Challenges in the Life of Greg Abbott in a Detailed Timeline
A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Greg Abbott's life and career.
Greg Abbott is the current governor of Texas, serving since 2015. A Republican, he previously served as the state's Attorney General from 2002 to 2015 and as a Justice on the Texas Supreme Court from 1996 to 2001. He is the longest-serving incumbent governor in the United States.
July 14, 1984: Paralyzed in Accident
On July 14, 1984, at age 26, Abbott was paralyzed below the waist when an oak tree fell on him while he was jogging after a storm.
2013: Sued Barack Obama
In 2013, Abbott stated that his job as Attorney General involved suing Barack Obama, leading to numerous lawsuits against the Obama administration on issues such as environmental regulations and the Affordable Care Act.
September 25, 2015: Temporary Injunction Against Therapy Rate Cuts
On September 25, 2015, a temporary injunction order was obtained, barring the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (THHSC) from implementing therapy rate cuts after a lawsuit was filed claiming the cut could cause irreparable damage to the affected children's development.
December 2015: Order to Sue to Block Refugee Settlement
In December 2015, Abbott ordered the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to sue to block refugee settlement, but the lawsuit was struck down by a federal district court.
October 2016: Explosive Package Mailed to Abbott
In October 2016, Greg Abbott was the target of a mailed explosive package. However, the package did not explode when he opened it because he did not open the package as intended.
January 27, 2017: Federal Judge Ruled Against the Law for Aborted Fetal Remains
On January 27, 2017, a federal judge ruled against the law requiring facilities performing abortions to bury or cremate aborted fetal remains, but the State of Texas vowed to appeal the ruling.
May 1, 2020: End of Texas Stay-at-Home Order
On May 1, 2020, Greg Abbott ended the stay-at-home order in Texas, one of the shortest implemented by any governor during the COVID-19 pandemic.
July 2020: Abbott Directs Mask Wearing in Counties with High COVID-19 Cases
In July 2020, Greg Abbott directed counties with more than 20 COVID-19 cases to require masks in public places, reversing his earlier prohibition on local mask mandates.
December 2020: Abbott Directs Restaurants to Ignore COVID-19 Curfews
In December 2020, Greg Abbott directed Texas restaurants to ignore local curfews imposed to prevent the spread of COVID-19 during the New Year's weekend.
February 2021: Response to the Texas power crisis.
In February 2021, following a major winter storm and a power crisis in Texas, Abbott called for reforms to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) and signed a bill requiring power plant weatherization.
March 2, 2021: Abbott Lifts COVID-19 Restrictions in Texas
On March 2, 2021, Greg Abbott lifted all COVID-19 restrictions in Texas, ending the mask mandate and allowing businesses to reopen "100 percent."
July 29, 2021: Executive Order GA-38 Issued
On July 29, 2021, Governor Abbott issued Executive Order GA-38, prohibiting local governmental officials, state agencies, public universities, and businesses from requiring face masks or proof of vaccination, with a $1,000 fine for inconsistent policies.
August 2021: Opposition to Government Mandates
In August 2021, Abbott emphasized personal responsibility over government restrictions, resolutely opposing government mandates. His spokesperson justified the ban on local government mandates by stating "Private businesses don't need government running their business."
August 17, 2021: Abbott Tests Positive for COVID-19
On August 17, 2021, Greg Abbott's office announced that he tested positive for COVID-19. His office stated he was in good health with no symptoms and received Regeneron's monoclonal antibody treatment.
October 2021: Executive Order Banning Vaccine Requirements
In October 2021, Abbott issued an executive order that banned any entity, including private businesses, from implementing a vaccine requirement for its employees.
2021: Winter Storm Power Failures
During the February 13–17, 2021 North American winter storm, power-plant failures across Texas left four million households without power. Abbott called for investigation and reform of ERCOT.
November 2024: COVID-19 Deaths in Texas
As of November 2024, 93,390 COVID-19 deaths had been registered in Texas, according to the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resources Center.
