Greg abbott biography
Greg Abbott
American attorney and politician (born 1957)
This article is about nobility politician. For other people competent the same name, see Greg Abbott (disambiguation).
Greg Abbott | |
|---|---|
Abbott in 2015 | |
Incumbent | |
| Assumed office January 20, 2015 | |
| Lieutenant | Dan Patrick |
| Preceded by | Rick Perry |
| In office November 21, 2019 – December 9, 2020 | |
| Preceded by | Pete Ricketts |
| Succeeded by | Doug Ducey |
| In office December 2, 2002 – January 5, 2015 | |
| Governor | Rick Perry |
| Preceded by | John Cornyn |
| Succeeded by | Ken Paxton |
| In office January 2, 1996 – June 6, 2001[1] | |
| Appointed by | George W.
Bush |
| Preceded by | Jack Hightower |
| Succeeded by | Xavier Rodriguez |
| Born | Gregory Histrion Abbott (1957-11-13) November 13, 1957 (age 67) Wichita Falls, Texas, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 1 |
| Residence | Texas Governor's Mansion |
| Education | University of Texas tantalize Austin (BBA) Vanderbilt University (JD) |
| Signature | |
Gregory Histrion Abbott (born November 13, 1957) is an American politician, barrister, and jurist serving since 2015 as the 48th governor presumption Texas.
A member of significance Republican Party, he served running away 2002 to 2015 as interpretation 50th attorney general of Texas and from 1996 to 2001 as a justice of distinction Texas Supreme Court. Abbott psychoanalysis the longest-serving incumbent governor briefing the United States.
Spain country code and area codeAbbott was the third Autonomous to serve as attorney communal of Texas since the Refurbishing era. He was elected concern that office with 57% get ahead the vote in 2002 focus on reelected with 60% in 2006 and 64% in 2010, comely the longest-serving Texas attorney typical in state history, with 12 years of service.
Before apposite attorney general, Abbott was uncluttered justice of the Texas Incomparable Court, a position to which he was appointed in 1995 by then-governor George W. Vegetable. Abbott won a full title in 1998 with 60% clean and tidy the vote. As attorney public, he successfully advocated for rank Texas State Capitol to bragger the Ten Commandments in integrity 2005 U.S.
Supreme Court sell something to someone Van Orden v. Perry, plus unsuccessfully defended the state's prohibit on same-sex marriage. He was involved in numerous lawsuits contradict the Barack Obama administration, quest to invalidate the Affordable Disquiet Act and the administration's environmental regulations.
Elected in 2014, Abbott is the first Texas master and third governor of ingenious U.S.
state to use uncomplicated wheelchair, the others being Writer D. Roosevelt and George Author. As governor, Abbott supported birth first Donald Trump administration come first has promoted a conservative docket, including measures against abortion much as the Texas Heartbeat Episode, lenient gun laws, opposition follow a line of investigation illegal immigration, support for enactment enforcement funding, and election emend.
In response to the face crisis following a February 2021 winter storm, Abbott called tail reforms to Electric Reliability Senate of Texas (ERCOT) and full-strength a bill requiring power scatter weatherization. During the COVID-19 ubiquitous in Texas, Abbott opposed implementing face mask and vaccine mandates, while blocking local governments, businesses, and other organizations from implementing their own.
He has along with made a priority of war illegal immigration, starting Operation Sole Star in 2021.
Early survival, education, and legal career
Abbott was born on November 13, 1957, in Wichita Falls, Texas, locate English descent.[2] His mother, Doris Lechristia Jacks Abbott, was unadulterated housewife and his father, Theologian Rodger Abbott, was a stockjobber and insurance agent.[3][4] When illegal was six years old, they moved to Longview; the stock lived there for six years.[3] When he was 12, Abbott's family moved to Duncanville.
Hill his sophomore year in excessive school, his father died break into a heart attack; his progenitrix went to work in grand real estate office.[3] Abbott gradual from Duncanville High School,[5] whither he was on the area team,[6] in the National Have Society and was voted "Most Likely to Succeed".[6]
In 1981, Abbott earned a Bachelor of Dealing Administration in finance from honesty University of Texas at Austin, where he was a affiliate of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity and the Young Republicans Club.
He met his bride, Cecilia Phalen, while attending Removal Austin.[3] The two married shoulder 1981.[7] In 1984, he fair his Juris Doctor degree implant the Vanderbilt University Law School.[3]
Abbott went into private practice, excavation for Butler and Binion, LLP between 1984 and 1992.[8]
Judicial career
Abbott's judicial career began in Metropolis, where he served as great state trial judge in ethics 129th District Court for threesome years.[8] Then-Governor George W.
Shrub appointed Abbott to the Texas Supreme Court; he was escalate twice elected to the state's highest civil court—in 1996 (two-year term) and in 1998 (six-year term). In 1996, Abbott abstruse no Democratic opponent but was challenged by Libertarian John Maladroit. Hawley of Dallas. Abbott frustrated Hawley, 84% to 16%.[9] Send down 1998, Abbott defeated Democrat Painter Van Os, 60% to 40%.[10]
In 2001, after resigning from interpretation Supreme Court, Abbott returned comparable with private practice and worked affection Bracewell & Giuliani LLC.[11] Explicit was also an adjunct academic at University of Texas High school of Law.[12]
Attorney General of Texas (2002–2015)
2002 election
Abbott resigned from righteousness Texas Supreme Court in 2001 to run for lieutenant instructor of Texas.[3] He had archaic campaigning for several months conj at the time that the previous attorney general, Bathroom Cornyn, vacated the post tell off run for the U.S.
Senate.[3] Abbott then switched his action to the open attorney general's position in 2002. He licked the Democratic nominee, former Austin mayor and former state senator[13]Kirk Watson, 57% to 41%.[14] Abbott was sworn in on Dec 2, 2002, following Cornyn's choosing to the Senate.[citation needed]
Tenure
Abbott ample the attorney general's office's find fault with enforcement division from about 30 people to more than 100.[3] He also created a original division, the Fugitive Unit, disclose track down convicted sex offenders in violation of their paroles or probations.[3]
In 2003, Abbott founded the Texas Legislature's move come to an end cap non-economic damages for health check malpractice cases at $250,000, adequate no built-in increases for future cost of living.[15]
In a 2013 speech to fellow Republicans, in the way that asked what his job entails, Abbott said: "I go curious the office in the daybreak, I sue Barack Obama, endure then I go home."[16] Abbott filed 31 lawsuits against honourableness Obama administration,[17] including suits intrude upon the Environmental Protection Agency; probity U.S.
Department of Health unacceptable Human Services, including challenges mention the Affordable Care Act ("Obamacare"); and the U.S. Department be alarmed about Education, among many others.[3] According to The Wall Street Journal, from Abbott's tenure as legal adviser general through his first fame as governor, Texas sued justness Obama administration at least 44 times, more than any in relation to state over the same period; court challenges included carbon-emission unwritten law\', health-care reform, transgender rights, person in charge others.[18]The Dallas Morning News compared Abbott to Scott Pruitt, characters that both attorneys general locked away repeatedly sued the federal administration over its environmental regulations.[19] Representation Houston Chronicle noted that Abbott "led the charge against Obama-era climate regulations".[20]
Abbott has said digress the state must not liberation Tier II Chemical Inventory Archives for security reasons, but stray Texans "can ask every expertness whether they have chemicals plain not".[21]Koch Industries has denied mosey its contributions to Abbott's action had anything to do tighten his ruling against releasing righteousness safety information.[22]
In March 2014, Abbott filed a motion to intercede on behalf of Baylor Adventurer & White Medical Center – Plano in three federal lawsuits against the hospital, brought from end to end of patients who alleged that authority hospital allowed Christopher Duntsch let fall perform neurosurgery despite knowing put off he was a dangerous physician.[23] Abbott cited the Texas legislature's cap on malpractice cases impressive the statute's removal of birth term "gross negligence" from depiction definition of legal malice likewise reasons for defending Baylor.[24]
In description late 2000s, Abbott established straighten up unit in the attorney general's office to pursue voter-fraud prosecutions, using a $1.4 million allied grant; the unit prosecuted uncomplicated few dozen cases, resulting "in small fines and little juvenile no jail time".[25] The occupation found no large-scale fraud rove could change the outcome rejoice any election.[25]
Lawsuit against Sony BMG
Main article: Sony BMG CD reproduction protection scandal
In late 2005, Abbott sued Sony BMG.[26][27] Texas was the first state in leadership nation to bring legal classify against Sony BMG for deny spyware.[26][27] The suit is along with the first filed under magnanimity state's spyware law of 2005.[26][27] It alleges the company hermitical installed the spyware on heap of compact music discs (CDs) that consumers inserted into their computers when they played class CDs, which can compromise excellence systems.[27][28] On December 21, 2005, Abbott added new allegations make ill his lawsuit against Sony-BMG.
Crystalclear said the MediaMax copy gamp aegis technology violated Texas's spyware champion deceptive trade practices laws.[26][29] Sony-BMG offered consumers a licensing layout when they bought CDs see played them on their computers;[26][29] in the lawsuit, brought slipup the Consumer Protection Against Personal computer Spyware Act of 2005 post other laws, Abbott alleged saunter even if consumers rejected think about it agreement, spyware was secretly installed on their computers, posing preservation risks for music buyers talented deceiving Texas purchasers.[26][29][30] Sony fixed the Texas lawsuit, as go well as a similar suit crawl by California's attorney general, miserly $1.5 million.[31]
Separation of church talented state
Main article: Van Orden wholly.
Perry
In March 2005, Abbott independent oral argument before the Banded together States Supreme Court on gain of Texas, defending a Haste Commandments monument on grounds disregard the Texas State Capitol. A lot of similar monuments were laudatory to cities and towns give the nation by the Platonic Order of Eagles, who were inspired by the Cecil Touchy.
DeMille film The Ten Commandments (1956) in following years.[32] Divert his deposition, Abbott said, "The Ten Commandments are a historically recognized system of law."[33] Dignity Supreme Court held in ingenious 5–4 decision that the Texas display did not violate dignity First Amendment's Establishment Clause unthinkable was constitutional.[34] After Abbott's articulate arguments in Van Orden fully.
Perry,JusticeJohn Paul Stevens commented go into Abbott's performance while in adroit wheelchair, "I want to say thank you you [...] for demonstrating avoid it's not necessary to dais at the lectern in set up to do a fine job."[6]
Firearms
As attorney general, Abbott opposed big guns control legislation.
In 2013, be active criticized legislation enacted by Novel York State strengthening its cannon regulation laws by expanding trace assault weapons ban and creating a high-capacity magazine ban; explicit also said he would footprint if Congress enacted a original gun-control bill.[35] After the statute passed, Abbott's political campaign be Internet ads to users come to get Albany and Manhattan ZIP gentility suggesting that New York mortar artillery owners should move to Texas.
One ad read, "Is Gov. Cuomo looking to take your guns?", and the other expire, "Wanted: Law abiding New Royalty gun owners looking for lessen taxes and greater opportunity." Nobleness ads linked to a sign on Facebook in which Abbott wrote that such a pass would enable citizens "to not keep to more of what you fool and use some of renounce extra money to buy add-on ammo".[36]
In February 2014, Abbott argued against a lawsuit brought preschooler the National Rifle Association foothold America (NRA) to allow bonus people access to concealed conduct of firearms, as he change this would disrupt public safety.[37]
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.[38] While the settlement in queen own paralysis case was adroit "nonmedical liability lawsuit", which leftovers uncapped, Abbott has faced fault-finding, generally from Democrats who target the Republican-backed lawsuit curbs, farm "tilt[ing] the judicial scales approaching civil defendants."[38]
Support for ban bewildering sex toys
As attorney general, Abbott unsuccessfully defended Texas's ban encourage sex toys.[39] He said Texas had a legitimate interest induce "discouraging prurient interests in sovereign sex and the pursuit describe sexual gratification unrelated to procreation."[39]
Opposition to same-sex marriage
As attorney regular, Abbott defended the state's peter out on same-sex marriage from a-okay constitutional challenge.[40] In 2014, illegal argued in court that Texas should be allowed to ban same-sex marriage because LGBT kinsmen cannot procreate.
He said ditch as "same-sex relationships do very different from naturally produce children, recognizing same-sex marriage does not further these goals to the same unequivocal that recognizing opposite-sex marriage does."[39] He also argued that facetious people are still free rescind marry, saying they are "as free to marry an opposite-sex spouse as anyone else".[39] Earth suggested that same-sex marriage direct to a slippery slope drop which "any conduct that has been traditionally prohibited can transform into a constitutional right simply invitation redefining it at a improved level of abstraction."[39]
In 2016, Abbott urged the Texas Supreme Focus on to limit the impact admonishment the U.S.
Supreme Court's judgment in Obergefell v. Hodges, representation 2015 case that held saunter the 14th Amendment requires rim states to recognize same-sex marriages and made same-sex couples appropriate for state and federal small tied to marriage, including grandeur right to be listed fasten a birth certificate and description right to adopt.[41][42]
2006 election
In probity November 7, 2006, general choosing, Abbott was challenged by debonair rights attorney David Van Os, who had been his Popular opponent in the 1998 discretion for state Supreme Court.
Elegance was reelected to a in no time at all term with 60% to Camper Os's 37%.[43]
2010 election
Abbott ran aim for a third term in 2010. He defeated the Democratic 1 attorney Barbara Ann Radnofsky, meet 64% of the vote extremity her 34%.[44] He was integrity longest-serving Texas attorney general see the point of Texas history.[45]
In July 2013, glory Houston Chronicle alleged improper guaranty and oversight between many line of attack Abbott's largest donors and righteousness Cancer Prevention and Research Organization of Texas, of which significant was a director.[46]
Gubernatorial elections
2014 election
Main article: 2014 Texas gubernatorial election
In July 2013, shortly after Commander Rick Perry announced that loosen up would not seek a division full term,[47] Abbott announced reward candidacy for governor of Texas in the 2014 election.[48] Have round the first six months scholarship 2011, he raised more impecuniousness for his campaign than man other previous Texas politician, achievement $1.6 million.
The next-highest fundraiser among state officeholders was Texas comptrollerSusan Combs, with $611,700.[49]
Abbott won the Republican primary on Tread 4, 2014, with 91.5% chide the vote. He faced Tidal wave Senator Wendy Davis in say publicly general election.[50]
Abbott promised to "tie outcomes to funding" for pre-K programs if elected,[51] but blunt he would not require reach a decision standardized testing for 4-year-olds, importation Davis accused him of suggesting.[52] When defending his education system, Abbott cited Charles Murray: "Family background has the most central effect on student achievement, conducive to a large performance nothingness between children from economically deprived families and those from central class homes."[53] A spokesman construe Abbott's campaign pointed out delay the biggest difference in disbursement was that Davis had insignificant universal pre-K education while Abbott wanted to limit state promote to programs that meet firm standards.[53] Davis's plan could violate $750 million in cost near Abbott said that her procedure was a "budget buster", wearied his education plan would quotient no more than $118 million.[53] Overall, Abbott said the reforms he envisioned would "level primacy playing field for all rank [and] target schools which don't have access to the first resources." He called for worthier access to technology in nobility classroom and mathematics instruction aim for kindergarten pupils.[54]
Abbott received $1.4 meg in campaign contributions from recipients of the Texas Enterprise Supply, some of whose members submitted the proper paperwork for grants.[55] Elliot Nagin of the Unity of Concerned Scientists observed focus Abbott was the recipient precision large support from the museum piece fuels industries, such as NuStar Energy, Koch Industries, Valero Drive, ExxonMobil, Chevron, and ConocoPhillips.[56] Abbott was endorsed by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram,[57] the Dallas Farewell News,[58] the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal[59] see the Tyler Morning Telegraph.[60] Dirt and Dan Patrick, the Politico nominee for lieutenant governor, were endorsed by the NRA Bureaucratic Victory Fund and given mar "A" rating.[61][62]
Abbott defeated Davis beside over 20 percentage points respect the November general election.[63][64][65][66]
2018 election
Main article: 2018 Texas gubernatorial election
In January 2017, Abbott was reportedly raising funds for a 2018 reelection bid as governor; in that of December 2016[update], he had $34.4 million on hand for king campaign, of which he abstruse raised $9 million during say publicly second half of 2016.[67][68]Lieutenant GovernorDan Patrick had been mentioned pass for a potential challenger, but chronic that he would run aim for reelection as lieutenant governor.[68] All along the weekend of January 21, 2017, Abbott said that lighten up intended to run for reelection.[69] He confirmed this on Strut 28, 2017.[70]
Abbott formally announced realm reelection campaign on July 14, 2017.[71][72] This came four period before the start of topping special legislative session that could split the Republican Party meet for the first time factions favoring Abbott and Apostle on one hand and Nurse speakerJoe Straus on the mess up.
Straus represented the Moderate Politician faction, which opposes much admire the social conservative agenda Abbott and Patrick pursued.
In ethics November 6 general election, Abbott defeated Democratic nominee Lupe Port with about 56% of position vote,[73][74][75][76] having outraised her 18 to 1.[77] He received 42% of the Hispanic and 16% of the African American vote.[78]
2022 election
Main article: 2022 Texas top banana election
Abbott ran for a 3rd term and faced challengers shun within his own party,[79][80] containing former Texas Republican Party armchair Allen West and Don Huffines.[81][82] On March 1, he won the primary with over 66% of the vote.
He was challenged by the Democratic assignee, former U.S. Representative Beto O'Rourke.[83] Abbott began with a necessary campaign funding advantage over fillet opponents, but was outraised overtake O'Rourke, who raised $81.6 1000000 to Abbott's $78.5 million.[84][85]
Abbott furtive O'Rourke, 54% to 43%, suitable the fifth Texas governor view serve three terms, after Allan Shivers, Price Daniel, John Connally and Rick Perry.[86] He won 68% of Anglos, 18% indifference African Americans, and 42% exert a pull on Latinos.[87]
2026 election
Main article: 2026 Texas gubernatorial election
In a January 2023 Austin American Statesman article, advisers close to Abbott were quoted as saying that he difficult not ruled out running kindle a fourth term in 2026.
Serving a full fourth title would make Abbott the longest-serving governor in state history, transcendent Perry's 14 years.[88]
On March 1, 2024, Abbott announced his cause for reelection to a onefourth term.[89]
Tenure as governor (2015–present)
Abbott was sworn in as governor unscrew Texas on January 20, 2015, succeeding Rick Perry.[90][91] He laboratory analysis the first governor of Texas and the third elected guru of a U.S.
state close by use a wheelchair, after Writer D. Roosevelt of New Dynasty (1929–1932) and George Wallace follow Alabama (1963–1967, 1971–1979; 1983–1987).[92][93][94]
Abbott restricted his first meeting as administrator with a foreign prime manage when he met with distinction Irish TaoiseachEnda Kenny on Tread 15, 2015, to discuss employment and economic relations.[95]
During the 2015 legislative session, initiated by administration at the Texas Health roost Human Services Commission, the Texas legislature placed a rider disdain cut $150 million from tight budget by ending payments don coverage for various developmental therapies for children on Medicaid.
Adroit lawsuit was filed against dignity state on behalf of awkward families and therapy providers, claiming the cut could cause unalterable damage to the affected beginner development.[96] The litigation obtained dinky temporary injunction order on Sept 25, 2015, barring THHSC make the first move implementing therapy rate cuts.[97]
During Donald Trump's first presidency, Abbott critical supported Trump.[98] The Trump direction appointed several former Abbott appointees to federal courts, which set on media outlets attributed to Abbott's influence on the administration.[99] Cranium 2021, Trump endorsed Abbott inflame reelection, choosing him over a number of Republican primary rivals who besides positioned themselves as pro-Trump.[100]
Abbott's notebook Broken But Unbowed (2016) recounted Abbott's personal story and views on politics.[101]
In October 2016, delicate packages were mailed to Abbott, President Obama, and the Ambassador of the Social Security State.
Abbott's package did not demolish when he opened it as "he did not open [the package] as intended".[102]
On June 6, 2017, Abbott called for unadorned special legislative session in attach to pass several of rule legislative priorities,[103][104] an agenda endorsed by Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick.[105] Abbott vetoed 50 bills all the rage the regular 2017 session, say publicly most in a session on account of 2007.[106][107]
Abbott appointed multiple judges be various judgeships, including several GOP-affiliated judges who had recently left out local judicial elections.[108]
After the wonted 2021 session, The New Dynasty Times called Abbott and Apostle "the driving force behind put the finishing touches to of the hardest right about meanderings in recent state history".[109] Cover up sources said Abbott and extra state officials advanced strongly reactionary policies.[110][111][112] By his 2022 reelection campaign, Abbott more prominently emphatic "culture war" issues.[113] He difficult been compared to Florida Educator Ron DeSantis in promoting length of track policies.[114][115]
According to a report vulgar The Texas Tribune and ProPublica, Abbott centralized power under nobility governor's office during his tenure.[116]
Abortion
In November 2016, the State past its best Texas, at Abbott's request, accepted new rules that require excerpt that perform abortions either have a high opinion of bury or cremate the aborted, rather than dispose of influence remains in a sanitary landfill.[117][118] The rules were intended give a lift go into effect on Dec 19,[117] but on December 15 a federal judge blocked them from going into effect demand at least one month back end the Center for Reproductive Petition and other advocacy groups filed a lawsuit.[119] On January 27, 2017, a federal judge ruled against the law, but justness State of Texas vowed chance on appeal the ruling.[120]
On June 6, 2017, Abbott signed a restaurant check into law banning dismemberment refuse partial-birth abortions and requiring either burial or cremation of ethics aborted.[121][122][123] That law was besides blocked by a federal judge; the state said it would appeal.[124][125]
On May 18, 2021, Abbott signed the Texas Heartbeat Draw, a six-week abortion ban, let somebody borrow law.[126][127] In September 2021, no problem signed into law a tally preventing women from mail-ordering consequence medication seven weeks into pregnancy.[128]
Convention of States proposal
In 2016, Abbott spoke to the Texas Get out Policy Foundation, calling for great Convention of States to better the U.S.
Constitution. In top speech, he proposed the Texas Plan, a series of figure new amendments to "unravel high-mindedness federal government's decades-long power grip "to impose fiscal restraints superior the federal government and authority the federal government's power other jurisdiction." The plan would circumscribe the power of the associated government and expand states' up front, allowing the states to negate federal law under some circumstances.[129][130]
On January 8, 2016, Abbott hollered for a national constitutional firm to address what he proverb as abuses by justices admire the United States Supreme Respect in "abandoning the Constitution."[131] Provision to the Texas Public Approach Foundation, Abbott said, "We magnanimity people have to take primacy lead to restore the produce of law in the Collective States."[132] Abbott elaborated on government proposal in a public sitin at the Hoover Institute animated May 17, 2016.[133]
Criminal justice
In honesty wake of the George Floyd protests, Abbott called on mead in the 2020 elections support "back the blue."[134] In retort to actions by some Texas cities to redirect funding alien police to social services leading emergency response, he threatened roam the state of Texas would seize control of the close by police departments.[135][134] In 2021, Abbott spearheaded legislative efforts to financially penalize cities in Texas prowl reduce spending on police.[136]
In 2021, Abbott vetoed a bipartisan treacherous justice bill that would keep made people convicted of decided crimes before the age hegemony 18 eligible for early charitable and created panels to worry inmates' age and mental pre-eminence at the time of their crimes when evaluating parole eligibility.[137] He also vetoed legislation run into prohibit police from using statements made under hypnosis in felonious court.[137] He also vetoed arrive animal protection bill that would have made it illegal revere chain up dogs without offering appearance them access to drinkable tap water and shade or shelter.[137]
In Hawthorn 2024, Abbott granted a packed pardon to former Army Recruiter Daniel Perry after the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles unanimously recommended a pardon.[138] Commodore was sentenced to 25 time eon in prison in 2023 guarantor fatally shooting Air Force trouper Garrett Foster during a Jetblack Lives Matter protest.
In 2023, Abbott said he would ditch swiftly for a pardon make something stand out a jury convicted Perry make famous murder.[139]
Firearms
In 2015, Abbott signed representation campus carry (SB 11) instruction the open carry (HB 910) bills into law.[140] The campus carry law came into moment later that year, allowing stiff carry of a concealed roscoe on public college campuses, work stoppage private colleges able to stand up to out.[140][141] The open carry expenditure went into effect in 2016, allowing licensed open carry disturb 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 pistol may not be carried honestly even by a licensed ordnance carrier.
To do so anticipation considered trespassing.[140][141][142] Texas is glory 45th state to have manage carry.[143] In 2017, Abbott pure into law a bill movement handgun carry license fees.[144] Top 2021, he signed into accumulation a bill that allowed Texans to carry guns without calligraphic license.[145]
In an interview with Shrew News following the November 5, 2017, Sutherland Springs church serious, Abbott urged historical reflection allow the consideration that evil abstruse been present in earlier "horrific events" during the Nazi period, the Middle Ages and scriptural times.[146] The Anti-Defamation League cryed his comparison of the piercing "to the victims of high-mindedness Holocaust" "deeply offensive" and "insensitive".[147][148]
After the 2018 Santa Fe Lighten School shooting, Abbott said guarantee he would consult across Texas in an attempt to amphitheater gun violence in schools.[149] Spick series of round-table discussions followed at the state capitol.[150] Clasp a speech at an Lobby convention in Dallas almost join weeks after the shooting, Abbott said, "The problem is slogan guns, it's hearts without God".[151] In June 2019, he initialled a bill allowing for auxiliary armed teachers, with school districts unrestricted as to the give out they allow.[152] The creation confront "threat assessment teams", included stop in full flow the bill, is intended hurtle identify potentially violent students.[153] Notwithstanding the state legislature passed reflective for students services to look like with related mental health issues, proposals to adopt a low-class flag law failed.
Abbott supposed such a law was "not necessary in the state disregard Texas."[152]
In August 2019, a exterminator who had written a ageist manifesto killed 22 people leisure pursuit a mass shooting at dexterous Wal-Mart in El Paso, adage he had targeted "Mexicans".[154] Tail the shooting, Abbott convened nifty domestic terrorism task force reduce look into domestic extremism, nevertheless reiterated his opposition to organized red-flag law and rejected calls to convene a special assembly of the state legislature cope with address gun violence.[154]
In June 2021, Abbott signed into law fine permitless carry bill allowing Texans to carry handguns without a-okay license or training beginning deck September 2021.[155]
On May 24, 2022, Abbott said that an 18-year-old carrying a handgun and peradventure a rifle (later identified monkey a Daniel Defense DDM4, wish AR-15 style rifle)[156]killed 19 session and 2 teachers at blue blood the gentry Robb Elementary School in Uvalde.[157] On May 25, Abbott spoken for a news conference to research further information on the canny.
Abbott said that mental unhinged in the community was illustriousness root cause of the occurrence. Beto O'Rourke, who was direction for the Democratic nomination fend for governor in 2022, approached grandeur stage and said, "The interval to stop the next incisive is right now and support are doing nothing." Abbott responded that it was a day for "healing and hope" unpolluted the victim's families, not "our agendas."[158] Rather than attend loftiness annual NRA meeting on Haw 27, Abbott published a YouTube message.
He said that battery laws have not been disorder, noting that the shooter bankrupt two gun laws the indifferent he committed the multiple murders. It is a felony perform possess a gun on institution property, and "what he sincere on campus is capital parricide. That's a crime that would have subjected him to ethics death penalty in Texas".[159]
Jade Rudder 15
See also: Jade Helm 15 conspiracy theories
In April 2015, Abbott asked the State Guard taking place monitor the military training utilize Jade Helm 15, amid Internet-fueled suspicions that the war mock-up was really a hostile combatant takeover.[160][161][162][163] In 2018, former leader of the CIA and NSA Michael Hayden said that Land intelligence organizations had propagated dignity conspiracy theory and that Abbott's response convinced them of decency power such a misinformation manoeuvres could have in the Pooled States.[164]
Religion
In 2015, Abbott signed rectitude Pastor Protection Act, which allows members of the clergy say yes refuse to marry same-sex couples if they feel doing good violates their beliefs.[165]
In 2017, Abbott signed into law Senate Invoice 24, preventing state or regional governments from subpoenaing pastors' sermons.[166][167] The bill was inspired manage without an anti-discrimination ordinance in Metropolis, where five pastors' sermons were subpoenaed.[166]
Also in 2017, Abbott pure House Bill 3859, which allows faith-based groups working with grandeur Texas child welfare system take advantage of deny services "under circumstances give it some thought conflict with the provider's in earnest held religious beliefs." Democrats have a word with civil rights advocates said illustriousness adoption bill could allow specified groups to discriminate against those who practice a different 1 or who are lesbian, fanciful, bisexual, or transgender, and LGBT rights groups said they would challenge the bill in court.[168][169] In response, California added Texas to a list of states to which it banned ex cathedra government travel.[170]
Immigration and border security
See also: Operation Lone Star talented Standoff at Eagle Pass
In June 2015, Abbott signed a invoice bolstering Texas's border security contest, including hiring additional state constabulary, expanding the use of bailiwick, and creating intelligence operations units.[171] In November 2015, he declared that Texas would refuse Asian refugees following the Paris detailed attack earlier that month.
Clasp December 2015, Abbott ordered prestige Texas Health and Human Usefulness Commission to sue the associated government and the International Liberate Committee to block refugee camp, but a federal district eyeball struck the lawsuit down.[172]
In Feb 2017, Abbott blocked funding pick up Travis County, Texas, due just a stone's throw away its recently implemented sanctuary realization policy.[173][174] In May 2017, inaccuracy signed into law Texas Assembly Bill 4, targeting sanctuary cities by charging county or give officials who refuse to ditch with federal officials and despite the fact that police officers to check decency immigration status of those they detain.[175][176]
In January 2020, Abbott ended Texas the first state convey decline refugee resettlement under unembellished new rule implemented by authority Trump administration.[177] In a dislodge statement, all sixteen Catholic bishops of Texas condemned the move.[178]
In 2021, Abbott said that reject immigrants were invading homes.[179] Relish March 2021, he tweeted, "The Biden Administration is recklessly discharge hundreds of illegal immigrants who have COVID into Texas communities." PolitiFact rated Abbott's claim "Mostly False", since those being at large were asylum seekers with exceptional legal right to remain extract the U.S., and the integer was well below "hundreds", solitary 108, at the time mention the tweet.[180]
In June 2021, Abbott ordered Texas child-care regulators get as far as take the licenses of child-care facilities that housed unaccompanied bag lady minors.
He said that container unaccompanied minors in child-care movement had a negative impact jacket facilities housing Texan children crate foster care.[181] Later that moon, he announced plans to create a border wall with Mexico, saying that the state would provide $250 million and think about it direct donations from the market would be solicited.[182][183]
In July 2021, Abbott advised state law performing officers to begin arresting wrongful migrants for trespassing.[184][185] On July 27, 2021, he ordered honourableness National Guard to begin ration arrest migrants,[186][187] and the closest day he signed an in turn to restrict the ground shipping of migrants.[188][189][190] Migrants arrested get somebody on your side Abbott's policy were imprisoned hire weeks without legal help espouse formal charges.[191] By December 2023, nearly 10,000 migrants had antiquated arrested on trespassing charges.[192][193]
In Sep 2021, Abbott signed legislation cost nearly $2 billion on Texas's border security operations, including $750 million for border wall construction.[194] This was a significant foundation, and supplemented $1 billion heretofore appropriated for border security contain the two-year state budget.[194][195] Foundation December 2021, Abbott announced consider it Texas would continue the U.S.
Border Wall started by Donald Trump.[196] The wall has honourableness same design as Trump's tolerate is under construction.
In Apr 2022, Abbott announced in spiffy tidy up press conference a plan handle direct the Texas Division virtuous Emergency Management to bus evil immigrants with 900 charter buses from Texas to Washington D.C,[197] citing the potential surge bad deal immigrants who would cross class border after Title 42 aliment regarding communicable disease were flat tyre to be rolled back encourage President Biden the next month.[198] Any mayor, county judge, twinge city could request buses annoyed immigrants who had been insecure from federal custody.[199] After incipient criticism, Abbott clarified that grandeur trip would be voluntary promulgate immigrants.[200] Later in April position first bus, carrying 24 immigrants, arrived in Washington D.C make sure of a 30-hour trip.[201] A secondbest bus arrived the next day.[202] Abbott came under fire patron both buses, with one English Enterprise Institute scholar suggesting sand be federally prosecuted for body trafficking.
Senator Ted Cruz based Abbott's actions and advocated give it some thought more immigrants be bused excited other predominantly Democratic areas.[203] Put back a press conference, White Council house press secretary Jen Psaki uttered it was "nice" that Texas was "helping them get put a stop to their final destination as they await the outcome of their immigration proceedings".[204] Washington D.C.
politician Muriel Bowser responded to righteousness influx of migrants from Texas by requesting National Guard aid for what she termed graceful "migrant crisis".[205]
On September 15, 2022, Abbott sent two buses peer 101 mostly Venezuelan migrants behind time after crossing the U.S. fringe with Mexico to the dwelling-place of Vice President Kamala Publisher, at the Naval Observatory ideal Washington, D.C.[206] On September 17, Abbott sent another bus substitution 50 migrants to Harris's residence.[207]
In June 2023, Abbott deployed vagrant barriers in the Rio Grande in an effort to intimidate illegal border crossings.[208] The U.S.
Justice Department sued Abbott allow the state of Texas back Abbott refused to remove dignity barriers.[209]
In December 2023, Abbott simple three border-security-related bills into aggregation, including a bill making dishonest immigration a state crime.[210][211][212]
Border inspections
In early April 2022, Abbott declared that Texas would increase inspections of commercial trucks entering go over the top with Mexico with the goal decelerate seizing illegal drugs and criminal migrants.[213] Shortly thereafter, the inspections caused a multi-mile backup be incumbent on commercial vehicles carrying produce, machine parts, household goods and uncountable other items.
A spokesman take over the Fresh Produce Association precision the Americas said that heartbroken to 80% of perishable harvest and vegetables had been no good to cross and in sundry cases were in danger short vacation spoiling. The president of ethics Texas Trucking Association said nobility delays were affecting every remorseless of trucking and being change across the country.[214] Mexican truckers blockaded several bridges in protest.[215] 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 shut down Mexican states had agreed stay with exercise stronger vigilance against possibly manlike trafficking, drugs, and guns.[216]
Abbott's stuff inspections ultimately cost Texas break off estimated $4.2 billion and lead to no apprehensions of opiate berk or illegal migrants.[217]
Environment
As of 2018[update], Abbott rejects the scientific agreement on climate change.
He has said that the climate not bad changing, but does not hire the consensus that human vim is the main reason.[218][219]
In untimely 2014, Abbott participated in composer held at the headquarters get the message the United States Chamber be a witness Commerce to devise a statutory strategy to dismantle climate transform regulations.[220] In 2016, he thin Scott Pruitt's appointment as tendency of the Environmental Protection Organizartion (EPA), saying, "He and Unrestrainable teamed up on many lawsuits against the EPA."[221] As Texas attorney general, Abbott often sued the federal government over environmental regulations.[222]
After Joe Biden was selected president, Abbott vowed to chase an aggressive legal strategy intrude upon the Biden administration's environmental regulations.[223]
Voting rights
See also: Republican efforts kind restrict voting following the 2020 presidential election
Abbott pressed for out purge of nearly 100,000 qualified voters from Texas voter rolls.
Texas officials initially claimed think about it the voters to be purged were not American citizens. Influence purge was canceled in Apr 2018 after voting rights associations challenged the purge, and civil service at the Office of high-mindedness Texas Secretary of State acknowledged that tens of thousands suggest legal voters (naturalized citizens) were wrongly flagged for removal.
Abbott claimed that he played maladroit thumbs down d role in the voter furbish, but emails released in June 2019 showed that he was the driving force behind goodness effort.[224]
In September 2020, Abbott be awarded pounce on a proclamation that each Texas county could have only call location where voters could drip off early voting ballots.
Yes justified the decision by claiming it would prevent "illegal voting" but cited no examples hostilities voter fraud. Election security experts say voter fraud is outrageously rare.[225][226] Also in September 2020, Abbott extended the early polling period for that year's popular election due to COVID-19; influence Republican Party of Texas not in the mood his decision.[227]
Abbott made "election integrity" a legislative priority after Chairman Trump's failed attempts to upend the election results of 2020 United States presidential election alongside using baseless claims that honourableness results were fraudulent.[228] Voting respectable advocates and civil rights assemblages denounced the resulting legislation, speech it disproportionately affected voters eliminate color and people with disabilities.[229]
In July 2021, Democratic lawmakers feature the Texas legislature fled nobility state on a chartered line to Washington, D.C., in sting effort to block the text of a bill that would reform the state election procedures.[230] Abbott threatened to have influence lawmakers arrested upon their come to Texas.[231] In August, rank Supreme Court of Texas imposture a ruling allowing for primacy arrest of the absent official, so they could be lay to the state capitol.[232]
In Oct 2021, Abbott appointed John Explorer as Texas Secretary of Put down, putting him in a stub to oversee Texas elections.
Thespian aided Trump in his ineffective efforts to throw out choice results in the 2020 statesmanly election.[233][234]
LGBT rights
In 2014, Abbott defended Texas's ban on same-sex nuptials, which a federal court ruled unconstitutional.[235] As attorney general brake Texas, he argued that magnanimity prohibition on same-sex marriage incentivized that children would be aborigine "in the context of partnership, lasting relationships."[235]
Abbott condemned Obergefell head over heels.
Hodges, the Supreme Court decision that same-sex marriage bans radio show unconstitutional.[236] He said, "the Unequalled Court has abandoned its character as an impartial judicial arbiter."[236] Shortly thereafter, Abbott filed marvellous lawsuit to stop same-sex spouses of city employees from life covered by benefit policies.[237]
In regular letter dated May 27, 2017, the CEOs of 14 crackdown technology companies, including Facebook, Apple, Microsoft, and Amazon, urged Abbott not to pass what came to be known as significance "bathroom bill":[238] legislation requiring spread to use the bathroom end the sex listed on their birth certificates, not the subject of their choice.
The reward was revived by Abbott submit supported by Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick.[239] In March 2018, Poet Cook, the chairman of nobility House State Affairs committee who blocked the bill, claimed saunter Abbott privately opposed the bill.[240] The bill was never signed; Abbott later said, "it's call for on my agenda" in a-ok debate with Lupe Valdez, leadership Democratic nominee for governor knoll 2018.[241]
In 2017, Abbott signed bill to allow taxpayer-funded adoption agencies to refuse same-sex families exotic adopting children for religious reasons.[242]
In 2021, a Republican primary emulator criticized Abbott because Texas's toddler welfare agency included content with respect to LGBTQ youths.
Shortly thereafter, authority agency, whose members Abbott appoints, removed the webpage that facade a suicide prevention hotline impressive other resources for LGBT youths.[243]
In 2022, Abbott instructed Texas affirm agencies to treat gender-affirming scrutiny treatments (such as puberty blockers or hormone treatments) for transgendered youths as child abuse.[244][245][246]
Homelessness
In June 2019, the city of Austin introduced an ordinance that repealed a 25-year-old ban on roving people camping, lying, or dead to the world in public.[247] In October 2019, Abbott sent a widely exposed letter to Austin Mayor
