History of Greg Abbott in Timeline

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Greg Abbott

Greg Abbott is an American politician currently serving as the 48th Governor of Texas since 2015. A Republican, he previously served as the Texas Attorney General from 2002 to 2015. Prior to that, he was a Justice on the Texas Supreme Court from 1996 to 2001. He is currently the longest-serving incumbent governor in the United States.

1956: Inspiration for Ten Commandments Monuments

In 1956, the Cecil B. DeMille film "The Ten Commandments" inspired the Fraternal Order of Eagles to donate thousands of similar monuments across the nation.

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November 13, 1957: Birth of Gregory Wayne Abbott

On November 13, 1957, Gregory Wayne Abbott was born. He is an American politician, attorney, and jurist who has served as the 48th governor of Texas since 2015.

Others born on this day/year

1981: Earned Bachelor's Degree and Married Cecilia Phalen

In 1981, Abbott earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in finance from the University of Texas at Austin. He also married Cecilia Phalen in 1981, whom he met while attending UT Austin.

1981: Marriage to Cecilia Phalen Abbott

In 1981, Greg Abbott married Cecilia Phalen Abbott in San Antonio.

July 14, 1984: Paralyzed by falling tree

On July 14, 1984, at age 26, Greg Abbott was paralyzed below the waist when an oak tree fell on him while he was jogging after a storm. Two steel rods were implanted in his spine, and he underwent extensive rehabilitation at TIRR Memorial Hermann in Houston.

1984: Joined Butler and Binion, LLP

In 1984, Abbott began working in private practice for Butler and Binion, LLP.

1984: Earned Juris Doctor Degree

In 1984, Abbott earned his Juris Doctor degree from Vanderbilt University Law School.

1992: Left Butler and Binion, LLP

In 1992, Abbott concluded his work in private practice for Butler and Binion, LLP.

1995: Appointed Justice of the Texas Supreme Court

In 1995, Abbott was appointed as a Justice of the Texas Supreme Court by then-Governor George W. Bush.

1996: Elected to Texas Supreme Court

In 1996, Abbott was elected to the Texas Supreme Court for a two-year term, defeating Libertarian John B. Hawley.

1996: Became Justice of the Texas Supreme Court

In 1996, Greg Abbott became a Justice of the Texas Supreme Court, serving until 2001.

1998: Re-elected to Texas Supreme Court

In 1998, Abbott was re-elected to the Texas Supreme Court for a six-year term, defeating Democrat David Van Os.

1998: Won a full term in the Texas Supreme Court

In 1998, Abbott won a full term as a Justice in the Texas Supreme Court with 60% of the vote.

1998: David Van Os Challenged Abbott

In 1998, David Van Os was Abbott's Democratic opponent in the election for state Supreme Court.

2001: Resigned from Texas Supreme Court

In 2001, Abbott resigned from the Texas Supreme Court initially to run for lieutenant governor, then switched to campaign for attorney general.

2001: End of term as Justice of the Texas Supreme Court

In 2001, Greg Abbott's tenure as a Justice of the Texas Supreme Court came to an end.

2001: Returned to private practice

In 2001, after resigning from the Supreme Court, Abbott returned to private practice and worked for Bracewell & Giuliani LLC, and he was also an adjunct professor at University of Texas School of Law.

December 2, 2002: Sworn in as Attorney General of Texas

On December 2, 2002, Abbott was sworn in as the Attorney General of Texas, succeeding John Cornyn.

2002: Elected Attorney General of Texas

In 2002, Abbott was elected as the Attorney General of Texas with 57% of the vote.

2003: Supported Cap on Medical Malpractice Damages

In 2003, Abbott supported the Texas Legislature's decision to cap non-economic damages for medical malpractice cases at $250,000, without adjustments for the rising cost of living.

March 2005: Argued for Ten Commandments Monument before Supreme Court

In March 2005, Abbott argued before the U.S. Supreme Court defending the Ten Commandments monument on the Texas State Capitol grounds, asserting its historical significance. The Supreme Court ruled the display constitutional.

December 21, 2005: Added New Allegations to Lawsuit Against Sony-BMG

On December 21, 2005, Abbott added new allegations to his lawsuit against Sony-BMG, asserting that the MediaMax copy protection technology violated Texas's spyware and deceptive trade practices laws due to secretly installing spyware on computers, posing security risks and deceiving purchasers.

2005: Advocated for Ten Commandments display in Van Orden v. Perry

In 2005, as Attorney General, Abbott successfully advocated for the display of the Ten Commandments at the Texas State Capitol in the U.S. Supreme Court case Van Orden v. Perry.

November 7, 2006: Re-elected Attorney General of Texas

On November 7, 2006, Abbott was re-elected as Attorney General of Texas for a second term, defeating civil rights attorney David Van Os with 60% of the vote.

2006: Re-elected Attorney General of Texas

In 2006, Abbott was re-elected as the Attorney General of Texas with 60% of the vote.

2010: Elected to Third Term as Attorney General

In 2010, Abbott was elected to his third term as Attorney General, defeating Barbara Ann Radnofsky with 64% of the vote, making him the longest-serving Texas attorney general.

2010: Re-elected Attorney General of Texas for a Third Term

In 2010, Abbott was re-elected as the Attorney General of Texas for a third term with 64% of the vote, becoming the longest-serving attorney general in state history.

2011: Raised Substantial Campaign Funds

In the first six months of 2011, Abbott raised $1.6 million for his campaign, surpassing all previous Texas politicians at the time.

July 2013: Announced Candidacy for Governor

In July 2013, Abbott announced his candidacy for governor of Texas in the 2014 election after Governor Rick Perry announced he would not seek a fourth term.

July 2013: Allegations of Improper Ties to Cancer Prevention Institute

In July 2013, the Houston Chronicle reported on alleged improper ties and oversight between Abbott's largest donors and the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, where Abbott was a director.

August 2013: Monthly payments from settlement

As of August 2013, Greg Abbott's monthly payment from his insurance settlement was US$14,000, all tax-free.

2013: Criticized New York's Gun Control Laws

In 2013, Abbott criticized gun control legislation enacted by New York, threatening to sue if Congress passed a similar bill. His campaign targeted New York gun owners with ads suggesting they move to Texas.

2013: Sued the Obama Administration

In 2013, Abbott stated his job involved suing Barack Obama. He filed 31 lawsuits against the Obama administration on issues like the Environmental Protection Agency, the Affordable Care Act, and the U.S. Department of Education. Texas sued the Obama administration at least 44 times during Abbott's tenure as attorney general and governor.

February 2014: Opposed NRA Lawsuit on Concealed Carry

In February 2014, Abbott argued against a lawsuit by the National Rifle Association of America (NRA) to expand concealed carry access, citing concerns for public safety.

March 4, 2014: Won Republican Primary for Governor

On March 4, 2014, Abbott won the Republican primary for governor of Texas with 91.5% of the vote and then faced Wendy Davis in the general election.

March 2014: Intervened in Lawsuits Against Baylor Scott & White Medical Center

In March 2014, Abbott filed a motion to intervene on behalf of Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Plano in lawsuits alleging the hospital allowed Christopher Duntsch to perform dangerous neurosurgery, citing the state's cap on malpractice cases.

2014: Defense of Texas's Ban on Same-Sex Marriage

In 2014, Abbott defended Texas's ban on same-sex marriage, arguing that it incentivized children being born in stable relationships.

2014: Elected Governor of Texas

In 2014, Abbott was elected as the Governor of Texas, becoming the first Texas governor to use a wheelchair.

2014: Participation in Legal Strategy to Dismantle Climate Regulations

In early 2014, Abbott participated in sessions to devise a legal strategy to dismantle climate change regulations.

January 20, 2015: Abbott Sworn in as Governor of Texas

On January 20, 2015, Greg Abbott was sworn in as the governor of Texas, succeeding Rick Perry. He became the first governor of Texas to use a wheelchair.

March 15, 2015: Abbott meets with Irish Taoiseach Enda Kenny

On March 15, 2015, Governor Abbott held his first meeting with a foreign prime minister when he met with the Irish Taoiseach Enda Kenny to discuss trade and economic relations.

April 2015: Abbott Orders State Guard to Monitor Jade Helm 15

In April 2015, Greg Abbott directed the State Guard to monitor the military training exercise Jade Helm 15 amid conspiracy theories about a hostile military takeover.

June 2015: Abbott Signs Border Security Bill

In June 2015, Abbott signed a bill to enhance Texas's border security by hiring more state police, expanding technology use, and forming intelligence units.

September 25, 2015: Temporary Injunction on Therapy Rate Cuts

On September 25, 2015, litigation resulted in a temporary injunction order barring the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (THHSC) from implementing therapy rate cuts that would have reduced the budget by $150 million by ending payments and coverage for various developmental therapies for children on Medicaid.

November 2015: Texas Refuses Syrian Refugees

In November 2015, Abbott announced that Texas would refuse Syrian refugees following the Paris terrorist attack.

December 2015: Abbott Orders Lawsuit to Block Refugee Settlement

In December 2015, Abbott directed the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to sue the federal government and the International Rescue Committee to prevent refugee settlement, although a federal court dismissed the lawsuit.

2015: Became Governor of Texas

In 2015, Greg Abbott became the 48th governor of Texas, marking a significant milestone in his career.

2015: Abbott Signs Campus Carry and Open Carry Bills into Law

In 2015, Greg Abbott signed both the campus carry (SB 11) and open carry (HB 910) bills into law.

2015: Abbott Signs Pastor Protection Act

In 2015, Greg Abbott signed the Pastor Protection Act, allowing clergy to refuse to marry same-sex couples based on their beliefs.

2015: U.S. Supreme Court Ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges

In 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Obergefell v. Hodges that the 14th Amendment requires all states to recognize same-sex marriages, granting same-sex couples state and federal benefits tied to marriage.

January 8, 2016: Abbott Calls for a National Constitutional Convention

On January 8, 2016, Greg Abbott called for a national constitutional convention to address abuses by justices of the United States Supreme Court.

May 17, 2016: Abbott Elaborates on Constitutional Convention Proposal

On May 17, 2016, Abbott elaborated on his proposal for a constitutional convention in a public seminar at the Hoover Institute.

October 2016: Explosive Package Mailed to Abbott

In October 2016, an explosive package was mailed to Greg Abbott. The package did not explode when opened.

December 2016: Campaign Funds

As of December 2016, Abbott had $34.4 million on hand for his campaign, including $9 million raised during the second half of 2016 for his 2018 reelection bid.

2016: Support for Scott Pruitt as EPA Head

In 2016, Abbott supported Scott Pruitt's appointment as head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), noting their past collaborations on lawsuits against the EPA.

2016: Urged Limiting Impact of Obergefell v. Hodges

In 2016, Abbott urged the Texas Supreme Court to limit the impact of the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges, which had legalized same-sex marriage nationwide.

2016: Publication of Broken But Unbowed

In 2016, Abbott's book "Broken But Unbowed" was published, recounting his personal story and political views.

Broken But Unbowed: The Fight to Fix a Broken America
Broken But Unbowed: The Fight to Fix a Broken America

2016: Abbott Calls for a Convention of States

In 2016, Governor Abbott spoke to the Texas Public Policy Foundation, advocating for a Convention of States to amend the U.S. Constitution. He proposed the Texas Plan, a series of new amendments aimed at limiting federal power and expanding states' rights.

January 2017: Fundraising for Reelection

In January 2017, it was reported that Abbott was raising funds for a 2018 reelection bid as governor.

January 21, 2017: Expressed Intention to Run for Reelection

During the weekend of January 21, 2017, Abbott said he intended to run for reelection as governor of Texas.

January 27, 2017: Federal Judge Rules Against Abortion Remains Law

On January 27, 2017, a federal judge ruled against the Texas law requiring abortion facilities to bury or cremate fetal remains. The state of Texas vowed to appeal the ruling.

February 2017: Abbott Blocks Funding to Travis County

In February 2017, Abbott blocked funding to Travis County, Texas, due to its sanctuary city policy.

March 28, 2017: Confirmed Reelection Bid

On March 28, 2017, Abbott confirmed his intention to run for reelection as governor.

May 2017: Texas Senate Bill 4 Signed Into Law

In May 2017, Abbott signed Texas Senate Bill 4 into law, which targeted sanctuary cities by penalizing officials who don't cooperate with federal authorities and allowing police to question the immigration status of detainees.

May 27, 2017: Technology CEOs Urge Abbott Not to Pass "Bathroom Bill"

On May 27, 2017, CEOs of 14 large technology companies, including Facebook, Apple, Microsoft, and Amazon, urged Abbott not to pass the "bathroom bill" that would require people to use the bathroom of the sex listed on their birth certificates.

June 6, 2017: Abbott Calls for Special Legislative Session

On June 6, 2017, Governor Abbott called for a special legislative session to pass his legislative priorities.

July 14, 2017: Abbott Formally Announces Reelection Campaign

On July 14, 2017, Greg Abbott formally announced his reelection campaign for governor of Texas.

November 5, 2017: Abbott's Comments Following Sutherland Springs Church Shooting

Following the November 5, 2017, Sutherland Springs church shooting, Greg Abbott compared the evil present to earlier "horrific events" during the Nazi era, the Middle Ages, and biblical times, leading to criticism from the Anti-Defamation League.

2017: Abbott Signs Bill Preventing Subpoena of Pastors' Sermons

In 2017, Abbott signed into law Senate Bill 24, preventing state and local governments from subpoenaing pastors' sermons, inspired by a Houston anti-discrimination ordinance.

2017: Abbott Signs Bill Lowering Handgun Carry License Fees

In 2017, Abbott signed into law a bill that lowered the fees for handgun carry licenses in Texas.

2017: Legislation Allowing Refusal of Adoption to Same-Sex Families

In 2017, Abbott signed legislation allowing taxpayer-funded adoption agencies to refuse same-sex families from adopting children for religious reasons.

2017: Abbott Signs House Bill 3859

In 2017, Greg Abbott signed House Bill 3859, allowing faith-based groups working with the Texas child welfare system to deny services based on religious beliefs, leading to discrimination concerns and California's addition of Texas to a list of states to which it banned official government travel.

March 2018: Claim of Abbott's Private Opposition to Bathroom Bill

In March 2018, Byron Cook claimed that Abbott privately opposed the "bathroom bill", which the House State Affairs committee blocked. The bill was never signed.

April 2018: Voter Purge Canceled

In April 2018, a purge of nearly 100,000 registered voters from Texas voter rolls was canceled after challenges revealed that legal voters were wrongly flagged for removal.

2018: Rejection of Climate Change Consensus

As of 2018, Abbott rejects the scientific consensus on climate change, acknowledging climate change but not accepting that human activity is the main cause.

2018: Reelection Bid

In 2018, Abbott sought reelection for governor of Texas.

2018: Abbott Consults on Preventing Gun Violence After Santa Fe Shooting

In 2018, after the Santa Fe High School shooting, Abbott consulted across Texas to prevent gun violence in schools.

June 2019: Abbott Signs Bill Allowing More Armed Teachers

In June 2019, Greg Abbott signed a bill allowing for more armed teachers in Texas schools, with school districts unrestricted as to the number they allow, while also creating "threat assessment teams".

June 2019: Emails Show Abbott's Role in Voter Purge

In June 2019, emails revealed that Abbott was the driving force behind the effort to purge voters from Texas voter rolls.

June 2019: Repeal of Austin's Camping Ban

In June 2019, the city of Austin introduced an ordinance that repealed a 25-year-old ban on homeless people camping, lying, or sleeping in public.

August 2019: Abbott Responds to El Paso Shooting

In August 2019, after a mass shooting at a Wal-Mart in El Paso, where a gunman killed 22 people, Greg Abbott convened a domestic terrorism task force but opposed a red-flag law and a special session to address gun violence.

October 2019: Criticism of Austin's Camping Ban Repeal

In October 2019, Abbott criticized Austin's repeal of its camping ban and threatened to deploy state resources to combat homelessness.

November 2019: Opening of Temporary Homeless Encampment

In November 2019, Abbott directed the State of Texas to open a temporary homeless encampment on a former vehicle storage yard, which residents named "Abbottville".

2019: Enforcement of Marijuana Laws Despite Local Prosecutors' Decisions

In 2019, after numerous local prosecutors announced they would stop prosecuting low-level marijuana offenses, Abbott instructed them to continue enforcing marijuana laws, citing the need for a "hemp certificate" to distinguish legal hemp from marijuana.

January 2020: Texas Declines Refugee Resettlement

In January 2020, Abbott made Texas the first state to decline refugee resettlement under a new Trump administration rule, a move condemned by the Catholic bishops of Texas.

May 1, 2020: End of stay-at-home order

On May 1, 2020, Greg Abbott ended the stay-at-home order that was issued during the COVID-19 pandemic. This order was one of the shortest implemented by any governor.

July 2020: Mask mandate directive

In July 2020, Greg Abbott directed counties with more than 20 COVID-19 cases to require masks in public places, reversing his previous prohibition of local mask mandates.

September 2020: Restrictions on Early Voting Ballot Drop-Off Locations and Extension of Early Voting Period

In September 2020, Abbott limited each Texas county to one early voting ballot drop-off location, citing prevention of "illegal voting" without providing evidence. Also, in September 2020, Abbott extended the early voting period for that year's general election due to COVID-19, a decision opposed by the Republican Party of Texas.

December 2020: Directed restaurants to ignore curfews

In December 2020, Greg Abbott directed Texas restaurants to ignore local curfews imposed to prevent the spread of COVID-19 during the New Years weekend.

2020: "Election Integrity" Legislation

In 2020, Abbott prioritized "election integrity" legislation after President Trump's attempts to overturn the 2020 election, which voting rights advocates denounced as disproportionately affecting voters of color and people with disabilities.

2020: John Scott Aided Trump's Efforts to Overturn Election Results

In 2020, John Scott aided Trump in his failed efforts to throw out election results in the 2020 presidential election.

2020: Abbott Supports Police During George Floyd Protests

In 2020, in the wake of the George Floyd protests, Greg Abbott called on candidates to "back the blue" and threatened state control of local police departments in response to funding redirection.

February 2021: Response to the Power Crisis After the February 2021 Winter Storm

In February 2021, following a winter storm that caused a power crisis in Texas, Abbott called for reforms to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) and signed a bill mandating power plant weatherization.

March 2, 2021: Lifted all COVID-19 restrictions

On March 2, 2021, Greg Abbott lifted all COVID-19 restrictions in Texas, ending the mask mandate and allowing businesses to reopen "100 percent."

March 2021: Abbott Tweets About Illegal Immigrants and COVID

In March 2021, Abbott tweeted a claim that the Biden Administration was releasing illegal immigrants with COVID into Texas, which PolitiFact rated "Mostly False."

April 2021: Banned vaccine passports for state agencies

In April 2021, Greg Abbott signed an executive order banning state agencies and corporations that take public funding from requiring proof of vaccination against COVID-19.

May 18, 2021: Abbott Signs Texas Heartbeat Act into Law

On May 18, 2021, Greg Abbott signed the Texas Heartbeat Act, a six-week abortion ban, into law.

June 2021: Orders Regarding Child-Care Facilities and Border Wall

In June 2021, Abbott ordered Texas child-care regulators to revoke licenses from facilities housing unaccompanied migrant minors, citing negative impact on Texan children in foster care. He also announced plans to build a border wall with Mexico, allocating $250 million in state funds and soliciting public donations.

June 2021: Signed bill for power company preparedness

In June 2021, Greg Abbott signed a bill requiring power companies to be more prepared for extreme weather events, following the February 2021 winter storm.

June 2021: Punished businesses requiring vaccine proof

In June 2021, Greg Abbott signed a bill that would punish businesses that require customers to have proof of COVID-19 vaccination for services.

June 2021: Abbott Signs Permitless Carry Bill

In June 2021, Greg Abbott signed into law a permitless carry bill allowing Texans to carry handguns without a license or training.

July 2021: Abbott Advises Arrests of Illegal Migrants

In July 2021, Abbott advised Texas law enforcement to arrest illegal migrants for trespassing.

July 2021: Democratic Lawmakers Flee to Block Election Bill

In July 2021, Democratic lawmakers in Texas fled to Washington, D.C., to block a bill reforming state election procedures, and Abbott threatened to have them arrested upon their return.

July 27, 2021: National Guard Ordered to Arrest Migrants

On July 27, 2021, Abbott ordered the National Guard to assist in arresting migrants.

July 29, 2021: Executive order GA-38 issued

On July 29, 2021, Greg Abbott issued executive order GA-38, reinstating earlier orders and imposing additional prohibitions on local governmental officials, state agencies, public universities, 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.

August 2021: Opposed government mandates

In August 2021, Greg Abbott emphasized personal responsibility over government restrictions and opposed government mandates. His spokesperson defended the ban on local government mandates by stating that "Private businesses don't need government running their business."

August 17, 2021: Tested positive for COVID-19

On August 17, 2021, it was announced that Greg Abbott had tested positive for COVID-19 but was in good health and experiencing no symptoms. He received Regeneron's monoclonal antibody treatment.

September 2021: Legislation Signed for Border Security Spending

In September 2021, Abbott signed legislation allocating nearly $2 billion for Texas's border security, including $750 million for border wall construction.

October 2021: Appointment of John Scott as Texas Secretary of State

In October 2021, Abbott appointed John Scott, who aided Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election results, as Texas Secretary of State to oversee Texas elections.

October 2021: Banned vaccine requirements for employees

In October 2021, Greg Abbott issued an executive order that banned any entity, including a private business, from implementing a vaccine requirement for its employees.

December 2021: Texas to Continue U.S. Border Wall

In December 2021, Abbott announced that Texas would continue the U.S. Border Wall started by Donald Trump, using the same design.

2021: Abbott Vetoes Criminal Justice and Animal Protection Bills

In 2021, Governor Abbott vetoed a bipartisan criminal justice bill regarding parole eligibility for those convicted before 18 and an animal protection bill concerning chained dogs.

2021: Abbott Signs Bill Allowing Texans to Carry Guns Without a License

In 2021, Greg Abbott signed into law a bill that allowed Texans to carry guns without a license.

2021: Removal of LGBTQ Resources from Child Welfare Agency Website

In 2021, after criticism from a Republican primary challenger, Texas's child welfare agency removed content regarding LGBTQ youths from its website, including a suicide prevention hotline.

2021: Trump Endorses Abbott for Reelection

In 2021, during Donald Trump's first presidency, Trump endorsed Greg Abbott for reelection as governor, choosing him over Republican primary rivals.

April 2022: Plan to Bus Illegal Immigrants to Washington D.C.

In April 2022, Abbott announced a plan to bus illegal immigrants from Texas to Washington D.C., citing concerns about a surge of immigrants after Title 42 provisions were rolled back. The first bus arrived later in April, and Abbott faced criticism and accusations of human trafficking. The White House responded that Texas was "helping them get to their final destination."

April 2022: Increased Inspections of Commercial Trucks from Mexico

In early April 2022, Abbott announced increased inspections of commercial trucks entering from Mexico to seize illegal drugs and migrants. This caused significant backups and potential spoilage of produce, leading to protests and strong criticism from Texas business owners. Abbott reversed the policy on April 15 after agreements with Mexican state governors.

May 24, 2022: Robb Elementary School Shooting

On May 24, 2022, Greg Abbott reported that an 18-year-old killed 19 students and 2 teachers at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, carrying a handgun and possibly a rifle. He identified mental health as the root cause.

September 15, 2022: Buses of Migrants Sent to Kamala Harris's Residence

On September 15, 2022, Abbott sent two buses with 101 mostly Venezuelan migrants to Vice President Kamala Harris's residence at the Naval Observatory in Washington, D.C.

2022: Abbott Emphasizes "Culture War" Issues

By his 2022 reelection campaign, Greg Abbott more prominently emphasized "culture war" issues and was compared to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.

2022: Instructions to Treat Gender-Affirming Care as Child Abuse

In 2022, Abbott instructed Texas state agencies to treat gender-affirming medical treatments for transgender youths as child abuse.

2022: End of lump sum payments

In 2022, Greg Abbott's lump sum payments from his insurance settlement concluded.

2022: Poll Finds Support for Legalizing Cannabis

In 2022, a poll of Texas voters found that 55% of Texans either support or strongly support legalizing cannabis.

January 2023: Advisers Claim Abbott Considers Fourth Term

In January 2023, advisers close to Abbott stated in an Austin American Statesman article that he had not ruled out running for a fourth term as governor in 2026.

June 2023: Deployment of Floating Barriers in Rio Grande

In June 2023, Abbott deployed floating barriers in the Rio Grande to deter illegal border crossings, leading to a lawsuit from the U.S. Justice Department after he refused to remove them.

December 2023: Arrests of Migrants on Trespassing Charges

By December 2023, nearly 10,000 migrants had been arrested on trespassing charges under Abbott's policy, with reports of imprisonment without legal help or formal charges.

December 2023: Signing of Border Security Bills

In December 2023, Abbott signed three border-security-related bills into law, including one that made illegal immigration a state crime.

2023: Abbott Promises to Work Swiftly for Pardon of Daniel Perry After Murder Conviction

In 2023, after Daniel Perry was convicted of murder, Abbott said he would work swiftly for a pardon.

March 1, 2024: Abbott Announces Candidacy for Reelection to Fourth Term

On March 1, 2024, Greg Abbott announced his candidacy for reelection to a fourth term as governor of Texas.

May 2024: Abbott Pardons Daniel Perry

In May 2024, Greg Abbott granted a full pardon to former Army Sergeant Daniel Perry, who was convicted of fatally shooting Air Force veteran Garrett Foster during a Black Lives Matter protest.

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.