Texas Gov. Greg Abbott launches 2026 re-election campaign

HOUSTON – Texas Governor Greg Abbott introduced Thursday night that he’ll search a fourth time period in 2026, unveiling his re-election marketing campaign beneath the slogan “Let’s Roll.”

(PHOTO: Texans for Greg Abbott, 11/9/2025)

The ‘Texas mannequin’

What we all know:

Talking earlier than a packed crowd in Houston, Abbott framed his bid as a continuation of what he known as the “Texas mannequin,” emphasizing low taxes, job development and conservative social insurance policies. The occasion, billed as a “Way forward for Texas” announcement, marked the official launch of his marketing campaign.

“Texas is not only a state. It’s our dwelling. Our heritage. Texas is the heartbeat of this nation we name America,” mentioned Abbott. “As Texans, we are going to defend this state with each fiber of our being. We’ll defend what now we have constructed, end what we began and lead Texas into its superb future.”

Abbott highlighted the state’s financial development beneath his administration, noting that Texas’ economic system is now the eighth largest on the planet. He additionally pointed to document job creation, property tax cuts and schooling reforms together with better faculty alternative and better instructor pay.

(PHOTO: Texans for Greg Abbott, 11/9/2025)

Property tax reform plan

What they are saying:

In accordance with Abbott’s marketing campaign, the governor additionally promised to reclaim Harris County and defend “the promise of Texas” by means of a daring new property tax reform plan.

As a part of the proposal, Abbott mentioned he goals to rein in rising property assessments and provides Texas householders extra management over native tax charges. He reiterated that property taxes are imposed by native governments, not the state, and known as for limits on native price will increase.

“It is time to push a inventory by means of the guts of native tax will increase for good,” mentioned Abbott. “We’re going to flip the tables on native tax authorities, put energy within the palms of the individuals and put an finish to Texas’ out-of-control property taxes.”

The Republican governor, who has been in energy since 2015, reiterated his dedication to frame safety, legislation enforcement and limiting the function of native governments in elevating property taxes. “As Texans, we are going to defend this state with each fiber of our being. We’ll defend what now we have constructed. We’ll end what we began. We’ll lead Texas into its superb future,” Abbott mentioned.

“And that’s the reason I’m right here tonight to announce that I’m working for re-election as your governor of the good state of Texas.”

Dig deeper:

Abbott, who has been governor since 2015, mentioned his marketing campaign would additionally give attention to defending Texas’ “tradition, heritage and values” in opposition to what he described as “radical Democrats” making an attempt to show the state blue.

“What now we have in Texas is valuable, however it will possibly all be destroyed in a single dangerous election,” Abbott mentioned. “Make no mistake: Democrats need this election to be this election. We’ll defend this nice state and depart our kids and grandchildren a Texas that’s safer, stronger, freer and extra affluent than ever earlier than.”

Abbott’s speech additionally included private reflections on his restoration in Houston after the accident that left him paralyzed. He described Texas as “the heartbeat of America” and urged his supporters to “maintain Texas Texas.”

(PHOTO: Texans for Greg Abbott, 11/9/2025)

Street to 2026

What’s subsequent:

If re-elected in 2026, Abbott would develop into the longest-serving governor in Texas historical past, surpassing former Gov. Rick Perry’s 14-year time period. One other victory would cement Abbott’s affect on the state’s political panorama and additional form Republican priorities on border coverage, schooling and taxes over the subsequent decade.

Abbott’s announcement kicks off what is anticipated to be a high-profile race in 2026 as Democrats look to problem the state’s longest-serving governor in almost a century.