasmonthly.com/the-daily-post/greg-abbott-enters-fray-in-lawsuits-involving-sociopath-doctor/ |title=Greg Abbott Enters Fray in Lawsuits Involving "Sociopath" Doctor |author=Solomon, Dan |work=Texas Monthly |date=March 27, 2014 |access-date=November 5, 2018}}</ref> Abbott cited the Texas legislature's cap on malpractice cases and the statute's removal of the term "gross negligence" from the definition of legal malice as reasons for defending Baylor.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/news/plano/2014/03/25/abbott-sides-with-baylor-hospital-in-neurosurgeon-lawsuit |title=Abbott sides with Baylor hospital in neurosurgeon lawsuit |author=Swanson, Doug J. |work=The Dallas Morning News |date=March 2014 |access-date=November 5, 2018}}</ref>

In the late 2000s, Abbott established a unit in the attorney general's office to pursue voter-fraud prosecutions, using a $1.4 million federal grant; the unit prosecuted a few dozen cases, resulting "in small fines and little or no jail time".<ref name=Garrett>Robert T. Garrett, [https://www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/2021/02/03/texas-gov-greg-abbott-says-tighter-restrictions-on-mail-in-ballot-procedures-will-deter-voter-fraud/ Texas Gov. Greg Abbott says tighter restrictions on mail-in ballot procedures will deter voter fraud], ''Dallas Morning News'' (February 2, 2020).</ref> The office found no large-scale fraud that could change the outcome of any election.<ref name=Garrett/>

====Lawsuit against Sony BMG====
{{Main|Sony BMG CD copy protection scandal}}
In late 2005, Abbott sued [[Sony BMG]].<ref name="TechLawJ">{{cite news |date=November 20, 2005 |title=Texas Sues Sony BMG Alleging Violation of Texas Spyware Statute |url=http://www.techlawjournal.com/topstories/2005/20051121.asp |newspaper=Tech Law Journal |access-date=October 31, 2014}}</ref><ref name="TXAttyGenSonyPR">{{cite news |last=Texas Attorney General's Office |date=November 21, 2014 |title=Attorney General Abbott Brings First Enforcement Action In Nation Against Sony BMG For Spyware Violations |url=https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/oagnews/release.php?id=1266 |newspaper=State of Texas |location=Austin, Texas |access-date=October 31, 2014 |archive-date=January 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170101065444/https://texasattorneygeneral.gov/oagnews/release.php?id=1266 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Texas was the first state in the nation to bring legal action against Sony BMG for illegal [[spyware]].<ref name="TechLawJ"/><ref name="TXAttyGenSonyPR"/> The suit is also the first filed under the state's spyware law of 2005.<ref name="TechLawJ"/><ref name="TXAttyGenSonyPR"/> It alleges the company surreptitiously installed the spyware on millions of compact music discs (CDs) that consumers inserted into their computers when they played the CDs, which can compromise the systems.<ref name="TXAttyGenSonyPR"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oag.state.tx.us/oagnews/release.php?id=1266 |title=News &#124; Office of the Attorney General |access-date=October 14, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071120032233/http://www.oag.state.tx.us/oagnews/release.php?id=1266 |archive-date=November 20, 2007}}, oag.state.tx.us.</ref> On December 21, 2005, Abbott added new allegations to his lawsuit against Sony-BMG. He said the [[MediaMax]] copy protection technology violated Texas's spyware and deceptive trade practices laws.<ref name="TechLawJ"/><ref name="DallasBizJ12212005"/> Sony-BMG offered consumers a licensing agreement when they bought CDs and played them on their computers;<ref name="TechLawJ"/><ref name="DallasBizJ12212005"/> in the lawsuit, brought under the [[Internet Spyware Prevention Act|Consumer Protection Against Computer Spyware Act of 2005]] and other laws, Abbott alleged that even if consumers rejected that agreement, spyware was secretly installed on their computers, posing security risks for music buyers and deceiving Texas purchasers.<ref name="TechLawJ"/><ref name="DallasBizJ12212005">{{cite web|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/dallas/stories/2005/12/19/daily31.html |title=AG throws more allegations at Sony BMG |work=The Business Journals |date=December 21, 2005 |access-date=October 14, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/sanantonio/stories/2005/12/19/daily32.html |title= Attorney General ups the ante in lawsuit against Sony BMG|work=The Business Journals |date=December 22, 2005 |access-date=October 14, 2013}}</ref> Sony settled the Texas lawsuit, as well as a similar suit brought by California's attorney general, for $1.5 million.<ref>Robert McMillan, [https://www.networkworld.com/article/2302264/sony-pays--1-5m-to-settle-texas--ca-rootkit-suits.html Sony pays $1.5M to settle Texas, CA rootkit suits], IDG News Service (December 19, 2005).</ref>

====Separation of church and state====
{{Main|Van Orden v. Perry}}
In March 2005, Abbott delivered [[oral argument]] before the [[United States Supreme Court]] on behalf of Texas, defending a [[Ten Commandments Monument (Austin, Texas)|Ten Commandments monument on grounds of the Texas State Capitol]]. Thousands of similar monuments were donated to cities and towns across the nation by the [[Fraternal Order of Eagles]], who were inspired by the [[Cecil B. DeMille]] film ''[[The Ten Commandments (1956 film)|The Ten Commandments]]'' (1956) in following years.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/28/politics/28commandments.html|title=The Ten Commandments Reach the Supreme Court|work=[[The New York Times]]|access-date=February 10, 2010 |first=Linda |last=Greenhouse |date=February 28, 2005 |url-access=subscription}}</ref> In his deposition, Abbott said, "The Ten Commandments are a historically recognized system of law."<ref>{{cite news|last=Mears|first=Bill|url=http://www.cnn.com/2005/LAW/03/02/scotus.ten.commandments/|title=Supreme Court weighs Ten Commandments cases|work=CNN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050304011759/http://www.cnn.com/2005/LAW/03/02/scotus.ten.commandments/|archive-date=March 4, 2005|url-status=live}}</ref> The Supreme Court held in a 5–4 decision that the Texas display did not violate the [[First Amendment]]'s [[Establishment Clause]] and was constitutional.<ref>{{cite news|last=Curry|first=Tom|url=http://www.nbcnews.com/id/8378199/ns/politics-tom_curry/t/breyer-casts-decisive-vote-religious-displays/|title=Breyer Cast Decisive Vote on Religious Displays|work=NBC News|date=August 27, 2005|access-date=August 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150124041631/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/8378199/ns/politics-tom_curry/t/breyer-casts-decisive-vote-religious-displays/|archive-date=January 24, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> After Abbott's oral arguments in ''Van Orden v. Perry,'' [[Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States|Justice]] [[John Paul Stevens]] commented upon Abbott's performance while in a wheelchair, "I want to thank you [...] for demonstrating that it's not necessary to stand at the lectern in order to do a fine job."<ref name="WashPostReid10302014" />

====Firearms====
As attorney general, Abbott opposed gun control legislation. In 2013, he criticized [[NY SAFE Act|legislation enacted by New York State]] strengthening its gun regulation laws by expanding an [[Assault weapons legislation in the United States|assault weapons ban]] and creating a [[high-capacity magazine ban]]; he also said he would sue if Congress enacted a new gun-control bill.<ref>{{cite news |author1=Jim Forsyth |title=Y'all come to Texas, state official tells New York gun owners |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-guns-texas/yall-come-to-texas-state-official-tells-new-york-gun-owners-idUSBRE90G1DA20130117 |work=Reuters |date=January 17, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190112172032/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-guns-texas/yall-come-to-texas-state-official-tells-new-york-gun-owners-idUSBRE90G1DA20130117 |archive-date=January 12, 2019 |language=en-us |url-status=live}}</ref> After the law passed, Abbott's political campaign placed Internet ads to users with [[Albany, New York|Albany]] and [[Manhattan]] ZIP codes suggesting that New York gun owners should move to Texas. One ad read, "Is Gov. Cuomo looking to take your guns?", and the other read, "Wanted: Law abiding New York gun owners looking for lower taxes and greater opportunity." The ads linked to a letter on [[Facebook]] in which Abbott wrote that such a move would enable citizens "to keep more of what you earn and use some of that extra money to buy more ammo".<ref name="Fernandez">{{cite news|last=Fernandez|first=Manny|date=January 20, 2013|title=Texas Attorney General to New Yorkers: Come on Down, With Guns|work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/21/us/texas-attorney-general-invites-new-yorkers-to-bring-their-guns.html|access-date=August 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130121171318/https://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/21/us/texas-attorney-general-invites-new-yorkers-to-bring-their-guns.html|archive-date=January 21, 2013|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}}</ref>

In February 2014, Abbott argued against a lawsuit brought by the [[National Rifle Association of America]] (NRA) to allow more people access to [[Concealed carry in the United States|concealed carry of firearms]], as he felt this would disrupt public safety.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://tpr.org/post/supreme-court-wont-hear-nra-s-case-lowering-conceal-carry-age-limit |title=Supreme Court Won't Hear NRA's Case For Lowering Conceal-Carry Age Limit |last1=Poppe |first1=Ryan |date=February 26, 2014 |publisher=tpr.org |access-date=July 4, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714233954/http://tpr.org/post/supreme-court-wont-hear-nra-s-case-lowering-conceal-carry-age-limit |archive-date=July 14, 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref>

==== Tort reform ====
Abbott backed legislation in Texas to limit "punitive damages stemming from noneconomic losses" and "noneconomic damages in medical malpractice cases" at $750,000 and $250,000, respectively.<ref name=JayRoot2>{{cite news |url=https://www.texastribune.org/2013/08/04/candidate-faces-questions-turnabout-and-fair-play/ |title=Abbott Faces Questions on Settlement and His Advocacy of Tort Laws |first=Jay |last=Root |work=[[The Texas Tribune]] |date=August 4, 2013 |access-date=July 15, 2019}}</ref> While the settlement in his own paralysis case was a "nonmedical liability lawsuit", which remains uncapped, Abbott has faced criticism, generally from Democrats who oppose the Republican-backed lawsuit curbs, for "tilt[ing] the judicial scales toward civil defendants."<ref name=JayRoot2/>

====Support for ban on sex toys====
As attorney general, Abbott unsuccessfully defended Texas's ban on [[sex toy]]s.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.texasobserver.org/closer-look-greg-abbotts-arguments-sex-marriage-ban/|title=A Closer Look at Greg Abbott's Anti-Gay Marriage Arguments|date=July 30, 2014|website=The Texas Observer|language=en-US|access-date=June 8, 2019}}</ref> He said Texas had a legitimate interest in "discouraging prurient interests in [[Masturbation|autonomous sex]] and the pursuit of [[sexual gratification]] unrelated to procreation."<ref name=":0" />

====Opposition to same-sex marriage====
As attorney general, Abbott defended the [[Same-sex marriage in Texas|state's ban on same-sex marriage]] from a constitutional challenge.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jul/29/texas-same-sex-marriage-abbott-children-appeal|title=Texas attorney general: 'ban on same-sex marriage promotes childbirth'|agency=[[Associated Press]]|date=July 29, 2014|work=[[The Guardian]]|access-date=June 8, 2019 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> In 2014, he argued in court that Texas should be allowed to prohibit same-sex marriage because [[LGBT]] individuals cannot procreate. He said that as "same-sex relationships do not naturally produce children, recognizing same-sex marriage does not further these goals to the same extent that recognizing opposite-sex marriage does."<ref name=":0" /> He also argued that gay people are still free to marry, saying they are "as free to marry an opposite-sex spouse as anyone else".<ref name=":0" /> He suggested that same-sex marriage led to a [[slippery slope]] in which "any conduct that has been traditionally prohibited can become a constitutional right simply by redefining it at a higher level of abstraction."<ref name=":0" />

In 2016, Abbott urged the [[Supreme Court of Texas|Texas Supreme Court]] to limit the impact of the [[Supreme Court of the United States|U.S. Supreme Court]]'s ruling in [[Obergefell v. Hodges]], the 2015 case that held that the [[Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution|14th Amendment]] requires all states to recognize same-sex marriages and made same-sex couples eligible for state and federal benefits tied to marriage, including the right to be listed on a birth certificate and the right to adopt.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lindell |first=Chuck |title=Greg Abbott presses Texas Supreme Court to limit gay-marriage ruling |url=https://www.statesman.com/story/news/2016/10/28/greg-abbott-presses-texas-supreme-court-to-limit-gay-marriage-ruling/10097594007/ |access-date=2024-04-15 |website=Austin American-Statesman |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>''Obergefell v. Hodges'', 135 S. Ct. 2584 (2015).</ref>

====2006 election====
In the November 7, 2006, general election, Abbott was challenged by [[civil rights]] attorney David Van Os, who had been his Democratic opponent in the 1998 election for state Supreme Court. He was reelected to a second term with 60% to Van Os's 37%.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2007-11-07 |title=Race Summary Report - 2006 General Election |url=https://elections.sos.state.tx.us/elchist127_state.htm |access-date=2022-08-28 |website=Race Summary Report - 2006 General Election}}</ref>

====2010 election====
Abbott ran for a third term in 2010. He defeated the Democratic nominee, attorney [[Barbara Ann Radnofsky]], with 64% of the vote to her 34%.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2010-11-02 |title=Race Summary Report - 2010 General Election |url=https://elections.sos.state.tx.us/elchist154_state.htm |access-date=2022-08-28 |website=Texas Secretary of State}}</ref> He was the longest-serving Texas attorney general in Texas history.<ref name="TXTribRoot11042014">{{cite news |last=Root |first=Jay |date=November 4, 2014 |title=Greg Abbott Crushes Wendy Davis in GOP Sweep |url=http://www.texastribune.org/2014/11/04/abbott-crushes-wendy-davis-gop-sweep/ |work=[[The Texas Tribune]] |location=Austin, Texas |access-date=November 8, 2014}}</ref>

In July 2013, the ''[[Houston Chronicle]]'' alleged improper ties and oversight between many of Abbott's largest donors and the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, of which he was a director.<ref>{{cite news|first1=Todd|last1=Ackerman|first2=Eric|last2=Berger|url=http://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Abbott-s-role-at-cancer-agency-under-fire-4691334.php |title=Abbott's role at cancer agency under fire |newspaper=[[Houston Chronicle]] |date=July 29, 2013|access-date=July 27, 2013}}</ref>

==Gubernatorial elections==
===2014 election===
{{Main|2014 Texas gubernatorial election}}
[[File:2014 Texas gubernatorial election results map by county.svg|thumb|Final results by county in 2014{{collapsible list
| title = {{legend|#E27F7F|Greg Abbott}}|{{legend|#a80000|>90%}}|{{legend|#C21B18|80–90%}}|{{legend|#D72F30|70–80%}}|{{legend|#D75D5D|60–70%}}|{{legend|#E27F7F|50–60%}}|{{legend|#ffb2b2|40–50%}}
}}
{{collapsible list
| title = {{legend|#7996e2|[[Wendy Davis (politician)|Wendy Davis]]}}|||{{legend|#584cde|70–80%}}|{{legend|#6674de|60–70%}}|{{legend|#7996e2|50–60%}}|{{legend|#a5b0ff|40–50%}}
}}]]

In July 2013, shortly after Governor [[Rick Perry]] announced that he would not seek a fourth full term,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.texastribune.org/2013/07/08/rick-perrys-big-decision/ |title=Rick Perry Won't Run for Re-election |work=The Texas Tribune |date=July 8, 2013 |access-date=October 14, 2013}}</ref> Abbott announced his candidacy for [[governor of Texas]] in the [[Texas gubernatorial election, 2014|2014 election]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.star-telegram.com/2013/07/14/5000079/ag-abbott-set-to-formally-begin.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130714224947/http://www.star-telegram.com/2013/07/14/5000079/ag-abbott-set-to-formally-begin.html|title=Texas AG Abbott kicks off gubernatorial run  |archive-date=July 14, 2013 |access-date=July 14, 2013 }}</ref> In the first six months of 2011, he raised more money for his campaign than any other previous Texas politician, reaching $1.6 million. The next-highest fundraiser among state officeholders was [[Texas Comptroller|Texas comptroller]] [[Susan Combs]], with $611,700.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.texastribune.org/texas-politics/2014-statewide-elections/quiet-spot-top-ballot/ |title=Greg Abbott and the Quiet Spot at the Top |work=The Texas Tribune |date=August 12, 2011 |access-date=October 14, 2013}}</ref>

Abbott won the Republican primary on March 4, 2014, with 91.5% of the vote. He faced State Senator [[Wendy Davis (politician)|Wendy Davis]] in the general election.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://team1.sos.state.tx.us/enr/results/mar04_169_state.htm?x=0&y=3415&id=69|title=Republican primary election returns, March 4, 2014|publisher=team1.sos.state.tx.us|access-date=March 6, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140307051857/https://team1.sos.state.tx.us/enr/results/mar04_169_state.htm?x=0&y=3415&id=69|archive-date=March 7, 2014}}</ref>

Abbott promised to "tie outcomes to funding" for pre-K programs if elected,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.statesman.com/news/news/greg-abbott-promotes-improving-quality-of-prek-ove/nfPRY/ |title=Greg Abbott promotes improving quality of pre-K over expanding access, full-day classes |last1=Alexander |first1=Kate |date=March 31, 2014 |publisher=statesman.com |access-date=April 7, 2014}}</ref> but said he would not require government [[standardized testing]] for 4-year-olds, as Davis accused him of suggesting.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.texastribune.org/2014/04/08/abbott-camp-pre-k-plan-does-not-mean-more-tests/ |title=Abbott Campaign: Pre-K Plan Does Not Mean More Tests |last1=Smith |first1=Morgan |last2=Ura |first2=Alexa |date=April 8, 2014 |work=The Texas Tribune |access-date=April 14, 2014}}</ref> When defending his education plan, Abbott cited [[Charles Murray (political scientist)|Charles Murray]]: "Family background has the most decisive effect on student achievement, contributing to a large [[performance gap]] between children from economically disadvantaged families and those from middle class homes."<ref name="DallasMNHoppe04012014">{{cite web |url=http://trailblazersblog.dallasnews.com/2014/04/greg-abbotts-education-plan-cites-controversial-thinker-on-race-gender.html/ |title=Greg Abbott's education plan cites controversial thinker on race, gender |last1=Hoppe |first1=Christy |date=April 1, 2014 |work=The Dallas Morning News |access-date=April 8, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407055756/http://trailblazersblog.dallasnews.com/2014/04/greg-abbotts-education-plan-cites-controversial-thinker-on-race-gender.html/ |archive-date=April 7, 2014 }}</ref> A spokesman for Abbott's campaign pointed out that the biggest difference in spending was that Davis had proposed universal pre-K education while Abbott wanted to limit state funding to programs that meet certain standards.<ref name="DallasMNHoppe04012014"/> Davis's plan could reach $750 million in cost and Abbott said that her plan was a "budget buster", whereas his education plan would cost no more than $118 million.<ref name="DallasMNHoppe04012014"/> Overall, Abbott said the reforms he envisioned would "level the playing field for all students [and] target schools which don't have access to the best resources." He called for greater access to technology in the classroom and mathematics instruction for kindergarten pupils.<ref name=lmtstateissues>"Texas Gubernatorial Candidate: Greg Abbott speaks about state issues, ''[[Laredo Morning Times]]'', May 16, 2014, pp. 1, 14A</ref>

Abbott received $1.4 million in campaign contributions from recipients of the [[Texas Enterprise Fund]], some of whose members submitted the proper paperwork for grants.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://trailblazersblog.dallasnews.com/2014/09/greg-abbott-shielded-problem-plagued-business-fund-by-withholding-applications-that-didnt-event-exist.html/ |title=Greg Abbott shielded problem-plagued business fund by withholding applications that didn't even exist |last1=Slater |first1=Wayne |date=September 28, 2014 |website=The Dallas Morning News |publisher=The Dallas Morning News Inc. |access-date=September 30, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141003015244/http://trailblazersblog.dallasnews.com/2014/09/greg-abbott-shielded-problem-plagued-business-fund-by-withholding-applications-that-didnt-event-exist.html/ |archive-date=October 3, 2014 }}</ref> Elliot Nagin of the [[Union of Concerned Scientists]] observed that Abbott was the recipient of large support from the fossil fuels industries, such as [[NuStar Energy]], [[Koch Industries]], [[Valero Energy]], [[ExxonMobil]], [[Chevron Corporation|Chevron]], and [[ConocoPhillips]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/elliott-negin/after-the-deluge-texas-an_b_10367522.html |title=After the Deluge: Texas and France Split on Climate Science|first=Elliott|last=Negin|date=June 9, 2016 |website=huffingtonpost.com|access-date=February 18, 2018}}</ref> Abbott was endorsed by the ''[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]]'',<ref>{{cite news |department=Editorial Board |date=October 19, 2014 |title=For governor, Abbott holds promise |url=http://www.star-telegram.com/2014/10/18/6209780/for-governor-abbott-holds-promise.html|newspaper=Fort Worth Star-Telegram |access-date=October 20, 2014}}</ref> the ''Dallas Morning News'',<ref>{{cite news |date=October 16, 2014 |title=Editorial: We recommend Greg Abbott for Texas governor |newspaper=Dallas Morning News |location=[[Dallas]], Texas }}</ref> the ''[[Lubbock Avalanche-Journal]]''<ref>{{cite news|department=Editorial Board |date=October 18, 2014 |title=Our View: Attorney General Greg Abbott is the best gubernatorial candidate |url=http://lubbockonline.com/editorials/2014-10-18/our-view-attorney-general-greg-abbott-best-gubernatorial-candidate |newspaper=Lubbock Avalanche-Journal |location=Lubbock, Texas |access-date=October 19, 2014}}</ref> and the ''[[Tyler Morning Telegraph]]''.<ref>{{cite news |department=Editorial Board |date=October 18, 2014 |title=Greg Abbott ready to be our governor |newspaper=Tyler Morning Telegraph |location=Tyler, Texas}}</ref> He and [[Dan Patrick (politician)|Dan Patrick]], the Republican nominee for lieutenant governor, were endorsed by the [[NRA Political Victory Fund]] and given an "A" rating.<ref>{{cite web |title=NRA-PVF {{!}} Texas |url=https://www.nrapvf.org/grades/texas/ |publisher=NRA-PVF |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141104203832/https://www.nrapvf.org/grades/texas/ |archive-date=November 4, 2014 |language=en-us |url-status=usurped}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Reynolds|first=John|url=https://www.texastribune.org/2014/09/18/nra-endorses-abbott-patrick/|title=NRA Endorses Abbott, Patrick|work=The Texas Tribune|date=September 18, 2014|access-date=August 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180519053719/https://www.texastribune.org/2014/09/18/nra-endorses-abbott-patrick/|archive-date=May 19, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

Abbott defeated Davis by over 20 percentage points in the November general election.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Root|first1=Jay|title=Abbott Crushes Davis in GOP Sweep|url=https://www.texastribune.org/2014/11/04/abbott-crushes-wendy-davis-gop-sweep/|date=November 4, 2014|work=The Texas Tribune|access-date=April 21, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Hoppe|first1=Christy|title=Greg Abbott Tops Wendy Davis in Texas Governor's Race|url=https://www.dallasnews.com/news/local-politics/2014/11/05/greg-abbott-tops-wendy-davis-in-texas-governor-s-race|date=November 5, 2014|newspaper=[[The Dallas Morning News]]|access-date=April 21, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Herskovitz|first1=Jon|title=Republican Greg Abbott Wins Texas Governor's Race|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-elections-texas-governor/republican-greg-abbott-wins-texas-governors-race-idUSKBN0IP08J20141105|date=November 4, 2014|work=[[Reuters]]|access-date=April 21, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Root|first1=Jay|title=Wendy Davis Lost Badly. Here's How it Happened.|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2014/11/06/wendy-davis-lost-really-badly-heres-how-it-happened/|date=November 6, 2014|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|agency=The Texas Tribune|access-date=April 21, 2018}}</ref>

===2018 election===
{{Main|2018 Texas gubernatorial election}}
[[File:2018 Texas gubernatorial election results map by county.svg|thumb|Final results by county in 2018{{collapsible list
| title = {{legend|#E27F7F|Greg Abbott}}|{{legend|#a80000|>90%}}|{{legend|#C21B18|80–90%}}|{{legend|#D72F30|70–80%}}|{{legend|#D75D5D|60–70%}}|{{legend|#E27F7F|50–60%}}|{{legend|#ffb2b2|40–50%}}
}}
{{collapsible list
| title = {{legend|#7996e2|[[Lupe Valdez]]}}|||{{legend|#584cde|70–80%}}|{{legend|#6674de|60–70%}}|{{legend|#7996e2|50–60%}}|{{legend|#a5b0ff|40–50%}}
}}]]

In January 2017, Abbott was reportedly raising funds for a 2018 reelection bid as governor; {{as of|2016|December|lc=y}}, he had $34.4 million on hand for his campaign, of which he had raised $9 million during the second half of 2016.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Svitek|first1=Patrick|title=Greg Abbott Builds Big War Chest Ahead of 2018|url=https://www.texastribune.org/2017/01/12/abbott-builds-big-war-chest-2018-campaign/|date=January 12, 2017|work=The Texas Tribune|access-date=January 23, 2017}}</ref><ref name="WarChest"/> [[Lieutenant Governor of Texas|Lieutenant Governor]] [[Dan Patrick (politician)|Dan Patrick]] had been mentioned as a potential challenger, but confirmed that he would run for reelection as lieutenant governor.<ref name="WarChest">Peggy Fikac, "Abbott adds $9 million to campaign war chest", ''[[San Antonio Express-News]]'', January 13, 2017, p. A4</ref> During the weekend of January 21, 2017, Abbott said that he intended to run for reelection.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Whitely|first1=Jason|title=Abbott to Run for Re-Election, Explains Position on Bathroom Bill|url=http://www.wfaa.com/mb/news/local/abbott-to-run-for-re-election-explains-position-on-bathroom-bill/389732380|date=January 22, 2017|publisher=[[WFAA]]|access-date=January 23, 2017|archive-date=February 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202041609/http://www.wfaa.com/mb/news/local/abbott-to-run-for-re-election-explains-position-on-bathroom-bill/389732380|url-status=dead}}</ref> He confirmed this on March 28, 2017.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Jeffers|first1=Gromer Jr.|title=Gov. Greg Abbott Remains Coy About 'Bathroom Bill,' Says He'll Run for Re-Election|url=http://www.dallasnews.com/news/texas-legislature/2017/03/28/texas-gov-greg-abbott-says-will-100-percent-run-re-election|date=March 28, 2017|newspaper=[[The Dallas Morning News]]|access-date=March 28, 2017}}</ref>

Abbott formally announced his reelection campaign on July 14, 2017.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Root|first1=Jay|title=With No Opposition in Sight, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott Formally Launches 2018 Re-Election Bid|url=https://www.texastribune.org/2017/07/14/gov-greg-abbott-announce-re-election/|date=July 14, 2017|work=The Texas Tribune|access-date=July 30, 2017}}</ref><ref>Peggy Fikac, "Abbott to seek second term: Governor says in S.A. he's ready to fight liberals," ''[[San Antonio Express-News]],'' July 15, 2017, pp 1, A2.</ref> This came four days before the start of a special legislative session that could split the Republican Party into factions favoring Abbott and Patrick on one hand and [[Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives|House speaker]] [[Joe Straus]] on the other. Straus represented the [[Rockefeller Republican|Moderate Republican]] faction, which opposes much of the social conservative agenda Abbott and Patrick pursued.

In the November 6 general election, Abbott defeated Democratic nominee [[Lupe Valdez]] with about 56% of the vote,<ref>{{cite news|last1=Zdun|first1=Matt|last2=Collier|first2=Kiah|title=Gov. Greg Abbott clinches second term as GOP wins closest statewide races in 20 years|url=https://www.texastribune.org/2018/11/06/greg-abbott-lupe-valdez-dan-patrick-justin-nelson-texas-midterm-2018/|date=November 6, 2018|work=The Texas Tribune|access-date=November 7, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Samuels|first1=Brett|title=Texas governor Greg Abbott wins reelection|url=https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/414274-texas-governor-wins-re-election/|date=November 6, 2018|newspaper=[[The Hill (newspaper)|The Hill]]|access-date=November 7, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Garrett|first1=Robert T.|title=For Gov. Greg Abbott, a victory, though not the towering one he'd hoped for over Lupe Valdez|url=https://www.dallasnews.com/news/2018-elections/2018/11/06/gov-greg-abbott-victory-though-not-towering-one-hoped|date=November 6, 2018|newspaper=[[The Dallas Morning News]]|access-date=November 7, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Weber|first1=Paul J.|title=No surprise here: Greg Abbott easily defeats Lupe Valdez, re-elected as Texas governor|url=https://www.star-telegram.com/news/politics-government/election/article221239310.html|date=November 6, 2018|publisher=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] (from the [[Associated Press]])|access-date=November 7, 2018}}</ref> having outraised her 18 to 1.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Sanchez|first1=Carlos|title=Greg Abbott Wins a Second Term as Governor|url=https://www.texasmonthly.com/politics/greg-abbott-defeats-lupe-valdez-texas-governor-race/|work=Texas Monthly|access-date=November 16, 2018|date=November 6, 2018}}</ref> He received 42% of the Hispanic and 16% of the African American vote.<ref>{{cite news|last=Manuel|first=Obed|date=April 29, 2019|title=More Texas Latinos voted in 2018, but so did everyone else, census data shows|url=https://www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/2019/04/29/yes-texas-latinos-voted-2018-everyone-else-census-data-shows|work=[[Dallas Morning News]]|location=[[Dallas, Texas]]|access-date=April 29, 2019|quote='In spite of the Democrats increasing their election turnout, we were able to grow our turnout as well, and do so enough that for the 12th election in a row, every single statewide office was retained by Republicans,' [[James Dickey (Texas politician)|James Dickey]] said. He added that Latino voters, 42 percent of whom voted for Abbott, will continue playing a key role for the Texas GOP.}}</ref>

===2022 election===
{{Main|2022 Texas gubernatorial election}}
[[File:2022 Texas gubernatorial election results map by county.svg|thumb|Final results by county in 2022{{collapsible list
| title = {{legend|#E27F7F|Greg Abbott}}|{{legend|#a80000|>90%}}|{{legend|#C21B18|80–90%}}|{{legend|#D72F30|70–80%}}|{{legend|#D75D5D|60–70%}}|{{legend|#E27F7F|50–60%}}|{{legend|#ffb2b2|40–50%}}
}}
{{collapsible list
| title = {{legend|#7996e2|[[Beto O'Rourke]]}}|||{{legend|#584cde|70–80%}}|{{legend|#6674de|60–70%}}|{{legend|#7996e2|50–60%}}
}}]]

Abbott ran for a third term and faced challengers from within his own party,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Tilove|first=Jonathan|date=June 14, 2019|title=Tilove: Abbott says Biden will fade and Trump will win Texas|url=https://www.statesman.com/news/20190614/tilove-abbott-says-biden-will-fade-and-trump-will-win-texas|access-date=February 25, 2021|website=[[Austin American-Statesman]]|quote=He said he plans to run for a third term in 2022.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Svitek|first=Patrick|date=2021-05-10|title=Republican former state Sen. Don Huffines launches primary challenge to Gov. Greg Abbott|url=https://www.texastribune.org/2021/05/10/don-huffines-texas-greg-abbott/|access-date=2021-07-17|website=The Texas Tribune|language=en}}</ref> including former Texas Republican Party chair [[Allen West (politician)|Allen West]] and [[Don Huffines]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Svitek |first1=Patrick |title=Greg Abbott, Beto O'Rourke easily win gubernatorial primaries, setting up November race |url=https://www.texastribune.org/2022/03/01/texas-governor-greg-abbott-election/ |website=The Texas Tribune |access-date=21 September 2022 |language=en |date=2 March 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Svitek|first=Patrick|date=2021-07-04|title=Allen West announces he is running against Gov. Greg Abbott in Republican primary|url=https://www.texastribune.org/2021/07/04/allen-west-greg-abbott-texas-governor-election/|access-date=2021-07-17|website=The Texas Tribune|language=en}}</ref> On March 1, he won the [[2022 Texas gubernatorial election|primary]] with over 66% of the vote. He was challenged by the Democratic nominee, former U.S. Representative [[Beto O'Rourke]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Svitek|first=Partick|date=November 15, 2021|title=Beto O'Rourke says he's running for Texas governor|url=https://www.texastribune.org/2021/11/15/beto-orourke-texas-governor-2022/|access-date=2022-01-06|website=The Texas Tribune|language=en}}</ref> Abbott began with a large campaign funding advantage over his opponents, but was outraised by O'Rourke, who raised $81.6 million to Abbott's $78.5 million.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Svitek|first=Patrick|date=2021-07-08|title=Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has colossal $55 million war chest for 2022 reelection bid|url=https://www.texastribune.org/2021/07/08/texas-greg-abbott-fundraising-2022/|access-date=2021-07-17|website=The Texas Tribune|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lau |first=Carla Astudillo, Caroline Covington and Eric |date=2022-07-20 |title=Greg Abbott and Beto O'Rourke broke fundraising records in their race for Texas governor. Here's how much. |url=https://www.texastribune.org/2022/07/19/abbott-beto-fundraising-governor-2022/ |access-date=2023-03-06 |website=The Texas Tribune |language=en}}</ref>

Abbott defeated O'Rourke, 54% to 43%, becoming the fifth Texas governor to serve three terms, after [[Allan Shivers]], [[Price Daniel]], [[John Connally]] and [[Rick Perry]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 9, 2022 |title=2022 US Governor Election Results: Live Map |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Elections/2022-us-governor-election-results-live-map/ |access-date=2022-11-09 |website=ABC News |language=en}}</ref> He won 68% of Anglos, 18% of African Americans, and 42% of Latinos.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.foxnews.com/elections/2022/midterm-results/voter-analysis?2022&state=TX | title=Fox News Voter Analysis | website=[[Fox News]] }}</ref>

===2026 election===
{{Main|2026 Texas gubernatorial election}}

In a January 2023 ''[[Austin American Statesman]]'' article, advisers close to Abbott were quoted as saying that he had not ruled out running for a fourth term in 2026. Serving a full fourth term would make Abbott the longest-serving governor in state history, surpassing Perry's 14 years.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.statesman.com/story/news/politics/state/2023/01/26/texas-legislature-dan-patrick-will-seek-reelection-supports-donald-trump/69840519007/ | title=Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick will seek fourth term as conservative priorities take shape in Senate }}</ref>

On March 1, 2024, Abbott announced his candidacy for reelection to a fourth term.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.texastribune.org/2024/02/29/greg-abbott-donald-trump-vice-president/ |title=Donald Trump says Greg Abbott is "absolutely" on vice president short list |date=March 1, 2024 |access-date=March 9, 2024 |publisher=The Texas Tribune |last=Watkins |first=Matthew}}</ref>

==Tenure as governor (2015–present)==
[[File:Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas (26279225765).jpg|thumb|250px|Abbott speaking at the 2016 [[World Travel and Tourism Council]] conference]]
Abbott was sworn in as governor of Texas on January 20, 2015, succeeding [[Rick Perry]].<ref>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 January 24, 2015.</ref><ref>Whitely, Jason (January 20, 2015).  [http://www.wfaa.com/story/news/politics/2015/01/20/texas-inaugurates-new-governor-abbott/22037001/ "Abbott, Patrick Sworn in as new Texas Leaders"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150124170425/http://www.wfaa.com/story/news/politics/2015/01/20/texas-inaugurates-new-governor-abbott/22037001/ |date=January 24, 2015 }}. WFAA.com. Retrieved January 24, 2015.</ref> He is the first governor of Texas and the third elected governor of a [[U.S. state]] to use a wheelchair, after [[Franklin D. Roosevelt]] of [[New York (state)|New York]] (1929–1932) and [[George Wallace]] of [[Alabama]] (1963–1967, 1971–1979; 1983–1987).<ref name="USAToday">{{cite news|date=November 5, 2014|title=Greg Abbott's election in Texas opens possibilities for disabled|newspaper=[[USA Today]]|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/onpolitics/2014/11/05/greg-abbott-disability-governor-wheelchair/81224030/|access-date=June 28, 2020}}</ref><ref name="RooseveltWallace">{{cite news|date=September 24, 2016|title=Greg Abbott and the new politics of disability|newspaper=[[Austin American-Statesman]]|url=https://www.statesman.com/NEWS/20160924/Greg-Abbott-and-the-new-politics-of-disability|access-date=June 28, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Root |first1=Jay |title=Abbott Crushes Davis in GOP Sweep |url=https://www.texastribune.org/2014/11/04/abbott-crushes-wendy-davis-gop-sweep/ |website=The Texas Tribune |access-date=13 September 2021 |language=en |date=5 November 2014}}</ref>

Abbott held his first meeting as governor with a foreign prime minister when he met with the [[Irish Taoiseach]] [[Enda Kenny]] on March 15, 2015, to discuss trade and economic relations.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/15/abbott-discusses-trade-irish-prime-minister/|title=Abbott Discusses Trade With Irish Prime Minister|work=[[Texas Tribune]]|access-date=March 16, 2015}}</ref>

During the 2015 legislative session, initiated by officials at the [[Texas Health and Human Services Commission]], the Texas legislature placed a rider to cut $150 million from its budget by ending payments and coverage for various developmental therapies for children on [[Medicaid]]. A lawsuit was filed against the state on behalf of affected families and therapy providers, claiming the cut could cause irreparable damage to the affected children's development.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/26/texas-start-over-cuts-childrens-therapy/ |title=Texas to Move Forward With Cuts to Children's Therapy |work=The Texas Tribune |date=August 26, 2016 |access-date=January 2, 2016}}</ref> The litigation obtained a temporary injunction order on September 25, 2015, barring THHSC from implementing therapy rate cuts.<ref>{{cite web|title = Citing 'irreparable injury' to kids, judge blocks deep...|url = http://www.mystatesman.com/news/news/state-regional-govt-politics/citing-irreparable-injury-to-children-judge-blocks/nnnyd/|publisher = mystatesman.com|access-date = December 14, 2015}}</ref>

During [[First presidency of Donald Trump|Donald Trump's first presidency]], Abbott ardently supported Trump.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Texas Republicans finalize bill that would enact stiff new voting restrictions and make it easier to overturn election results|language=en-US|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/texas-voting-restrictions/2021/05/29/86923248-be25-11eb-9c90-731aff7d9a0d_story.html|access-date=May 29, 2021|issn=0190-8286}}</ref> The [[First presidency of Donald Trump|Trump administration]] appointed several former Abbott appointees to federal courts, which some media outlets attributed to Abbott's influence on the administration.<ref>{{cite news | last1=Platoff | first1=Emma | title="A Friendly Vote on the Court": How Greg Abbott's Former Employees Could Help Texas from the Federal Bench | url=https://www.texastribune.org/2018/04/03/greg-abbott-andrew-oldham-fifth-circuit-judicial-appointees/ | date=April 3, 2018 | work=[[The Texas Tribune]] | access-date=May 17, 2018}}</ref> In 2021, Trump endorsed Abbott for reelection, choosing him over several Republican primary rivals who also positioned themselves as pro-Trump.<ref>Patrick Svitek, [https://www.texastribune.org/2021/06/01/texas-greg-abbott-donald-trump/ Donald Trump endorses Gov. Greg Abbott for reelection], ''Texas Tribune'' (June 1, 2021).</ref>

Abbott's book ''Broken But Unbowed'' (2016) recounted Abbott's personal story and views on politics.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Abbott|first1=Greg|title=Broken But Unbowed|date=2016|publisher=Threshold Editions|isbn=978-1-5011-4489-9}}</ref>

In October 2016, explosive packages were mailed to Abbott, President Obama, and the Commissioner of the Social Security Administration. Abbott's package did not explode when he opened it because "he did not open [the package] as intended".<ref>{{cite web|last1=Helmore|first1=Edward|title=Would-be Obama assassin identified by cat hairs, authorities say|url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/nov/24/barack-obama-explosive-package-cat-hairs|website=theguardian.com|date=November 24, 2017 |access-date=November 25, 2017}}</ref>

On June 6, 2017, Abbott called for a special legislative session in order to pass several of his legislative priorities,<ref>{{cite web | last1=Grinberg | first1=Emanuella | title=Texas Special Legislative Session: What's on the Agenda | url=http://www.cnn.com/2017/06/06/politics/texas-special-legislative-session/index.html | date=June 6, 2017 | publisher=[[CNN]] | access-date=June 7, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Greg Abbott: Texas Governor Revives 'Bathroom Bill' for Special Session | url=https://www.foxnews.com/politics/greg-abbott-texas-governor-revives-bathroom-bill-for-special-session | date=June 6, 2017 | publisher=[[Fox News]] (from the [[Associated Press]]) | access-date=June 7, 2017}}</ref> an agenda supported by Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick.<ref>{{cite news | last1=Svitek | first1=Patrick | title=Gov. Abbott Calls Special Session on Bathrooms, Abortion, School Finance | url=https://www.texastribune.org/2017/06/06/abbott-special-session-announcement/ | date=June 6, 2017 | work=[[The Texas Tribune]] | access-date=June 7, 2017}}</ref> Abbott vetoed 50 bills in the regular 2017 session, the most in a session since 2007.<ref>{{cite news | last1=McGaughy | first1=Lauren | title=Gov. Greg Abbott Vetoes 50 Bills, the Most Killed by a Texas Governor in a Decade | url=https://www.dallasnews.com/news/texas-legislature/2017/06/15/gov-greg-abbott-vetoes-50-bills-killed-texas-governor-decade | date=June 15, 2017 | newspaper=[[The Dallas Morning News]] | access-date=June 25, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last1=Svitek | first1=Patrick | title=Abbott Vetoes 50 Bills Passed by Legislature | url=https://www.texastribune.org/2017/06/15/gov-greg-abbott-vetoes-50-bills-passed-texas-legislature/ | date=June 15, 2017 | work=[[The Texas Tribune]] | access-date=June 25, 2017}}</ref>

Abbott appointed multiple judges to various judgeships, including several GOP-affiliated judges who had recently lost local judicial elections.<ref>{{cite web | last1=Vertuno | first1=Jim | title=Abbott fills courts with GOP judges voters rejected | url=https://www.statesman.com/news/20190310/abbott-fills-courts-with-gop-judges-voters-rejected | date=March 10, 2019 | work=[[Austin American-Statesman]] | access-date=October 24, 2021}}</ref>

After the regular 2021 session, ''[[The New York Times]]'' called Abbott and Patrick "the driving force behind one of the hardest right turns in recent state history".<ref>{{cite web | last1=Epstein | first1=Reid J. | title=In Texas, Top Two Republicans Steer Ship of State Hard to the Right | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/17/us/politics/texas-republicans-agenda.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211228/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/17/us/politics/texas-republicans-agenda.html |archive-date=2021-12-28 |url-access=limited | date=July 17, 2021 | work=[[The New York Times]] | access-date=July 31, 2021}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Other sources said Abbott and other state officials advanced strongly conservative policies.<ref>{{cite web | last1=Ax | first1=Joseph | last2=Harte | first2=Julia | title=Texas governor moves state sharply to the right ahead of 2022 election | url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/texas-governor-moves-state-sharply-right-ahead-2022-election-2021-10-13/ | date=October 13, 2021 | work=[[Reuters]] | access-date=October 24, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last1=Martinez | first1=Marissa | title=Texas politics takes over American politics | url=https://www.politico.com/news/2021/09/28/texas-republicans-national-conservative-agenda-514432 | date=September 28, 2021 | work=[[Politico]] | access-date=October 24, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last1=Wallace | first1=Jeremy | title=In 2021, Texas politics took a sharp right turn | url=https://www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/texas/article/In-2021-Texas-politics-took-a-sharp-right-turn-16742456.php | date=January 2, 2022 | work=[[Houston Chronicle]] | access-date=January 2, 2022}}</ref> By his 2022 reelection campaign, Abbott more prominently emphasized "[[culture war]]" issues.<ref name="Wallace 2022 n697">{{cite web | last=Wallace | first=Jeremy | title=How Gov. Abbott transformed into a culture warrior as he seeks his third term | website=Houston Chronicle | date=October 13, 2022 | url=https://www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/texas/article/greg-abbott-texas-governor-conservative-warrior-17499581.php | access-date=January 16, 2024}}</ref> He had been compared to Florida Governor [[Ron DeSantis]] in promoting conservative policies.<ref>{{cite web | last=Mooney | first=Michael | title=How Ron DeSantis has outshined Greg Abbott | website=Axios | date=June 8, 2023 | url=https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2023/06/08/ron-desantis-greg-abbott-texas-florida | access-date=January 16, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last1=Svitek | first1=Patrick | last2=Barragán | first2=James | title=As 2024 nears, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis looms large over Gov. Greg Abbott in Texas | website=The Texas Tribune | date=February 28, 2023 | url=https://www.texastribune.org/2023/02/28/greg-abbott-ron-desantis-texas-2024/ | access-date=January 16, 2024}}</ref>

According to a report by ''[[The Texas Tribune]]'' and [[ProPublica]], Abbott centralized power under the governor's office during his tenure.<ref>{{cite web | last1=Trevizo | first1=Perla | last2=Thompson | first2=Marilyn W. | title=Greg Abbott ran as a small-government conservative. But the governor's office now has more power than ever. | website=The Texas Tribune | date=October 25, 2022 | url=https://www.texastribune.org/2022/10/25/greg-abbott-texas-governor/ | access-date=January 16, 2024}}</ref>

=== Abortion ===

In November 2016, the State of Texas, at Abbott's request, approved new rules that require facilities that perform abortions either to bury or cremate the aborted, rather than dispose of the remains in a [[sanitary landfill]].<ref name="Burial">{{cite news | last1=Stack | first1=Liam | title=Texas Will Require Burial of Aborted Fetuses | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/30/us/texas-burial-aborted-fetuses.html | date=November 30, 2016 | newspaper=[[The New York Times]] | access-date=December 1, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last1=Perchick | first1=Michael | title=New Texas Provisions Require Burial or Cremation of Aborted Fetuses | url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2016/12/01/new-texas-provisions-require-burial-cremation-aborted-fetuses/94721914/ | date=December 1, 2016 | newspaper=[[USA Today]] |agency=[[KVUE (Texas)|KVUE]] | access-date=December 1, 2016}}</ref> The rules were intended to go into effect on December 19,<ref name="Burial"/> but on December 15 a federal judge blocked them from going into effect for at least one month after the [[Center for Reproductive Rights]] and other advocacy groups filed a lawsuit.<ref>{{cite web | title=Judge Blocks Texas Rules Requiring Burial of Fetal Remains | url=https://www.foxnews.com/politics/judge-blocks-texas-rules-requiring-burial-of-fetal-remains | date=December 15, 2016 | website=[[Fox News]] | access-date=December 17, 2016}}</ref> On January 27, 2017, a federal judge ruled against the law, but the State of Texas vowed to appeal the ruling.<ref>{{cite news | last1=Evans | first1=Marissa | title=Federal Court Blocks Texas Fetal Remains Burial Rule | url=https://www.texastribune.org/2017/01/27/fetal-remains-ruling/ | date=January 27, 2017 | work=[[The Texas Tribune]] | access-date=February 2, 2017}}</ref>

On June 6, 2017, Abbott signed a bill into law banning dismemberment and [[Intact dilation and extraction|partial-birth]] abortions and requiring either burial or cremation of the aborted.<ref>{{cite news | last1=Mekelburg | first1=Madlin | title=Sweeping Anti-Abortion Bill Heads to Gov. Greg Abbott's Desk | url=https://www.dallasnews.com/news/texas-legislature/2017/05/26/sweeping-anti-abortion-bill-heads-gov-greg-abbotts-desk | date=May 26, 2017 | newspaper=[[The Dallas Morning News]] | access-date=June 7, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last1=Grasso | first1=Samantha | title=Texas Bans Common Abortion Procedure, Requires Fetal Remains Burial with New Law | url=https://www.dailydot.com/irl/texas-abortion-law-fetal-burial-sb8/ | date=June 7, 2017 | work=[[The Daily Dot]] | access-date=June 7, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last1=Gryboski | first1=Michael | title=Texas Governor Signs Abortion Dismemberment Ban Into Law | url=http://www.christianpost.com/news/texas-governor-signs-abortion-dismemberment-ban-law-186867/ | date=June 7, 2017 | newspaper=[[The Christian Post]] | access-date=June 7, 2017}}</ref> That law was also blocked by a federal judge; the state said it would appeal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dallasobserver.com/news/texas-judges-blocks-texas-anti-abortion-fetal-burial-law-10312418|title=Federal Judge Blocks Texas' Controversial Fetal Burial Requirement|first=Stephen|last=Young|date=January 30, 2018|website=[[The Dallas Observer]]|access-date=February 18, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-texas-abortion/judge-halts-texas-law-requiring-burial-or-cremation-of-fetal-tissue-idUSKBN1FI2PM|title=Judge halts Texas law requiring burial or cremation of fetal tissue|date=January 29, 2018|access-date=February 18, 2018|work=[[Reuters]]}}</ref>

On May 18, 2021, Abbott signed the [[Texas Heartbeat Act]], a [[six-week abortion ban]], into law.<ref>{{Cite news|date=May 19, 2021|title=Abortion: Texas governor signs restrictive new law|work=[[BBC News]]|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-57177224|access-date=June 3, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Mekelburg|first=Madlin|title=Gov. Greg Abbott signs 'fetal heartbeat' bill banning most abortions in Texas|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2021/05/19/abbott-heartbeat-ban-abortion-law-signed/5165003001/|access-date=May 19, 2021|website=USA Today}}</ref> In September 2021, he signed into law a bill preventing women from mail-ordering abortion medication seven weeks into pregnancy.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Schreiber|first=Melody|date=September 22, 2021|title=New Texas law bans abortion-inducing drugs after seven weeks pregnancy|url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/sep/22/texas-abortion-inducing-drugs-law-greg-abbott|access-date=October 18, 2021|website=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref>

=== Convention of States proposal ===
[[File:Hurricane Harvey Response (36806293711).jpg|thumb|right|250px|Governor Abbott with President [[Donald Trump]] during [[Hurricane Harvey]] emergency]]

In 2016, Abbott spoke to the [[Texas Public Policy Foundation]], calling for a [[Convention of States]] to amend the [[United States Constitution|U.S. Constitution]]. In his speech, he proposed [[the Texas Plan]], a series of nine new [[Amendments to the Constitution of the United States|amendments]] to "unravel the federal government's decades-long power grab "to impose fiscal restraints on the federal government and limit the federal government's power and jurisdiction." The plan would limit the power of the federal government and expand [[states' rights]], allowing the states to [[Nullification (U.S. Constitution)|nullify]] federal law under some circumstances.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Grissom|first1=Brandi|title=Texas Gov. Greg Abbott calls for Convention of States to take back states' rights|journal=Dallas News|date=January 8, 2016|url=http://www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/2016/01/08/gov-greg-abbott-calls-for-constitutional-convention-to-take-back-states-rights}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last1=Walters | first1=Edgar | title=Abbott Calls on States to Amend U.S. Constitution | url=https://www.texastribune.org/2016/01/08/abbott-calls-states-amend-us-constitution/ | date=January 8, 2016 | work=[[The Texas Tribune]] | access-date=February 10, 2016}}</ref>

On January 8, 2016, Abbott called for a national [[Convention to propose amendments to the United States Constitution|constitutional convention]] to address what he saw as abuses by justices of the [[United States Supreme Court]] in "abandoning the Constitution."<ref>{{cite news | title=Texas Gov. Abbott Calls for Convention on Constitution, Proposes Amendments | url=http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2016/01/09/texas-gov-abbott-calls-for-constitutional-convention-proposes-constitution-amendments.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109080642/http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2016/01/09/texas-gov-abbott-calls-for-constitutional-convention-proposes-constitution-amendments.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=January 9, 2016 | date=January 9, 2016 | publisher=[[Fox News Channel|Fox News]] | access-date=February 10, 2016}}</ref> Speaking to the Texas Public Policy Foundation, Abbott said, "We the people have to take the lead to restore the rule of law in the United States."<ref>Peggy Fikac, "Governor seeks to crimp high court: Abbott wants constitutional convention," ''[[San Antonio Express-News]]'', January 10, 2016, pp. A3, A4</ref> Abbott elaborated on his proposal in a public seminar at the [[Hoover Institute]] on May 17, 2016.<ref>{{cite web|author1=Robinson, Peter|author-link1=Peter Robinson (speechwriter)|title=The Texas Plan With Governor Greg Abbott|url=http://www.hoover.org/research/texas-plan-governor-greg-abbott|website=[[Uncommon Knowledge]]|publisher=[[Hoover Institution]]|access-date=March 13, 2017|date=May 17, 2016}}</ref>

=== Criminal justice ===
In the wake of the [[George Floyd protests]], Abbott called on candidates in the 2020 elections to "back the blue."<ref name=":8">{{Cite web|last=McCullough|first=Jolie|date=September 9, 2020|title=Gov. Greg Abbott calls on all Texas candidates to sign pledge against police budget cuts|url=https://www.texastribune.org/2020/09/09/greg-abbott-texas-police-funding/|access-date=May 12, 2021|website=The Texas Tribune|language=en}}</ref> In response to actions by some Texas cities to redirect funding from police to social services and emergency response, he threatened that the state of Texas would seize control of the local police departments.<ref>{{Cite web|last=McCullough|first=Jolie|date=September 3, 2020|title=Gov. Greg Abbott considering legislation to put Austin police under state control after budget cut|url=https://www.texastribune.org/2020/09/03/texas-greg-abbott-austin-police/|access-date=May 12, 2021|website=The Texas Tribune|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":8" /> In 2021, Abbott spearheaded legislative efforts to financially penalize cities in Texas that reduce spending on police.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Garnham|first=Jolie McCullough and Juan Pablo|date=May 6, 2021|title=Texas' larger cities would face financial penalties for cutting police budgets under bill approved by House|url=https://www.texastribune.org/2021/05/06/texas-police-budget-cuts-legislature/|access-date=May 12, 2021|website=The Texas Tribune|language=en}}</ref>

In 2021, Abbott vetoed a bipartisan criminal justice bill that would have made people convicted of certain crimes before the age of 18 eligible for early parole and created panels to consider inmates' age and mental status at the time of their crimes when evaluating parole eligibility.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web|last=Eltohamy|first=Heidi Pérez-Moreno and Farah|date=June 21, 2021|title=Gov. Greg Abbott vetoes criminal justice bills, legislation to protect dogs, teach kids about domestic violence|url=https://www.texastribune.org/2021/06/21/texas-greg-abbott-veto/|access-date=June 22, 2021|website=The Texas Tribune|language=en}}</ref> He also vetoed an animal protection bill that would have made it illegal to chain up dogs without giving them access to drinkable water and shade or shelter.<ref name=":9" />

In May 2024, Abbott granted a full pardon to former Army Sergeant [[Daniel Perry]] after the [[Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles]], whose members were all appointed by Abbott, unanimously recommended a pardon.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Texas governor pardons former Army sergeant convicted of killing Air Force veteran during protest |url=https://www.stripes.com/theaters/us/2024-05-16/army-air-force-veteran-protest-texas-pardon-killing-13879661.html |access-date=2024-05-18 |website=Stars and Stripes |language=en}}</ref> Perry was sentenced to 25 years in prison in 2023 after he was convicted of murdering Air Force veteran [[Garrett Foster]] during a [[Black Lives Matter]] protest. In 2023, Abbott said he would work swiftly for a pardon after a jury convicted Perry of murder.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hutchinson |first=Bill |title=Soldier who killed BLM protester called 'evil' as he is sentenced to 25 years |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/soldier-sentenced-25-years-prison-blm-protester-killing/story?id=99194239 |access-date=2024-05-18 |website=ABC News |language=en}}</ref>

=== Firearms ===
In 2015, Abbott signed the ''[[Campus carry in the United States|campus carry]]'' (SB 11) and the ''[[Open carry in the United States|open carry]]'' (HB 910) bills into law.<ref name="OpenAndCampus">{{cite web |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=June 16, 2015 |access-date=January 2, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160106185158/http://www.kvue.com/story/news/state/2015/06/12/gov-abbott-open-carry-campus-carry/71160338/ |archive-date=January 6, 2016 }}</ref> The ''campus carry'' law came into effect later that year, allowing licensed carry of a concealed handgun on public college campuses, with private colleges able to opt out.<ref name="OpenAndCampus"/><ref name="Open">{{cite news|url=http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/13/abbott-signs-open-carry-bill/ |title=At Shooting Range, Abbott Signs "Open Carry" Bill |work=The Texas Tribune |date=June 13, 2015 |access-date=January 2, 2016}}</ref> The ''open carry'' bill went into effect in 2016, allowing licensed open carry of a handgun in public areas and private businesses unless they display a "30.07" sign, referring to state penal code 30.07, which states that a handgun may not be carried openly even by a licensed gun carrier. To do so is considered trespassing.<ref name="OpenAndCampus"/><ref name="Open"/><ref>{{cite news|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]]|date=December 31, 2015 |access-date=January 2, 2016|last1=Fernandez |first1=Manny |last2=Montgomery |first2=David }}</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=June 8, 2015 |access-date=January 2, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160104162856/http://abc13.com/news/texas-becomes-45th-state-to-pass-open-carry-law/1143146/ |archive-date=January 4, 2016 }}</ref> In 2017, Abbott signed into law a bill lowering handgun carry license fees.<ref>{{cite news | last1=Samuels | first1=Alex | title=Texas Governor Jokes About Shooting Reporters After Signing Gun Bill | url=https://www.texastribune.org/2017/05/26/texas-gov-greg-abbott-signs-measure-reduce-handgun-license-fee/ | date=May 26, 2017 | work=[[The Texas Tribune]] | access-date=May 28, 2017}}</ref> In 2021, he signed into law a bill that allowed Texans to [[Constitutional carry|carry guns without a license]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Siders|first=David|title='Tip of the spear': Texas governor leads revolt against Biden|url=https://www.politico.com/news/2021/06/21/texas-abbott-immigration-biden-resistance-495172|access-date=June 22, 2021|website=POLITICO|date=June 21, 2021 |language=en}}</ref>

In an interview with [[Fox News]] following the November 5, 2017, [[Sutherland Springs church shooting]], Abbott urged historical reflection and the consideration that evil had been present in earlier "horrific events" during the Nazi era, the Middle Ages and biblical times.<ref>{{cite news|last=Bowden|first=John|url=https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/359133-texas-governor-says-church-shooting-should-be-put-in-context-of/|title=Texas governor says church shooting should be put in context of Nazism, other horrific events|work=The Hill|date=November 7, 2017|access-date=August 4, 2019}}</ref> The [[Anti-Defamation League]] called his comparison of the shooting "to the victims of the Holocaust" "deeply offensive" and "insensitive".<ref>{{cite news|last=Feldman|first=Ari|url=https://forward.com/fast-forward/387253/adl-slams-texas-gov-for-saying-mass-shooting-not-as-bad-as-hitler/|title=ADL Slams Texas Gov For Saying Mass Shooting Not As Bad As Hitler|work=Forward|date=November 9, 2017|access-date=August 4, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Ward|first=Mike|url=https://www.chron.com/news/politics/texas/article/ADL-criticizes-Abbott-over-Hitler-remark-12342714.php|title=Anti-Defamation League criticizes Abbott over 'Hitler' remark|work=Houston Chronicle|date=November 9, 2017|access-date=August 4, 2019}}</ref>

After the [[2018 Santa Fe High School shooting]], Abbott said that he would consult across Texas in an attempt to prevent [[School shooting|gun violence in schools]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/388426-texas-gov-calls-for-action-after-shooting-we-need-to-do-more-than-just/|title=Texas gov calls for action after shooting: 'We need to do more than just pray'|first=Max|last=Greenwood|work=The Hill |date=May 18, 2018|access-date=May 19, 2018}}</ref> A series of round-table discussions followed at the state capitol.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Montgomery|first1=Dave |last2=Fernandez|first2=Manny|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/22/us/texas-shooting-abbott-roundtable.html|title=Texas Governor Gathers Leaders to Talk Gun Violence: 'What Are We Going to Do to Prevent This?'|work=The New York Times|date=May 22, 2018|access-date=August 4, 2019}}</ref> In a speech at an NRA convention in Dallas almost two weeks after the shooting, Abbott said, "The problem is not guns, it's hearts without God".<ref>{{cite news|last=Oppel|first=Richard A. Jr|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/30/us/texas-guns-schools-abbott.html|title=Texas Governor's School Safety Plan: More Armed Guards, No Big Gun Controls|work=The New York Times|date=May 30, 2018|access-date=August 4, 2019}}</ref> In June 2019, he signed a bill allowing for more armed teachers, with school districts unrestricted as to the number they allow.<ref name="Vertuno">{{cite news|last=Vertuno|first=Jim|url=https://www.apnews.com/6adbebfa9a74407783258855cf551239|title=Texas governor signs bill allowing more armed teachers|work=Associated Press|date=June 6, 2019|access-date=August 4, 2019}}</ref> The creation of "threat assessment teams", included in the bill, is intended to identify potentially violent students.<ref>{{cite news|last=McArdle|first=Mairead|url=https://www.nationalreview.com/news/texas-governor-signs-bill-allowing-more-armed-teachers/|title=Texas Governor Signs Bill Allowing More Armed Teachers|work=National Review|date=June 6, 2019|access-date=August 4, 2019}}</ref> Although the state legislature passed measures for students services to deal with related mental health issues, proposals to adopt a [[red flag law]] failed. Abbott said such a law was "not necessary in the state of Texas."<ref name="Vertuno" />

In August 2019, a gunman who had written a racist manifesto [[2019 El Paso shooting|killed 22 people]] in a mass shooting at a Wal-Mart in El Paso, saying he had targeted "Mexicans".<ref name=SamuelsSpecialSession>Alex Samuels, [https://www.texastribune.org/2019/08/15/greg-abbott-el-paso-shooting-town-hall/ Gov. Greg Abbott lays out response to El Paso shooting but won't commit to special session], ''Texas Tribune'' (August 15, 2019).</ref> After the shooting, Abbott convened a domestic terrorism task force to look into domestic extremism, but reiterated his opposition to a red-flag law and rejected calls to convene a [[special session]] of the state legislature to address gun violence.<ref name=SamuelsSpecialSession/>

In June 2021, Abbott signed into law a permitless carry bill allowing Texans to carry handguns without a license or training beginning in September 2021.<ref>{{cite news |title=Texans can carry handguns without a license or training starting Sept. 1, after Gov. Greg Abbott signs permitless carry bill into law |url=https://www.texastribune.org/2021/06/16/texas-constitutional-carry-greg-abbott/ |access-date=March 24, 2022 |work=Texas Tribune}}</ref>

On May 24, 2022, Abbott said that an 18-year-old carrying a handgun and possibly a rifle (later identified as a [[Daniel Defense]] DDM4, an [[AR-15 style rifle]])<ref name="NPR AR15 2022">{{cite web | title=Where AR-15-style rifles fit in America's tragic history of mass shootings | website=NPR.org | date=2022-05-26 | url=https://www.npr.org/2022/05/26/1101274322/uvalde-ar-15-style-rifle-history-shooter-mass-shooting | access-date=2022-05-30}}</ref> [[Robb Elementary School shooting|killed 19 students and 2 teachers]] at the Robb Elementary School in [[Uvalde, Texas|Uvalde]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Texas school shooting: Gunman walked in 'with handgun, possibly a rifle'; Biden was aboard Air Force One when rampage happened |url=https://news.sky.com/story/gunman-entered-school-with-handgun-possibly-a-rifle-texas-shooting-latest-12620823 |access-date=May 25, 2022 |work=Sky News}}</ref> On May 25, Abbott held a news conference to give further information on the shooting. Abbott said that mental health in the community was the root cause of the event. [[Beto O'Rourke]], who was running for the Democratic nomination for governor in 2022, approached the stage and said, "The time to stop the next shooting is right now and you are doing nothing." Abbott responded that it was a time for "healing and hope" for the victim's families, not "our agendas."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hooper |first1=Kelly |title='You are doing nothing': O'Rourke accosts Abbott at press conference on shooting |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2022/05/25/beto-orourke-challenges-abbott-on-gun-violence-at-uvalde-press-conference-00035149 |website=Politico |date=May 25, 2022 |access-date=May 26, 2022}}</ref> Rather than attend the annual NRA meeting on May 27, Abbott published a YouTube message. He said that gun laws have not been effective, noting that the shooter broke two gun laws the day he committed the multiple murders. It is a felony to possess a gun on school property, and "what he did on campus is [[capital murder]]. That's a crime that would have subjected him to the [[Capital punishment in Texas|death penalty in Texas]]".<ref name="Fox 26 Houston">{{cite web |title=Gov. Greg Abbott delivers remarks at 2022 NRA Convention in Houston |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rs59bd43lMM |website=Fox 26 Youtube | date=May 27, 2022 |access-date=May 30, 2022}}</ref>

=== Jade Helm 15 ===
{{See also|Jade Helm 15 conspiracy theories}}
In April 2015, Abbott asked the [[Texas State Guard|State Guard]] to monitor the military training exercise ''[[Jade Helm 15]]'', amid Internet-fueled suspicions that the war simulation was really a hostile military takeover.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/texas-republican-decries-pandering-idiots|title=Texas Republican decries 'pandering to idiots'|date=May 2015 |publisher=MSNBC}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2015/04/30/greg-abbott-tells-texas-national-guard-to-monitor-us-military-exercises|title=Greg Abbott Tells Texas National Guard to Monitor U.S. Military Exercises |work=U.S. News & World Report}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/blogs/itsallpolitics/2015/05/02/403865824/texas-governor-deploys-national-guard-to-stave-off-obama-takeover|title=Texas Governor Deploys State Guard To Stave Off Obama Takeover|date=May 2, 2015|publisher=NPR}}</ref><ref name="dallasnews.com">{{cite web|url=http://trailblazersblog.dallasnews.com/2015/04/former-gop-lawmaker-blisters-abbott-for-pandering-to-idiots-over-military-exercises.html/|title=Former GOP lawmaker blisters Abbott for 'pandering to idiots' over military exercises|work=Trail Blazers Blog|access-date=February 3, 2017|archive-date=August 25, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160825110742/http://trailblazersblog.dallasnews.com/2015/04/former-gop-lawmaker-blisters-abbott-for-pandering-to-idiots-over-military-exercises.html/|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2018, former director of the [[CIA]] and NSA [[Michael Hayden (general)|Michael Hayden]] said that Russian intelligence organizations had propagated the conspiracy theory and that Abbott's response convinced them of the power such a misinformation campaign could have in the United States.<ref>{{cite web |last2=Samuels|first2=Alex|first1=Cassandra |last1=Pollock |title=Hysteria over Jade Helm exercise in Texas was fueled by Russians, former CIA director says |url=https://www.texastribune.org/2018/05/03/hysteria-over-jade-helm-exercise-texas-was-fueled-russians-former-cia-/|work=The Texas Tribune |date=May 3, 2018 |access-date=May 8, 2019}}</ref>

=== Religion ===
In 2015, Abbott signed the Pastor Protection Act, which allows members of the clergy to refuse to marry same-sex couples if they feel doing so violates their beliefs.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Crampton|first1=Liz|title=Abbott Signs "Pastor Protection Act" Into Law|url=https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/11/gov-abbott-signs-pastor-protection-act/|date=June 11, 2015|work=The Texas Tribune|access-date=September 29, 2016}}</ref>

In 2017, Abbott signed into law Senate Bill 24, preventing state or local governments from subpoenaing pastors' sermons.<ref name="SvitekSubpoenas">{{cite news|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|work=[[The Texas Tribune]]|access-date=May 22, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Abbott Signs Bill Preventing Government From Subpoenaing Sermons|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/dfw/news/abbott-signs-bill-preventing-government-subpoenaing-sermons/|date=May 21, 2017|publisher=CBS DFW|access-date=May 22, 2017}}</ref> The bill was inspired by an anti-discrimination ordinance in [[Houston]], where five pastors' sermons were subpoenaed.<ref name="SvitekSubpoenas"/>

Also in 2017, Abbott signed House Bill 3859, which allows faith-based groups working with the Texas child welfare system to deny services "under circumstances that conflict with the provider's sincerely held religious beliefs." Democrats and civil rights advocates said the adoption bill could allow such groups to discriminate against those who practice a different religion or who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender, and LGBT rights groups said they would challenge the bill in court.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Evans|first1=Marissa|title=Abbott OKs Religious Refusal of Adoptions in Texas|url=https://www.texastribune.org/2017/06/15/abbott-signs-religious-protections-child-welfare-agencies/|date=June 15, 2017|work=[[The Texas Tribune]]|access-date=June 25, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Herskovitz|first1=Jon|title=Texas governor approves adoption bill that critics contend discriminates|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-texas-adoption-lgbt-idUSKBN19631H|date=June 15, 2017|work=[[Reuters]]|access-date=June 25, 2017}}</ref> In response, California added Texas to a list of states to which it banned official government travel.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Watkins|first1=Matthew|title=Citing Religious Refusal of Adoption Rule, California Bans State Travel to Texas|url=https://www.texastribune.org/2017/06/22/citing-religious-refusal-adoption-rule-california-bans-state-travel-te/|date=June 22, 2017|work=[[The Texas Tribune]]|access-date=June 25, 2017}}</ref>

In 2025, Abbott signed [[Texas Senate Bill 10]], which requires all public schools to display the [[Ten Commandments]] in their classrooms. A federal court blocked a [[House Bill 71|similar law]] in [[Louisiana]] the previous day.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Vertuno |first1=Jim |title=New Texas law will require Ten Commandments to be posted in every public school classroom |url=https://apnews.com/article/texas-ten-commandments-law-3f1ea84acd67a028ad9b7c01c3c2368c |website=The Associated Press |access-date=June 21, 2025 |date=June 21, 2025}}</ref>

=== Immigration and border security ===
{{See also|Operation Lone Star|Standoff at Eagle Pass}}
[[File:Secretary Kelly In Texas Pool Photos (31808970414).jpg|thumb|Abbott and Secretary of Homeland Security [[John F. Kelly]] in a helicopter touring the [[Mexico–United States border]] in 2017.]]

In June 2015, Abbott signed a bill bolstering Texas's border security operations, including hiring additional state police, expanding the use of technology, and creating intelligence operations units.<ref>{{cite web | last=Aguilar | first=Julián | title=Abbott Signs Sweeping Border Security Bill | website=The Texas Tribune | date=June 9, 2015 | url=https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/09/abbott-signs-sweeping-border-security-bill/ | access-date=January 16, 2024}}</ref> In November 2015, he announced that Texas would refuse [[Refugees of the Syrian Civil War|Syrian refugees]] following the [[November 2015 Paris attacks|Paris terrorist attack]] earlier that month. In December 2015, Abbott ordered the [[Texas Health and Human Services Commission]] to sue the federal government and the [[International Rescue Committee]] to block refugee settlement, but a federal district court struck the lawsuit down.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/news/archive/2016/06/texas-syrian-refugee-lawsuit/487424/ |title=Texas Loses Its Syrian Refugee Lawsuit |author=Ford, Matt |work=The Atlantic |date=June 16, 2016 |access-date=January 14, 2020}}</ref>

In February 2017, Abbott blocked funding to [[Travis County, Texas]], due to its recently implemented [[sanctuary city]] policy.<ref>{{cite web|title=Texas Gov. Abbott Cuts Funding to Austin Over Sanctuary City Policies|url=https://www.foxnews.com/politics/texas-gov-abbott-cuts-funding-to-austin-over-sanctuary-city-policies|date=February 2, 2017|publisher=[[Fox News]]|access-date=February 2, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Svitek|first1=Patrick|title=In "Sanctuary" Fight, Abbott Cuts Off Funding to Travis County|url=https://www.texastribune.org/2017/02/01/sanctuary-fight-abbott-cuts-funding-travis-county/|date=February 2, 2017|work=[[The Texas Tribune]]|access-date=February 2, 2017}}</ref> In May 2017, he signed into law [[Texas Senate Bill 4]], targeting sanctuary cities by charging county or city officials who refuse to work with federal officials and allowing police officers to check the immigration status of those they detain.<ref>{{cite web|title=Texas Governor Signs Bill Targeting Sanctuary Cities|url=https://www.foxnews.com/politics/texas-governor-signs-bill-targeting-sanctuary-cities|date=May 7, 2017|publisher=[[Fox News]]|access-date=May 7, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Carter|first1=Brandon|title=Texas Governor Signs Law Banning Sanctuary Cities|url=https://thehill.com/latino/332317-texas-governor-signs-law-banning-sanctuary-cities/|date=May 7, 2017|newspaper=[[The Hill (newspaper)|The Hill]]|access-date=May 7, 2017}}</ref>

In January 2020, Abbott made Texas the first state to decline refugee resettlement under a new rule implemented by the Trump administration.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2020/01/10/texas-gov-greg-abbott-wont-accept-refugees/4436175002/|title=Gov. Greg Abbott says Texas won't accept refugees in 2020|last=Cobler|first=Nicole|website=USA TODAY|language=en-US|access-date=January 10, 2020}}</ref> In a joint statement, all sixteen [[List of Catholic bishops of Texas|Catholic bishops of Texas]] condemned the move.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/13/us/catholic-bishops-texas-abbott-refugees/index.html |title=Every Catholic Bishop in Texas is Slamming Gov. Abbott's decision to bar refugees |author=Burke, Daniel |work=CNN |date=January 13, 2020 |access-date=January 14, 2020}}</ref>

In 2021, Abbott said that illegal immigrants were invading homes.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Barragán|first=Heidi Pérez-Moreno and James|date=June 17, 2021|title=Critics denounce Greg Abbott and Dan Patrick's "invasion" rhetoric on immigration, saying it will incite violence|url=https://www.texastribune.org/2021/06/17/greg-abbott-dan-patrick-el-paso-invasion-immigration/|access-date=June 24, 2021|website=The Texas Tribune|language=en}}</ref> In March 2021, he tweeted, "The Biden Administration is recklessly releasing hundreds of illegal immigrants who have COVID into Texas communities." [[PolitiFact]] rated Abbott's claim "Mostly False", since those being released were [[asylum seeker]]s with a legal right to remain in the U.S., and the number was well below "hundreds", only 108, at the time of the tweet.<ref>{{Cite web|date=March 11, 2021|title=PolitiFact - Abbott exaggerates COVID-19 concerns about migrants entering US|url=https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2021/mar/11/greg-abbott/abbott-exaggerates-covid-19-concerns-among-migrant/|access-date=March 17, 2021|website=[[PolitiFact]]|language=en-US}}</ref>

In June 2021, Abbott ordered Texas child-care regulators to take the licenses of child-care facilities that housed [[Unaccompanied minor|unaccompanied migrant minors]]. He said that housing unaccompanied minors in child-care facilities had a negative impact on facilities housing Texan children in foster care.<ref>{{Cite web|date=June 2, 2021|title=Gov. Greg Abbott orders Texas child-care regulators to yank licenses of facilities housing immigrant kids|url=https://www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/2021/06/01/gov-greg-abbott-orders-texas-child-care-regulators-to-yank-licenses-of-facilities-housing-immigrant-kids/|access-date=June 2, 2021|website=Dallas News|language=en}}</ref> Later that month, he announced plans to build a [[Mexico–United States barrier|border wall with Mexico]], saying that the state would provide $250 million and that direct donations from the public would be solicited.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Guzman|first=Joseph|date=June 17, 2021|title=Texas governor unveils $250M for 'hundreds of miles' of new border wall|url=https://thehill.com/changing-america/sustainability/infrastructure/559010-texas-governor-unveils-250-million-for/|access-date=June 26, 2021|website=The Hill|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Choi|first=Joseph|date=June 15, 2021|title=Abbott says he'll solicit public donations for border wall|url=https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/558547-abbott-says-hell-solicit-public-donations-for-border-wall/|access-date=June 26, 2021|website=The Hill|language=en}}</ref>

In July 2021, Abbott advised state law enforcement officers to begin arresting illegal migrants for trespassing.<ref>{{cite web | last1=Findell | first1=Elizabeth | title=Texas Arrests Migrants Crossing the U.S. Border for Trespassing | url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/texas-arrests-migrants-at-u-s-border-but-some-counties-arent-on-board-11626946201 | date=July 22, 2021 | work=[[The Wall Street Journal]] | access-date=July 24, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last1=Jenkins | first1=Cameron | title=Texas begins arresting migrants for trespassing | url=https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/564551-texas-begins-arresting-migrants-for-trespassing/ | date=July 23, 2021 | work=[[The Hill (newspaper)|The Hill]] | access-date=July 24, 2021}}</ref> On July 27, 2021, he ordered the National Guard to begin helping arrest migrants,<ref>{{cite web | last1=Jenkins | first1=Cameron | title=Texas governor orders National Guard to arrest migrants | url=https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/565134-texas-governor-orders-national-guard-to-arrest-migrants/ | date=July 28, 2021 | work=[[The Hill (newspaper)|The Hill]] | access-date=July 31, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last1=Barragán | first1=James | title=Gov. Greg Abbott orders Texas National Guard to help with migrant arrests at the border | url=https://www.texastribune.org/2021/07/27/greg-abbott-texas-national-guard-migrants/ | date=July 27, 2021 | work=[[The Texas Tribune]] | access-date=July 31, 2021}}</ref> and the next day he signed an order to restrict the ground transportation of migrants.<ref>{{cite web | last1=Castronuovo | first1=Celine | title=Texas governor restricts transportation of migrants who 'pose a risk of carrying COVID-19' into communities | url=https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/565412-texas-governor-restricts-transportation-of-migrants-who-pose-a-risk-of/ | date=July 29, 2021 | work=[[The Hill (newspaper)|The Hill]] | access-date=July 31, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last1=Sheehey | first1=Maeve | title=Abbott aims to restrict immigrant travel through Texas, citing rising Covid-19 infections | url=https://www.politico.com/news/2021/07/28/abbott-immigrant-travel-501378 | date=July 28, 2021 | work=[[Politico]] | access-date=July 31, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last1=Dima | first1=Jake | title=Texas Gov. Abbott clamps down on migrant transports to stop COVID-19 spread in communities | url=https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/texas-governor-abbott-clamps-down-migrant-transports-covid-spread | date=July 28, 2021 | work=[[Washington Examiner]] | access-date=July 31, 2021}}</ref> Migrants arrested under Abbott's policy were imprisoned for weeks without legal help or formal charges.<ref>{{Cite web|last=McCullough|first=Jolie|date=2021-09-27|title=Migrants arrested by Texas in border crackdown are being imprisoned for weeks without legal help or formal charges|url=https://www.texastribune.org/2021/09/27/texas-border-migrants-jail/|access-date=2021-09-29|website=The Texas Tribune|language=en}}</ref> By December 2023, nearly 10,000 migrants had been arrested on trespassing charges.<ref>{{cite web | last=Coronado | first=Acacia | title=Texas has arrested thousands on trespassing charges at the border. Illegal crossings are still high | website=AP News | date=December 28, 2023 | url=https://apnews.com/article/texas-immigration-law-border-b0100138a88a0d034ae8e68787ef41b7 | access-date=January 16, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last=Richard | first=Lawrence | title=Texas authorities arrest thousands at the US-Mexico border as state takes border security into its own hands | publisher=Fox News | date=December 28, 2023 | url=https://www.foxnews.com/us/texas-arrested-thousands-us-mexico-border-state-expands-powers-arrest-migrants | access-date=January 16, 2024}}</ref>

In September 2021, Abbott signed legislation spending nearly $2 billion on Texas's border security operations, including $750 million for border wall construction.<ref name="Barragán2021">{{cite web | last=Barragán | first=James | title=Bill tripling Texas' border security budget and allocating $750 million to wall construction becomes law | website=The Texas Tribune | date=September 17, 2021 | url=https://www.texastribune.org/2021/09/17/texas-border-wall-security-budget-abbott/ | access-date=January 16, 2024}}</ref> This was a significant increase, and supplemented $1 billion already appropriated for border security in the two-year state budget.<ref name="Barragán2021"/><ref>{{cite web | last=Mekelburg | first=Madlin | title=Texas budget includes $1.1 billion for border security | website=Austin American-Statesman | date=May 29, 2021 | url=https://www.statesman.com/story/news/politics/state/2021/05/29/texas-budget-includes-1-billion-border-security/5244683001/ | access-date=January 16, 2024}}</ref> In December 2021, Abbott announced that Texas would continue the [[Mexico–United States border wall|U.S. Border Wall]] started by Donald Trump.<ref name=Wall>{{cite web |url=https://www.foxnews.com/us/texas-gov-abbott-border-wall-sovereignty-state |title=Texas Gov. Abbott shows completed section of state-made border wall, pledges to protect state's sovereignty |last=Aitken |first=Peter |date=December 18, 2021 |publisher=Fox News}}</ref> The wall has the same design as Trump's and is under construction.

In April 2022, Abbott announced in a press conference a plan to direct the Texas Division of Emergency Management to bus illegal immigrants with 900 charter buses from Texas to Washington D.C,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bidgood |first=Jess |title=The Governor Who Helped Trump Get Elected |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/18/us/politics/trump-migrants-abbott-texas.html |website=[[The New York Times]] |date=November 18, 2024 |quote=J. David Goodman, Keith Collins, Edgar Sandoval and Jeremy White — documented how the buses Abbott deployed from April 2022 to June of this year sent thousands of migrants from Texas to a number of cities: more than 40,000 to New York, 33,700 to Chicago and 17,500 to Denver.}}</ref> citing the potential surge of immigrants who would cross the border after [[Title 42 expulsion|Title 42]] provisions regarding communicable disease were set to be rolled back by President Biden the next month.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Governor Abbott threatens to bus migrants from Texas to US Capitol |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/dfw/news/governor-abbott-threatens-to-bus-migrants-from-texas-to-us-capitol/ |access-date=2022-04-14 |website=www.cbsnews.com |date=April 7, 2022 |language=en-US}}</ref> Any mayor, county judge, or city could request buses for immigrants who had been released from federal custody.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Amir Vera and Amy Simonson |title=Texas to send buses of undocumented immigrants to US capital if they're willing to go, Gov. Greg Abbott says |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/04/06/us/texas-immigrants-charter-buses-dc/index.html |access-date=2022-04-14 |website=CNN|date=April 7, 2022 }}</ref> After initial criticism, Abbott clarified that the trip would be voluntary for immigrants.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Moritz |first=John |title=Policy to bus migrants to Washington is voluntary, but Gov. Abbott did not initially make that clear |url=https://www.elpasotimes.com/story/news/immigration/2022/04/07/gov-abbott-plan-bus-migrants-washington-flawed/9501255002/ |access-date=2022-04-14 |website=El Paso Times |language=en-US}}</ref> Later in April the first bus, carrying 24 immigrants, arrived in Washington D.C after a 30-hour trip.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Arelis Hernandez |first=Maria Sachetti |date=13 April 2022 |title=First busload of migrants from Texas arrives in D.C. |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2022/04/13/dc-texas-migrant-bus/ |access-date=14 April 2022}}</ref> A second bus arrived the next day.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bernal |first=Rafael |date=2022-04-14 |title=Second bus drops off migrants near Capitol |url=https://thehill.com/latino/3267525-second-bus-drops-off-migrants-near-capitol/ |access-date=2022-04-14 |website=The Hill |language=en-US}}</ref> Abbott came under fire for both buses, with one [[American Enterprise Institute]] scholar suggesting he be federally prosecuted for human trafficking. Senator [[Ted Cruz]] supported Abbott's actions and advocated that more immigrants be bused into other predominantly Democratic areas.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-04-13 |title=Greg Abbott faces fire for busing migrants to DC: 'This is kidnapping' |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/greg-abbott-busing-migrants-kidnapping-b2057540.html |access-date=2022-04-14 |website=The Independent |language=en}}</ref> In a press conference, White House press secretary [[Jen Psaki]] said it was "nice" that Texas was "helping them get to their final destination as they await the outcome of their immigration proceedings".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-04-13 |title=Psaki: It's 'Nice' of Texas to Send Busloads of Illegal Immigrants to D.C. |url=https://www.nationalreview.com/news/psaki-its-nice-of-texas-to-send-busloads-of-illegal-immigrants-to-d-c/ |access-date=2022-04-14 |website=National Review |language=en-US}}</ref> Washington D.C. mayor [[Muriel Bowser]] responded to the influx of migrants from Texas by requesting [[District of Columbia National Guard|National Guard]] support for what she termed a "migrant crisis".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-08-04 |title=G.O.P. Governors Cause Havoc by Busing Migrants to East Coast |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/04/us/migrants-buses-washington-texas.html |access-date=2022-08-26 |website=The New York Times |language=en}}</ref>

On September 15, 2022, Abbott sent two buses with 101 mostly Venezuelan migrants detained after crossing the [[Mexico–United States border|U.S. border with Mexico]] to the residence of Vice President [[Kamala Harris]], at the [[United States Naval Observatory|Naval Observatory]] in [[Washington, D.C.]]<ref name="Segraves Swalec 2022 d089">{{cite web | last1=Segraves | first1=Mark | last2=Swalec | first2=Andrea | title=Busloads of Migrants Dropped Off Near Vice President's DC Home | website=NBC4 Washington | date=September 15, 2022 | url=https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/busloads-of-migrants-dropped-off-near-vice-presidents-dc-home/3157950/ | access-date=January 16, 2024}}</ref> On September 17, Abbott sent another bus with 50 migrants to Harris's residence.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-09-17 |title=Texas envía otro bus con migrantes venezolanos a la residencia de Kamala Harris |url=https://efectococuyo.com/venezuela-migrante/texas-envia-otro-bus-con-migrantes-venezolanos-a-la-residencia-de-kamala-harris/ |access-date=2022-09-27 |website=[[EFE]] |publisher=[[Efecto Cocuyo]] |language=es}}</ref>

In June 2023, Abbott deployed floating barriers in the Rio Grande in an effort to deter illegal border crossings.<ref>{{cite web | last1=Despart | first1=Zach | last2=Svitek | first2=Patrick | title=Texas to deploy buoys to deter Rio Grande crossings, Abbott announces | website=The Texas Tribune | date=June 8, 2023 | url=https://www.texastribune.org/2023/06/08/rio-grande-buoys-greg-abbott/ | access-date=January 16, 2024}}</ref> The U.S. Justice Department sued Abbott and the state of Texas after Abbott refused to remove the barriers.<ref>{{cite web | last=Bach | first=Noah Alcala | title=U.S. sues Texas after Gov. Greg Abbott declines to remove floating border barrier | website=The Texas Tribune | date=July 24, 2023 | url=https://www.texastribune.org/2023/07/24/texas-border-rio-grande-floating-barrier-greg-abbott-lawsuit/ | access-date=January 16, 2024}}</ref>

In December 2023, Abbott signed three border-security-related bills into law, including a bill making illegal immigration a state crime.<ref>{{cite web | last=García | first=Uriel J. | title=Gov. Greg Abbott signs bill making illegal immigration a state crime | website=The Texas Tribune | date=December 18, 2023 | url=https://www.texastribune.org/2023/12/18/texas-governor-abbott-bills-border-wall-illegal-entry-crime-sb3-sb4/ | access-date=January 16, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last1=Gonzalez | first1=Valerie | last2=Weber | first2=Paul J. | title=Texas governor signs bill that lets police arrest migrants who enter the US illegally | website=AP News | date=December 18, 2023 | url=https://apnews.com/article/immigration-texas-border-8c86bc6c20a7c30d6127b2413b8688fc | access-date=January 16, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last1=Hesson | first1=Ted | title=Texas to arrest migrants crossing border illegally under new state law | url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/texas-arrest-migrants-crossing-border-illegally-under-new-state-law-2023-12-18/ | date=December 18, 2023 | work=Reuters | access-date=January 16, 2024}}</ref>

=== Border inspections ===
In early April 2022, Abbott announced that Texas would increase inspections of commercial trucks entering from Mexico with the goal of seizing illegal drugs and illegal migrants.<ref>{{cite news |date=April 7, 2022 |title=Texas Governor orders 'enhanced' commercial vehicle inspections at border, admits traffic will 'dramatically slow' |work=CDL Life |url=https://cdllife.com/2022/texas-governor-orders-enhanced-commercial-vehicle-inspections-at-border-admits-traffic-will-dramatically-slow/ |access-date=13 April 2022}}</ref> Shortly thereafter, the inspections caused a multi-mile backup of commercial vehicles carrying produce, auto parts, household goods and many other items. A spokesman for the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas said that up to 80% of perishable fruits and vegetables had been unable to cross and in some cases were in danger of spoiling. The president of the Texas Trucking Association said the delays were affecting every kind of trucking and being felt across the country.<ref>{{cite news |last=Reiley |first=Laura |date=April 13, 2022 |title=White House, truckers blast Tex. as inspections snarl Mexico traffic |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2022/04/13/texas-truck-abbott-mexico/ |access-date=13 April 2022}}</ref> Mexican truckers blockaded several bridges in protest.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Diaz |first1=Lizbeth |last2=Hesson |first2=Ted |date=April 12, 2022 |title=Trucker protests expand at U.S.-Mexico border over lengthy wait times |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trucker-protests-expand-us-mexico-border-over-lengthy-wait-times-2022-04-12/ |access-date=13 April 2022}}</ref> Under heavy pressure from Texas business owners, who strongly criticized the "secondary inspections", Abbott canceled the policy on April 15. He said the reversal was because the governors of adjacent Mexican states had agreed to exercise stronger vigilance against human trafficking, drugs, and guns.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2022/04/15/texas-truck-greg-abbott-mexico/|title=Texas Gov. Abbott reverses course on truck inspections at Mexico border|last=Reiley|first=Laura|date=April 15, 2022|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=17 April 2022}}</ref>

Abbott's truck inspections ultimately cost Texas an estimated $4.2 billion and led to no apprehensions of drugs or illegal migrants.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Garcia |first=Ariana |date=2022-04-22 |title=Gov. Greg Abbott truck inspections turned up zero drugs, migrants but cost Texas $4.2 billion |url=https://www.lmtonline.com/politics/article/Border-inspections-law-Abbott-policy-migrants-cost-17119380.php |access-date=2022-04-23 |website=Laredo Morning Times |language=en-US |archive-date=April 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220423194749/https://www.lmtonline.com/politics/article/Border-inspections-law-Abbott-policy-migrants-cost-17119380.php |url-status=dead }}</ref>

=== Environment ===
[[File:The Union Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan in a meeting with the Governor of the State of Texas, USA, Mr. Greg Abbott, in New Delhi on March 28, 2018.jpg|thumb|[[Dharmendra Pradhan]], India's union minister for petroleum and natural gas and skill development and entrepreneurship in a meeting with Abbott in 2018.]]
{{as of|2018}}, Abbott rejects the [[scientific consensus on climate change]]. He has said that the climate is changing, but [[climate change denial|does not accept the consensus that human activity is the main reason]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.texasmonthly.com/burka-blog/femas-climate-change-carrot-to-texas/|title=FEMA's Climate Change Carrot to Texas|date=March 24, 2015|website=texasmonthly.com|access-date=February 18, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.statesman.com/news/epa-chief-carbon-dioxide-not-primary-cause-climate-change/c4Pxz9gLmh2BHErv3ywihM/|title=EPA chief: carbon dioxide not primary cause of climate change|website=statesman.com|access-date=February 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170826073124/http://www.statesman.com/news/epa-chief-carbon-dioxide-not-primary-cause-climate-change/c4Pxz9gLmh2BHErv3ywihM/|archive-date=August 26, 2017}}</ref>

In early 2014, Abbott participated in sessions held at the headquarters of the [[United States Chamber of Commerce]] to devise a legal strategy to dismantle climate change regulations.<ref>{{cite news |title=Move to Fight Obama's Climate Plan Started Early |first1=Coral |last1=Davenport |first2=Julie Hirschfeld |last2= Davis |date=August 3, 2015 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/04/us/obama-unveils-plan-to-sharply-limit-greenhouse-gas-emissions.html |access-date=October 4, 2017}}</ref> In 2016, he supported [[Scott Pruitt]]'s appointment as head of the [[United States Environmental Protection Agency|Environmental Protection Agency]] (EPA), saying, "He and I teamed up on many lawsuits against the EPA."<ref>{{cite news |title=Pruitt, Trump's EPA pick, has both sides of climate divide girding for a major fight |first1=Brady |last1=Dennis |author-link2=Chris Mooney (journalist) |first2=Chris |last2=Mooney |date=December 8, 2016 |access-date=October 4, 2017 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2016/12/08/pruitt-trumps-epa-pick-has-both-sides-of-climate-divide-girding-for-a-major-fight/}}</ref> As Texas attorney general, Abbott often sued the federal government over environmental regulations.<ref>{{Cite web|date=December 13, 2018|title=Texas report says 'changing climate' intensifying disasters|url=https://apnews.com/article/78d685f8e685446cb5b780860c17508e|access-date=February 17, 2021|work=Associated Press}}</ref>

After Joe Biden was elected president, Abbott vowed to pursue an aggressive legal strategy against the Biden administration's environmental regulations.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Svitek|first=Patrick|date=January 28, 2021|title=Gov. Greg Abbott says he'll fight Joe Biden's energy and climate agenda|url=https://www.texastribune.org/2021/01/28/abbott-biden-energy/|access-date=February 17, 2021|website=The Texas Tribune|language=en}}</ref>

=== Voting rights ===
{{See also|Republican efforts to restrict voting following the 2020 presidential election}}
Abbott pressed for a purge of nearly 100,000 registered voters from Texas voter rolls. Texas officials initially claimed that the voters to be purged were not [[Citizenship of the United States|American citizens]]. The purge was canceled in April 2018 after voting rights groups challenged the purge, and officials at the Office of the Texas Secretary of State admitted that tens of thousands of legal voters (naturalized citizens) were wrongly flagged for removal. Abbott claimed that he played no role in the voter purge, but emails released in June 2019 showed that he was the driving force behind the effort.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Contreras |first1=Guillermo |last2=Morris |first2=Allie |url=https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/local/article/Emails-show-Texas-governor-requested-the-voter-13936493.php |title=DPS emails show Texas governor pressed for voter purge that used flawed data |date=June 5, 2019 |website=[[Houston Chronicle]] |access-date=June 8, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807114148/https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/local/article/DPS-emails-show-Texas-governor-pressed-for-voter-13936493.php |archive-date=August 7, 2020}}</ref>

In September 2020, Abbott issued a proclamation that each Texas county could have only one location where voters could drop off [[Early voting#United States|early voting]] ballots. He justified the decision by claiming it would prevent "[[voter fraud|illegal voting]]" but cited no examples of voter fraud. Election security experts say voter fraud is extremely rare.<ref name=":4">{{cite news |last=Despart |first=Zach |date=October 1, 2020 |title=Gov. Abbott forces Harris County to close 11 mail ballot drop-off sites |url=https://www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/texas/article/Abbott-mail-ballot-drop-off-harris-county-election-15612991.php |work=[[Houston Chronicle]] |access-date=October 1, 2020 |language=en-US }}</ref><ref name=":5">{{cite news |last=Platoff |first=Emma |date=October 1, 2020 |title=Gov. Greg Abbott orders counties to reduce ballot dropoff locations, bolstering GOP efforts to limit absentee voting options |url=https://www.texastribune.org/2020/10/01/greg-abbott-texas-vote-mail/|access-date=October 1, 2020 |website=[[The Texas Tribune]] |language=en |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004032629/https://www.texastribune.org/2020/10/01/greg-abbott-texas-vote-mail/ |archive-date=October 4, 2020}}</ref> Also in September 2020, Abbott extended the early voting period for that year's general election due to COVID-19; the [[Republican Party of Texas]] opposed his decision.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Svitek|first=Patrick|date=September 23, 2021|title=Texas Republicans sue to stop Gov. Greg Abbott's extension of early voting period during the pandemic|url=https://www.texastribune.org/2020/09/23/texas-republicans-greg-abbott-early-voting/|access-date=July 4, 2021|website=The Texas Tribune|language=en}}</ref>

Abbott made "election integrity" a legislative priority after President Trump's failed [[Attempts to overturn the 2020 United States presidential election|attempts to overturn the election results of 2020 United States presidential election]] by using baseless claims that the results were fraudulent.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Svitek |first1=Patrick |title=Gov. Greg Abbott unveils legislative priorities, including police funding, "election integrity," expanding broadband access and more |url=https://www.texastribune.org/2021/02/01/abbott-state-of-state-2021/ |publisher=The Texas Tribune |language=en |date=February 1, 2021 |quote=Abbott's prioritization of election security comes three months following a November election after which top Texas Republicans, including U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz and Attorney General Ken Paxton, played central roles in fueling former President Donald Trump's baseless claims of widespread fraud. Those conspiracies led to a violent siege on the U.S. Capitol the day Congress met to certify the results last month. Abbott was among the Republicans who did not immediately recognize Biden's victory after major news outlets declared him the winner, and he was later supportive of Paxton's unsuccessful lawsuit challenging the results in four battleground states.}}</ref> Voting rights advocates and civil rights groups denounced the resulting legislation, saying it disproportionately affected voters of color and people with disabilities.<ref>Multiple sources:
* {{cite web |last1=Ura |first1=Alexa |title=Texas GOP's voting restrictions bill could be rewritten behind closed doors after final House passage |url=https://www.texastribune.org/2021/05/07/texas-voting-restrictions/ |publisher=The Texas Tribune |language=en |date=May 7, 2021|quote=But both the original SB 7 and the original provisions of HB 6 were opposed by civil rights groups who raised the prospect that the legislation violates federal safeguards for voters of color. Republicans' efforts to further restrict voting in the state come as their presidential margins of victory continue to thin and Democrats drive up their votes in diverse urban centers and growing suburban communities.}}
* {{cite web |last1=Ura |first1=Alexa |title=Texas Republicans begin pursuing new voting restrictions as they work to protect their hold on power |url=https://www.texastribune.org/2021/03/22/texas-republicans-voting-restrictions/ |publisher=The Texas Tribune |language=en |date=March 22, 2021 |quote=Senate Bill 7 is part of a broader package of proposals to constrain local initiatives widening voter access in urban areas, made up largely by people of color, that favor Democrats.}}
* {{cite web |title=New GOP-led voting restrictions move forward in Texas |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/texas-voting-laws-republicans/ |publisher=CBS News/AP |date=April 1, 2021 |quote=The bill is one of two major voting packages in Texas that mirrors a nationwide campaign by Republicans after former President Donald Trump made false claims about election fraud. Voting rights groups say the measures would disproportionately impact racial and ethnic minority voters.}}
* {{cite web |last1=Wines |first1=Michael |title=Texas lawmakers advance a bill that would make voting more difficult, drawing comparisons to Georgia. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/01/us/texas-voting-restrictions.html |work=The New York Times |date=April 1, 2021 |quote=Critics of the Senate bill said most of its provisions were less about making voting secure than about making it harder, particularly for urban voters and minority voters, two groups that tend to vote for Democrats.}}
* {{cite web |last1=Barragán |first1=James |title=In overnight vote, Texas Senate passes bill that would make it harder to vote |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/2021/04/01/texas-senate-on-track-to-pass-bill-that-would-make-it-harder-to-vote/ |publisher=Dallas Morning News |language=en |date=April 1, 2021 |quote=[President of the Texas Civil Rights Project] said many of the bill's provisions would disproportionately affect voters of color. The extended voting hours in Harris County, for example, were mostly used by voters of color. Fifty-six percent of voters who cast ballots in late night hours were Black, Hispanic or Asian, according to the Texas Civil Rights Project.}}
* {{cite web |last1=Coronado |first1=Acacia |title=EXPLAINER: How Texas Republicans aim to make voting harder |url=https://apnews.com/article/tx-state-wire-donald-trump-texas-senate-elections-voting-ef82918d28024d7abe09277c4c2534fe |publisher=Associated Press |date=May 30, 2021 |quote=Advocates say the changes would disproportionately affect minorities and people with disabilities.}}
* {{cite news |last1=Gardner |first1=Amy |title=How the new Texas voting bill would create hurdles for voters of color |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2021/05/30/texas-voting-law/ |newspaper=Washington Post |language=en |date=May 30, 2021 |quote=While Senate Bill 7 would have wide-ranging effects on voters across the state, it includes specific language that critics say would disproportionately affect people of color — particularly those who live in under-resourced and urban communities.}}</ref>

In July 2021, Democratic lawmakers in the Texas legislature fled the state on a chartered flight to Washington, D.C., in an effort to block the passage of a bill that would reform the state election procedures.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Schnell |first1=Mychael |title=Abbott says Democratic lawmakers will be arrested when they return to Texas |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/562669-abbott-says-democratic-lawmakers-will-be-arrested-as-soon-as-they-return/ |website=The Hill |access-date=14 April 2022 |date=13 July 2021}}</ref> Abbott threatened to have the lawmakers arrested upon their return to Texas.<ref>{{cite web |last1=SLODYSKO |first1=PAUL J. WEBER, ACACIA CORONADO and BRIAN |title=Republican Gov. Greg Abbott threatens to arrest Texas Democrats who fled state before vote on new election laws |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/nation-world/ct-aud-nw-texas-democrats-voting-rights-20210713-ehszgvttevfrxldibam6ujsdfq-story.html |website=chicagotribune.com |date=July 13, 2021 |access-date=14 April 2022}}</ref> In August, the [[Supreme Court of Texas]] made a ruling allowing for the arrest of the absent lawmakers, so they could be brought to the state capitol.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Barragán |first1=James |title=Texas Supreme Court allows for arrest of Democrats who don't show up to Legislature |url=https://www.texastribune.org/2021/08/10/texas-greg-abbott-democrats-special-session/ |website=The Texas Tribune |access-date=14 April 2022 |language=en |date=10 August 2021}}</ref>

In October 2021, Abbott appointed [[John B. Scott (Texas politician)|John Scott]] as Texas Secretary of State, putting him in a position to oversee Texas elections. Scott aided Trump in his failed efforts to throw out election results in the 2020 presidential election.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Goodman|first=J. David|date=2021-10-21|title=Texas Governor Appoints Former Trump Lawyer to Oversee Election Review|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/21/us/texas-governor-secretary-of-state.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211228/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/21/us/texas-governor-secretary-of-state.html |archive-date=2021-12-28 |url-access=limited|access-date=2021-10-25|issn=0362-4331}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Svitek|first=James Barragán and Patrick|date=2021-10-21|title=Gov. Greg Abbott's pick for top Texas election post worked with Trump to fight 2020 results|url=https://www.texastribune.org/2021/10/21/john-scott-texas-secretary-state-elections-trump/|access-date=2021-10-25|website=The Texas Tribune|language=en}}</ref>

=== LGBT rights ===
In 2014, Abbott defended Texas's ban on same-sex marriage, which a federal court ruled unconstitutional.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web|last=Langford|first=Eli Okun and Terri|date=August 7, 2014|title=GOP Lawmakers Make Case for Upholding Same-Sex Marriage Ban|url=https://www.texastribune.org/2014/08/06/ag-office-files-brief-supporting-same-sex-marriage/|access-date=April 1, 2021|website=The Texas Tribune|language=en}}</ref> As attorney general of Texas, he argued that the prohibition on same-sex marriage incentivized that children would be born "in the context of stable, lasting relationships."<ref name=":7" />

Abbott condemned ''[[Obergefell v. Hodges]]'', the Supreme Court ruling that same-sex marriage bans are unconstitutional.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/chrisgeidner/supreme-court-rules-for-nationwide-marriage-equality|title=Supreme Court Rules In Favor Of Nationwide Marriage Equality|website=BuzzFeed News|date=June 27, 2015 |language=en|access-date=June 8, 2019}}</ref> He said, "the Supreme Court has abandoned its role as an impartial judicial arbiter."<ref name=":1" /> Shortly thereafter, Abbott filed a lawsuit to stop same-sex spouses of city employees from being covered by benefit policies.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.texastribune.org/2016/10/28/texas-republicans-want-narrow-scope-same-sex-marri/|title=Texas Republicans want to narrow scope of same-sex marriage ruling|last=Ura|first=Alexa|date=October 28, 2016|work=The Texas Tribune|language=en|access-date=June 8, 2019}}</ref>

In a letter dated May 27, 2017, the CEOs of 14 large technology companies, including [[Facebook]], [[Apple Inc.|Apple]], [[Microsoft]], and [[Amazon.com|Amazon]], urged Abbott not to pass what came to be known as the "bathroom bill":<ref>McGaughy, Lauren, [https://www.dallasnews.com/news/texas-legislature/2017/05/28/mark-zuckerberg-tim-cook-texas-gov-abbott-pass-discriminatory-laws "Mark Zuckerberg, Tim Cook to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott: Don't pass discriminatory laws"], ''Dallas News'', May 28, 2017, retrieved June 19. 2017</ref> legislation requiring people to use the bathroom of the sex listed on their birth certificates, not the one of their choice. The bill was revived by Abbott and supported by Lieutenant Governor [[Dan Patrick (politician)|Dan Patrick]].<ref>[https://www.foxnews.com/politics/greg-abbott-texas-governor-revives-bathroom-bill-for-special-session "Greg Abbott: Texas governor revives 'bathroom bill' for special session,"] Fox News via Associated Press, June 6, 2017, retrieved June 19, 2017.</ref> In March 2018, [[Byron Cook (politician)|Byron Cook]], the chairman of the House State Affairs committee who blocked the bill, claimed that Abbott privately opposed the bill.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Platoff |first1=Emma |title=Texas Gov. Greg Abbott Opposed Controversial "Bathroom Bill," State Legislator Says |url=https://www.texastribune.org/2018/03/13/texas-gov-greg-abbott-opposed-controversial-bathroom-bill-state-rep-sa/ |date=March 13, 2018 |work=[[The Texas Tribune]] |access-date=March 30, 2018}}</ref> The bill was never signed; Abbott later said, "it's not on my agenda" in a debate with [[Lupe Valdez]], the Democratic nominee for governor [[2018 Texas gubernatorial election|in 2018]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-texas-lgbt/texas-governor-says-bathroom-bill-no-longer-on-his-agenda-idUSKCN1M901Y|title=Texas governor says 'bathroom bill' no longer on his agenda|work=Reuters|date=September 28, 2018}}</ref>

In 2017, Abbott signed legislation to allow taxpayer-funded adoption agencies to refuse same-sex families from adopting children for religious reasons.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.washingtonblade.com/2017/06/15/texas-governor-signs-anti-lgbt-adoption-religious-freedom-bill/|title=Texas governor signs anti-LGBT 'religious freedom' adoption bill|date=June 15, 2017|website=Washington Blade: Gay News, Politics, LGBT Rights|access-date=June 8, 2019}}</ref>

In 2021, a Republican primary challenger criticized Abbott because Texas's child welfare agency included content regarding LGBTQ youths. Shortly thereafter, the agency, whose members Abbott appoints, removed the webpage that included a suicide prevention hotline and other resources for LGBT youths.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Scherer|first=Jasper|date=2021-10-12|title=Prompted by Abbott challenger, Texas agency removes webpage with suicide hotline for LGBTQ youths|url=https://www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/texas/article/Prompted-by-Abbott-primary-challenger-Texas-16525826.php|access-date=2021-10-15|website=Houston Chronicle|language=en-US}}</ref>

In 2022, Abbott instructed Texas state agencies to treat gender-affirming medical treatments (such as puberty blockers or hormone treatments) for [[transgender youth]]s as child abuse.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Lindell|first=Chuck|title=Abbott orders state agency to treat gender-affirming care as child abuse|url=https://www.statesman.com/story/news/2022/02/23/texas-gov-greg-abbott-gender-affirming-care-reported-child-abuse/6898869001/|access-date=2022-02-23|website=Austin American-Statesman|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Texas governor directs state agencies to investigate gender-affirming care for trans youths as 'child abuse'|language=en-US|newspaper=Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2022/02/23/greg-abbott-gender-affirming-care-child-abuse-directive/|access-date=2022-02-23|issn=0190-8286}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Ghorayshi |first1=Azeen |title=Texas Governor Pushes to Investigate Medical Treatments for Trans Youth as 'Child Abuse' |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/23/science/texas-abbott-transgender-child-abuse.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=25 February 2022 |date=23 February 2022}}</ref>

=== Homelessness ===
In June 2019, the city of [[Austin, Texas|Austin]] introduced an ordinance that repealed a 25-year-old ban on homeless people camping, lying, or sleeping in public.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.austinchronicle.com/daily/news/2019-06-21/council-bites-the-bullet-helps-the-homeless/ |title=Council Bites the Bullet, Helps the Homeless |author=Sanders, Austin |work=The Austin Chronicle |date=June 21, 2019 |access-date=January 9, 2020}}</ref>  In October 2019, Abbott sent a widely publicized letter to Austin Mayor [[Steve Adler (politician)|Steve Adler]] criticizing the camping ban repeal and threatening to deploy state resources to "combat homelessness".<ref name="Bova">{{cite web|author=Bova, Gus|date=November 1, 2019|title=Greg Abbott vs. Austin's Homeless|url=https://www.texasobserver.org/homelessness-austin-greg-abbott-crisis/|access-date=January 9, 2020|work=Texas Observer}}</ref>

In November 2019, Abbott directed the State of Texas to open a temporary homeless encampment on a former vehicle storage yard owned by the [[Texas Department of Transportation]], which camp residents dubbed "Abbottville".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.texasobserver.org/greg-abbotts-indefinite-imperfect-homeless-camp/ |title=Greg Abbott's 'Indefinite,' Imperfect Homeless Camp |author=Bova, Gus |work=Texas Observer |date=December 20, 2019 |access-date=January 9, 2020}}</ref>

=== Marijuana ===
{{further|Cannabis in Texas}}
In 2019, when numerous local prosecutors announced that they would stop prosecuting low-level marijuana offenses, Abbott instructed them to continue enforcing marijuana laws.<ref>{{Cite web|last=McCullough|first=Jolie|date=July 18, 2019|title=Texas leaders: Hemp law did not decriminalize marijuana|url=https://www.texastribune.org/2019/07/18/greg-abbott-texas-leaders-hemp-marijuana-law/|access-date=February 17, 2021|website=The Texas Tribune|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":6">{{Cite web|title=Gov. Greg Abbott Urges Texas DAs Against Dropping Misdemeanor Marijuana Possession Cases|url=https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/gov-greg-abbott-urges-texas-das-against-dropping-misdemeanor-marijuana-possession-cases/213187/|access-date=February 17, 2021|website=NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth|date=July 18, 2019 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=July 18, 2019|title=Gov. Abbott, Texas leaders urge prosecutors to keep enforcing pot laws|url=https://www.fox4news.com/news/gov-abbott-texas-leaders-urge-prosecutors-to-keep-enforcing-pot-laws|access-date=February 17, 2021|website=FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort Worth|language=en-US}}</ref> The prosecutors cited recently passed legislation that legalized hemp. As hemp contains the same chemical as marijuana, THC, tests at law enforcement's disposal cannot distinguish between marijuana usage and hemp usage.<ref name=":6" /> Abbott has said that legal hemp products come with a "hemp certificate".<ref name=":6" />

In 2022, a poll of Texas voters found that 55% of Texans either support or strongly support legalizing cannabis.<ref>{{Cite web|date=August 1, 2022|title=Survey of Texas Voters|url=https://www.uttyler.edu/politicalscience/files/dmn-uttyler-aug2022.pdf|access-date=November 3, 2022|archive-date=October 31, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221031205752/https://www.uttyler.edu/politicalscience/files/dmn-uttyler-aug2022.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== COVID-19 pandemic ===
[[File:President Trump Meets with the Governor of Texas (49870301296).jpg|thumb|Abbott speaking with President [[Donald Trump]] and members of the [[White House Coronavirus Task Force]] in the [[Oval Office]]]]
During the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Texas|COVID-19 pandemic]], Abbott issued a stay-at-home order from April 2 to May 1, 2020.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Goldenstein|first=Taylor|date=April 2, 2020|title=Gov. Greg Abbott's statewide stay-home order, explained|url=https://www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/texas/article/Gov-Greg-Abbott-s-statewide-stay-home-order-15175150.php|access-date=June 26, 2020|newspaper=[[Houston Chronicle]]|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite news|last1=Fernandez|first1=Manny|last2=Mervosh|first2=Sarah|date=June 25, 2020|title=Texas Pauses Reopening as Virus Cases Soar Across the South and West|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/25/us/texas-coronavirus-cases-reopening-Greg-Abbott.html|access-date=June 26, 2020|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> This was one of the shortest stay-at-home orders implemented by any governor.<ref name=":2" /> After Texas started to reopen, COVID-19 surged, leading Abbott to pause the reopening.<ref name=":2" /> On June 24, Texas broke its record of new COVID-19 cases in a day.<ref name=":2" /> Critics described Abbott's pause as a half-measure and argued that he should reverse the reopening in full to limit the virus's spread.<ref name=":2" />

According to ''[[The New York Times]]'', Abbott's response to the pandemic has been contradictory, as he has said that Texans should stay at home while also saying that Texas is open for business.<ref name=":2" /> He also said that Texans should wear face masks but refused to issue a statewide mandate.<ref name=":2" /> Abbott's response to the pandemic has been criticized on both sides of the political spectrum.<ref name=":2" /> In July 2020, he directed counties with more than 20 COVID-19 cases to wear masks in public places; he had previously prohibited local governments from implementing required face masks.<ref>{{Cite news|date=July 3, 2020|title=Coronavirus: Texas governor mandates wearing of face masks|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-53273281|access-date=July 3, 2020}}</ref>

In December 2020, Abbott directed Texas restaurants to ignore local curfews that had been imposed to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Localities had implemented restrictions on indoor dining and drinking late at night on New Years weekend amid a surge in COVID-19 cases.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Livingston|first=Juan Pablo Garnham and Abby|date=January 1, 2021|title=Greg Abbott and Ken Paxton tell Austin restaurants to defy COVID-19 order banning overnight dine-in services|url=https://www.texastribune.org/2020/12/31/austin-texas-new-year-restaurants-bars/|access-date=January 1, 2021|website=The Texas Tribune|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Aguirre|first=Priscilla|date=December 30, 2020|title=Gov. Greg Abbott says Austin's new dine-in restrictions are not allowed. Period.|url=https://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/article/Austin-dine-in-greg-abbot-15836296.php|access-date=January 1, 2021|website=mySA|language=en-US}}</ref>

On March 2, 2021, Abbott lifted all COVID-19 restrictions in Texas, which included ending a mask mandate and allowing businesses to reopen "100 percent."<ref>{{Cite web|title=Texas and Mississippi to lift mask mandates and roll back Covid restrictions|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/gov-greg-abbott-lift-texas-mask-mandate-open-state-100-n1259329|access-date=March 2, 2021|website=NBC News|date=March 2, 2021 |language=en}}</ref>

In April 2021, Abbott signed an executive order banning state agencies and corporations that take public funding from requiring proof of vaccination against COVID-19.<ref>{{Cite web|date=April 6, 2021|title=Texas governor bans mandated COVID-19 "vaccine passports"|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/texas-vaccine-passports-greg-abbott/|access-date=April 7, 2021|website=CBS News|language=en-US}}</ref> In June 2021, he signed a bill that would punish businesses that require customers to have proof of COVID-19 vaccination for services.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Harper|first=Karen Brooks|date=June 7, 2021|title=Gov. Greg Abbott signs bill to punish businesses that require proof of COVID-19 vaccination|url=https://www.texastribune.org/2021/06/07/texas-vaccine-passports-covid-19/|access-date=June 9, 2021|website=The Texas Tribune|language=en}}</ref>

On May 18, 2021, Abbott issued an executive order banning mask mandates in public schools and governmental entities, with up to a $1,000 fine for non-compliers.<ref>{{Cite web|date=May 18, 2021|title=Gov. Abbott bans mask mandates in Texas public schools, cities and counties|url=https://www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/texas/article/Gov-Abbott-bans-masks-mandates-in-Texas-public-16185845.php|access-date=May 18, 2021|website=Houston Chronicle|language=en-US |last1=Harris |first1=By Cayla }}</ref>

On August 17, 2021, Abbott's office announced that he had tested positive for COVID-19. According to his office, Abbott was "in good health and experiencing no symptoms".<ref>{{Cite news|date=2021-08-17|title=Texas governor tests positive for COVID-19, in 'good health'|language=en|work=[[Associated Press]]|url=https://apnews.com/article/texas-governor-greg-abbott-coronavirus-positive-a6c98b7a9c59c2df38328100cd8c75b1|access-date=2021-08-18}}</ref> He received [[Casirivimab/imdevimab|Regeneron's monoclonal antibody treatment]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Schneider|first1=Avie|date=August 17, 2021|title=Texas Gov. Greg Abbott Tests Positive For The Coronavirus|work=NPR|url=https://www.npr.org/sections/coronavirus-live-updates/2021/08/17/1028574761/texas-governor-greg-abbott-tests-positive-covid-19-coronavirus|access-date=August 17, 2021}}</ref>

Abbott emphasized personal responsibility over government restrictions, and resolutely opposed government mandates in August 2021.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Svitek |first1=Patrick |title=As coronavirus rages again in Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott resists statewide action, hamstrings local leaders |url=https://www.texastribune.org/2021/08/06/texas-greg-abbott-covid-restrictions/ |website=The Texas Tribune |access-date=11 September 2021 |language=en |date=6 August 2021}}</ref> On July 29, 2021, during an again worsening pandemic,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Sabawi|first=Fares|date=2021-07-29|title=Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's new order bans local governments from issuing mask, vaccine mandates|url=https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2021/07/29/texas-gov-greg-abbotts-new-order-bans-local-governments-from-issuing-mask-vaccine-mandates/|access-date=2021-07-30|website=KSAT|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Wallace|first=Jeremy|date=2021-07-28|title=As COVID hospitalizations surge past 5,000, Gov. Abbott renews call for 'personal responsibility'|url=https://www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/texas/article/As-COVID-hospitalizations-surge-past-5-000-Gov-16347387.php|access-date=2021-07-30|website=Houston Chronicle|language=en-US}}</ref> he issued a superseding executive order (GA-38) that reinstated earlier orders and imposed additional prohibitions on local governmental officials, state agencies, public universities,<ref>{{Cite news|last=Saul|first=Stephanie|date=2021-08-12|title=Campuses Are Virus Incubators, but These Colleges Can't Require Vaccines|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/12/us/delta-variant-colleges-vaccines.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211228/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/12/us/delta-variant-colleges-vaccines.html |archive-date=2021-12-28 |url-access=limited|access-date=2021-08-13|issn=0362-4331}}{{cbignore}}</ref> and businesses doing business with the state, to prohibit them from adopting measures such as requiring face masks or proof of vaccination status as a condition of service. The order also provides for a $1,000 fine for local officials who adopt inconsistent policies.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Towey|first=Robert|date=2021-07-29|title=Texas Gov. Abbott threatens fines again against local officials and businesses that enforce mask mandates, vaccine requirements|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2021/07/29/texas-gov-abbott-doubles-down-against-covid-health-limits.html|access-date=2021-07-30|website=CNBC|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Office of the Governor|date=July 29, 2021|title=Executive Order GA-38|url=https://gov.texas.gov/uploads/files/press/EO-GA-38_continued_response_to_the_COVID-19_disaster_IMAGE_07-29-2021.pdf|access-date=July 29, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Scherer|first=Jasper|date=2021-07-29|title=As delta variant spreads, Abbott bans local COVID restrictions in areas with high hospitalization rates|url=https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/As-delta-variant-spreads-Abbott-bans-local-COVID-16350703.php|access-date=2021-07-30|website=Houston Chronicle|language=en-US}}</ref> President Biden criticized Abbott for these measures.<ref>whitehouse.gov: [https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2021/08/03/remarks-by-president-biden-on-fighting-the-covid-19-pandemic/ ''Remarks by President Biden on Fighting the COVID-⁠19 Pandemic''] August 3, 2021.  (Question: "Q    Mr. President, do you believe that Governor DeSantis and Governor Abbott are personally making decisions that are harming their own citizens?" Biden:  "I believe the results of their decisions are not good for their constituents.  And it's clear to me and to most of the medical experts that the decisions being made, like not allowing mask mandates in school and the like, are bad health policy — bad health policy.")</ref> The ban on mask mandates led to a score of legal challenges between Abbott and local governments, including school districts.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Lopez |first1=Joshua Fechter and Brian |title=Confusion reigns in Texas as legal fight over mask mandates rages between local officials and Gov. Greg Abbott |url=https://www.texastribune.org/2021/08/16/texas-mask-mandates-confusion-abbott/ |website=The Texas Tribune |access-date=7 September 2021 |language=en |date=17 August 2021}}</ref> In justifying the ban on local government mandates in August 2021, an Abbott spokesperson said, "Private businesses don't need government running their business."<ref>{{Cite web|last=Svitek|first=Patrick|date=2021-08-25|title=Gov. Greg Abbott bans government mandates on COVID-19 vaccines regardless of whether they have full FDA approval|url=https://www.texastribune.org/2021/08/25/texas-covid-19-vaccine-mandates-ban-greg-abbott/|access-date=2021-10-11|website=The Texas Tribune|language=en}}</ref> In October 2021, Abbott issued an executive order that banned any entity, including a private business, from implementing a vaccine requirement for its employees.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2021|title=Texas Gov. Greg Abbott bans vaccine mandates by any entity|work=Axios|url=https://www.axios.com/texas-bans-vaccine-mandates-any-entity-82b05806-55b4-4cfa-a9ac-ba1959cd235b.html}}</ref>

According to the [[Johns Hopkins University|Johns Hopkins]] Coronavirus Resources Center, 93,390 covid deaths had been registered in Texas as of November 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Texas - COVID-19 Overview - Johns Hopkins |url=https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/region/us/texas |access-date=2024-11-19 |website=Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center |language=en}}</ref>

=== February 2021 North American ice storm ===
{{See also|February 13–17, 2021 North American winter storm|2021 Texas power crisis}}
[[File:P20210226AS-0743 (51013311412).jpg|thumb|right|Abbott and [[President of the United States|President]] [[Joe Biden]] at the Harris County Emergency Operations Center in 2021]]
During the [[February 13–17, 2021 North American winter storm]], power-plant failures across Texas left four million households in Texas without power.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Sanchez|first=Carolina|date=2021-02-16|title=As millions lose power, Texas Gov. Abbott declares ERCOT reform an emergency item|url=https://www.fox26houston.com/news/as-4-1m-texans-lose-power-gov-abbott-declares-ercot-reform-an-emergency-item|access-date=2021-08-14|website=FOX 26 Houston|language=en-US}}</ref> Abbott called for investigation and reform of the [[Electric Reliability Council of Texas]] (ERCOT), the electric grid operator for most of Texas.<ref name="WaPo_Englund_20210216"/>

On February 16, on ''[[Hannity]]'', Abbott said, "This shows how the Green New Deal would be a deadly deal for the United States of America ... Our wind and our solar got shut down, and they were collectively more than 10 percent of our power grid, and that thrust Texas into a situation where it was lacking power on a statewide basis... It just shows that fossil fuel is necessary." The Texas energy department{{clarify|date=March 2024}} clarified that a failure to winterize the state's power grid caused most of the losses.<ref name="WaPo_Shepherd_20210217">{{Cite news| issn = 0190-8286| last = Shepherd| first = Katie| title = Rick Perry says Texans would accept even longer power outages 'to keep the federal government out of their business'| newspaper = [[The Washington Post]]| access-date = February 19, 2021| date = February 17, 2021| url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2021/02/17/texas-abbott-wind-turbines-outages/}}</ref><ref name="WaPo_Englund_20210216">{{Cite news| issn = 0190-8286| last = Englund| first = Will| title = The Texas grid got crushed because its operators didn't see the need to prepare for cold weather| newspaper = [[The Washington Post]]| access-date = February 19, 2021| date = February 16, 2021| url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2021/02/16/ercot-texas-electric-grid-failure/ }}</ref> Most power plants in Texas are gas-fired, with wind generators providing about 10% during the winter.<ref name="WaPo_Englund_20210216"/>

By February 18, Abbott had ordered Texas natural gas to sell exclusively to power generators in Texas, which had an immediate and direct impact on Mexico, where gas-fired plants generate two-thirds of all energy.<ref name="NYT_Lopez_20210218">{{Cite news| issn=0362-4331| last=Lopez| first=Oscar| title=Mexico Cries Foul at Natural Gas Cutoff Ordered by Texas Governor| work=The New York Times| access-date=February 19, 2021| date=February 18, 2021| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/18/world/americas/mexico-abbott-power-outages.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211228/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/18/world/americas/mexico-abbott-power-outages.html |archive-date=2021-12-28 |url-access=limited}}{{cbignore}}</ref> In June 2021, Abbott signed a bill requiring power companies to be more prepared for extreme weather events.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Zou |first1=Isabella |title=Texas power generation companies will have to better prepare for extreme weather under bills Gov. Greg Abbott signed into law |url=https://www.texastribune.org/2021/06/08/greg-abbott-texas-power-grid-ercot/ |website=The Texas Tribune |access-date=June 11, 2021 |language=en |date=June 8, 2021}}</ref>

=== College diversity, equity, and inclusion ===
In the summer of 2023, Abbott signed into law Senate Bill 17, which prohibits Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) offices at Texas's public colleges and universities.

The bill, passed largely along party lines, garnered both support and criticism, with proponents arguing it would save taxpayer funds and promote a merit-based approach to education and critics expressing concern about discrimination and hindrance to diversity efforts.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Boyette |first=Kaanita Iyer, Chris |date=2023-06-15 |title=Texas governor signs bill to ban DEI offices at state public colleges {{!}} CNN Politics |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/06/15/politics/greg-abbott-texas-dei-office-ban-colleges/index.html |access-date=2024-04-03 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref>

As a result of Senate Bill 17 and similar legislation, universities have been compelled to reevaluate their diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, often leading to significant restructuring and reallocation of resources.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nietzel |first=Michael T. |title=University Of Texas Laying Off Staff To Comply With State's DEI Ban |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/michaeltnietzel/2024/04/03/university-of-texas-laying-off-staff-to-comply-with-states-dei-ban/ |access-date=2024-04-03 |website=Forbes |language=en}}</ref> At the University of Texas-Austin, Senate Bill 17's implementation led to the layoff of approximately 60 employees and the closure of the Division of Campus and Community Engagement, which was formerly the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Amid state DEI ban, the University of Texas lays off dozens of employees |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/education/2024/04/03/ut-austin-dei-ban-texas/73190970007/ |access-date=2024-04-03 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Labor unions ===
In 2024, Abbott joined five other Republican governors ([[Kay Ivey]], [[Brian Kemp]], [[Tate Reeves]], [[Henry McMaster]], and [[Bill Lee (Tennessee politician)|Bill Lee]]) in a statement opposing the [[United Auto Workers]] unionization campaign.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-04-16 |title=Governor Ivey & Other Southern Governors Issue Joint Statement in Opposition to United Auto Workers (UAW)'s Unionization Campaign |url=https://governor.alabama.gov/newsroom/2024/04/governor-ivey-other-southern-governors-issue-joint-statement-in-opposition-to-united-auto-workers-uaws-unionization-campaign/ |access-date= |website=Office of the Governor of Alabama |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Wayland |first=Michael |date=2024-04-16 |title=Republican governors from six states condemn UAW campaigns, citing potential for layoffs |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2024/04/16/republican-governors-condemn-united-auto-workers-campaigns.html |access-date= |website=CNBC |language=en}}</ref>

== Personal life ==
[[File:President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at the Governor&#039;s Ball (49521886068).jpg|thumb|Greg Abbott (far right) and [[Cecilia Abbott]] (far left) with President [[Donald Trump]] and First Lady [[Melania Trump]] in 2020]]
Abbott is [[Catholic Church|Catholic]], and is married to [[Cecilia Phalen Abbott]], the granddaughter of Mexican immigrants.<ref name="CeciliaAbbottGovCamp">{{cite web |url=http://www.gregabbott.com/cecilia-abbott/ |title=Cecilia Abbott |website=gregabbott.com/ |publisher=Greg Abbott for Governor |access-date=October 22, 2014}}</ref><ref name="UraTXTrib03162014">{{cite news |last=Ura |first=Alexa |date=March 16, 2014 |title=Unknown to Most, Cecilia Abbott Could Make History |url=http://www.texastribune.org/2014/03/16/unknown-most-cecilia-abbott-could-make-history/ |work=[[The Texas Tribune]] |location=Austin, Texas |access-date=October 22, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.statesman.com/weblogs/first-reading/2014/feb/19/ted-nugent-greg-abbott-and-subhuman-mongrel-who-pr/ |title='Words Matter.' On Ted Nugent, Greg Abbott and the 'subhuman mongrel' who is president of the United States |website=Statesman.com |access-date=January 2, 2016}}</ref> They were married in [[San Antonio, Texas|San Antonio]] in 1981.<ref name="TXMonthSweany102013">{{cite news |last=Sweany |first=Brian D. |date=October 2013 |title=The Overcomer |url=http://www.texasmonthly.com/story/overcomer?fullpage=1 |newspaper=[[Texas Monthly]] |location=Austin, Texas |access-date=October 31, 2014}}</ref> His election as governor of Texas made her the first [[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Latina]] to be [[List of First Ladies and Gentlemen of Texas|First Lady of Texas]] since Texas joined the union.<ref name="UraTXTrib03162014" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theshorthorn.com/news/new-first-lady-of-texas-advocates-for-hispanic-population/article_fe128baa-6545-11e4-b20b-0017a43b2370.html|title=New first lady of Texas advocates for Hispanic population|date=November 6, 2014 |access-date=November 8, 2014}}</ref> They have one adopted daughter, Audrey.<ref name="BusWk09192013">{{cite web |last1=Mildenberg |first1=David |last2=Brubaker Calkins |first2=Laurel |date=September 19, 2013|title=Grit Drives Abbott to Follow Perry as Texas Governor |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2013-09-19/grit-drives-abbott-to-follow-perry-as-texas-governor |url-access=registration |website=[[Bloomberg Businessweek]] |url-status=live <!-- Domain name has changed but the original story is still accessible on the new domain name. --> |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150105052310/http://www.businessweek.com/news/2013-09-19/grit-steeled-by-injury-drives-abbott-bid-for-texas-governor#p1|archive-date=January 5, 2015 }}</ref><ref name="CeciliaAbbottGovCamp" /><ref name="UraTXTrib03162014" /> Cecilia is a former schoolteacher and principal.<ref name="TXAttyGenBio"/>

=== Wheelchair use ===
On July 14, 1984, at age 26, Abbott was [[Paraplegia|paralyzed below the waist]] when an oak tree fell on him while he was jogging in [[River Oaks, Houston]], after a storm.<ref name="TXAttyGenBio" /><ref>{{cite news|first=Theodore|last=Kim|url=http://www.dallasnews.com/news/local-politics/2010/05/31/Accident-set-Texas-Attorney-General-Greg-3032|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20161128215634/http://www.dallasnews.com/news/local-politics/2010/05/31/Accident-set-Texas-Attorney-General-Greg-3032|title=Accident set Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott on a path toward politics|date=May 31, 2010|archive-date=November 28, 2016|work=[[The Dallas Morning News]]}}</ref> Two steel rods were implanted in his spine, and he underwent extensive rehabilitation at [[TIRR Memorial Hermann]] in Houston and has used a wheelchair ever since.<ref>Fernandez, Manny. [https://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/23/us/candidate-for-texas-governor-draws-support-and-critics-for-talk-of-his-disability.html "Candidate Draws Support and Critics for Talk of Disability"] July 22, 2013. ''The New York Times''.</ref><ref>Ackerman, Todd. "[http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/Houston-rehab-giant-ready-for-Giffords-1687205.php Houston rehab giant ready for Giffords]." ''Houston Chronicle''. January 20, 2011</ref> He sued the homeowner and a tree service company, resulting in an insurance settlement that provided him with lump sum payments every three years until 2022 along with monthly payments for life, both of which were adjusted for inflation.<ref name="JayRoot1">{{cite news|last=Root|first=Jay|date=August 2, 2013|title=For the First Time, Abbott Discusses Details of His Lawsuit Settlement|work=[[The Texas Tribune]]|url=https://www.texastribune.org/2013/08/02/greg-abbott-gets-millions-lawsuit-proceeds/|access-date=July 15, 2019}}</ref> {{As of|2013|August|post=, the monthly payment was {{US$}}14,000 and the three-year lump sum payment was {{US$}}400,000, all tax-free.}} Abbott has said he relied on the money to pay for nearly three decades of medical expenses and other costs.<ref name="JayRoot1" />

==Electoral history==

{{Election box begin no change
| title=[[2022 Texas gubernatorial election]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://results.texas-election.com/races |title=Election Results |access-date=December 2, 2022|publisher=[[Texas Secretary of State]]}}</ref>
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
  |party      = Republican Party (United States)
  |candidate  = Greg Abbott
  |votes      = 4,437,099
  |percentage = 54.8
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
  |party      = Democratic Party (United States)
  |candidate  = [[Beto O'Rourke]]
  |votes      = 3,553,656
  |percentage = 43.9
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
  |party      = Libertarian Party (United States)
  |candidate  = Mark Tippets
  |votes      = 44,805	
  |percentage = 1.0
 }}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change|party=Green Party of the United States|candidate=Delilah Barrios|votes=28,584|percentage=0.3}}
{{Election box hold with party link no swing
  |winner     = Republican Party (US)
}}
{{End}}

{{Election box begin no change
| title=[[2018 Texas gubernatorial election]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.politico.com/election-results/2018/texas/ |title=2018 General Election |access-date=June 28, 2020|publisher=[[Politico]]}}</ref>
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
  |party      = Republican Party (United States)
  |candidate  = Greg Abbott
  |votes      = 4,656,196
  |percentage = 55.8
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
  |party      = Democratic Party (United States)
  |candidate  = [[Lupe Valdez]]
  |votes      = 3,546,615
  |percentage = 42.5
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
  |party      = Libertarian Party (United States)
  |candidate  = Mark Tippets
  |votes      = 140,632
  |percentage = 1.7
 }}
{{Election box hold with party link no swing
  |winner     = Republican Party (US)
}}
{{End}}

{{Election box begin no change
| title=[[2014 Texas gubernatorial election]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://elections.sos.state.tx.us/elchist.exe|title=2014 General Election |access-date=January 2, 2007 |publisher=Office of the Secretary of State (Texas)  |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140109062336/http://elections.sos.state.tx.us/elchist.exe |archive-date=January 9, 2014 }}</ref>
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
  |party      = Republican Party (United States)
  |candidate  = Greg Abbott
  |votes      = 2,790,227
  |percentage = 59.3
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
  |party      = Democratic Party (United States)
  |candidate  = [[Wendy Davis (politician)|Wendy Davis]]
  |votes      = 1,832,254
  |percentage = 38.9
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
  |party      = Libertarian Party (United States)
  |candidate  = Kathie Glass
  |votes      = 66,413
  |percentage = 1.1
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
  |party      = Green Party (United States)
  |candidate  = Brandon Parmer
  |votes      = 18,494
  |percentage = 0.4
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
  |party      = Independent (politician)
  |candidate  = Sarah M. Pavitt
  |votes      = 1,168
  |percentage = <0.1
 }}
{{Election box hold with party link no swing
  |winner     = Republican Party (US)
}}
{{End}}

{{Election box begin no change|title=[[Texas elections, 2010|2010 Texas Attorney General election]]<ref name="state1">{{Cite web|url=http://elections.sos.state.tx.us/elchist.exe|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061108172637/http://elections.sos.state.tx.us/elchist.exe|title=1992 – 2006 ELECTION HISTORY|archive-date=November 8, 2006}}</ref>}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
|party=Republican Party (United States)
|candidate=Greg Abbott
|votes=3,151,064
|percentage=64.1
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
|party=Democratic Party (United States)
|candidate=[[Barbara Ann Radnofsky]]
|votes=1,655,859
|percentage=33.7
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
|party=Libertarian Party (United States)
|candidate=Jon Roland
|votes=112,118
|percentage=2.3
}}
{{Election box hold with party link no swing
|winner=Republican Party (United States)
}}
{{End}}

{{Election box begin no change|title=[[2006 Texas elections|2006 Texas Attorney General election]]<ref name="state1"/>}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
|party=Republican Party (United States)
|candidate=Greg Abbott
|votes=2,556,063
|percentage=59.5
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
|party=Democratic Party (United States)
|candidate=[[David Van Os]]
|votes=1,599,069
|percentage=37.2
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
|party=Libertarian Party (United States)
|candidate=Jon Roland
|votes=139,668
|percentage=3.3
}}
{{Election box hold with party link no swing
|winner=Republican Party (United States)
}}
{{End}}

{{Election box begin no change|title=2002 [[Texas Attorney General]] election<ref name="state1"/>}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
|party=Republican Party (United States)
|candidate=Greg Abbott
|votes=2,542,184
|percentage=56.7
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
|party=Democratic Party (United States)
|candidate=[[Kirk Watson]]
|votes=1,841,359
|percentage=41.1
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
|party=Libertarian Party (United States)
|candidate=Jon Roland
|votes=56,880
|percentage=1.3
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
|party=Green Party (United States)
|candidate=[[David Cobb (activist)|David Keith Cobb]]
|votes=41,560
|percentage=0.9
}}
{{Election box hold with party link no swing
|winner=Republican Party (United States)
}}
{{End}}

{{Election box begin no change|title= 1998 [[Texas Supreme Court]] Associate Justice election<ref name="state1"/>}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
|party=Republican Party (United States)
|candidate=Greg Abbott
|votes=2,104,828
|percentage=60.1
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
|party=Democratic Party (United States)
|candidate=[[David Van Os]]
|votes=1,396,924
|percentage=39.9
}}
{{Election box hold with party link no swing
|winner=Republican Party (United States)
}}
{{End}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
* Gonzalez, John W. "[http://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Abbott-has-friends-and-foes-in-disabled-community-4692300.php Abbott has friends and foes in disabled community]." ''[[Houston Chronicle]]''. July 29, 2013.

==External links==
{{Wikiquote}}
{{Commons category}}
* [http://gov.texas.gov/ Governor Greg Abbott Official state website]
* {{Official website|http://www.gregabbott.com/}}
* {{C-SPAN|1013616}}

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{{s-aft|after=Mayor of city<br />in which event is held}}
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{{Texas statewide political officials}}
{{U.S. Governors}}
{{Texas Attorney General}}
{{Governors of Texas|expanded=Lt. Governors}}
{{COVID-19 pandemic in the United States}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Abbott, Greg}}
[[Category:Greg Abbott| ]]
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