History of Greg Abbott in Timeline
1929: Franklin D. Roosevelt as Governor of New York
From 1929-1932, Franklin D. Roosevelt served as governor of New York.
1932: Franklin D. Roosevelt as Governor of New York
From 1929-1932, Franklin D. Roosevelt served as governor of New York.
1956: Release of The Ten Commandments Film
In 1956, Cecil B. DeMille's film "The Ten Commandments" was released, inspiring donations of similar monuments across the nation.
November 13, 1957: Greg Abbott's Birth
On November 13, 1957, Gregory Wayne Abbott was born in Wichita Falls, Texas.
1963: George Wallace as Governor of Alabama
From 1963-1967, George Wallace served as governor of Alabama.
1967: George Wallace as Governor of Alabama
From 1963-1967, George Wallace served as governor of Alabama.
1971: George Wallace as Governor of Alabama
From 1971-1979, George Wallace served as governor of Alabama.
1979: George Wallace as Governor of Alabama
From 1971-1979, George Wallace served as governor of Alabama.
1981: Abbott Graduates and Marries
In 1981, Greg Abbott earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in finance from the University of Texas at Austin and married Cecilia Phalen.
1981: Abbott Married Cecilia Phalen
In 1981, Greg Abbott married Cecilia Phalen Abbott in San Antonio. Cecilia is a granddaughter of Mexican immigrants, and Greg Abbott's election as governor of Texas made her the first Latina to be First Lady of Texas since Texas joined the union.
1983: George Wallace as Governor of Alabama
From 1983-1987, George Wallace served as governor of Alabama.
July 14, 1984: Abbott Paralyzed in Accident
On July 14, 1984, at the age of 26, Greg Abbott was paralyzed below the waist when an oak tree fell on him while he was jogging in River Oaks, Houston, after a storm. He underwent extensive rehabilitation and has used a wheelchair ever since.
1984: Abbott Earns Juris Doctor Degree
In 1984, Greg Abbott earned his Juris Doctor degree from the Vanderbilt University Law School.
1984: Abbott Joins Butler and Binion, LLP
In 1984, Greg Abbott joined Butler and Binion, LLP where he worked until 1992.
1987: George Wallace as Governor of Alabama
From 1983-1987, George Wallace served as governor of Alabama.
1992: Abbott Leaves Butler and Binion, LLP
In 1992, Greg Abbott ceased working for Butler and Binion, LLP.
1995: Abbott Appointed to Texas Supreme Court
In 1995, Greg Abbott was appointed to the Texas Supreme Court by Governor George W. Bush.
1998: Van Os Opponent in Supreme Court Election
In 1998, David Van Os was Greg Abbott's Democratic opponent in the election for state Supreme Court.
1998: Abbott Reelected to Texas Supreme Court
In 1998, Greg Abbott defeated Democrat David Van Os and was reelected to the Texas Supreme Court.
2001: Abbott Resigns and Campaigns for Lieutenant Governor
In 2001, Greg Abbott resigned from the Texas Supreme Court to run for lieutenant governor of Texas, before switching his campaign to attorney general.
2001: Abbott Returns to Private Practice
In 2001, Greg Abbott returned to private practice and worked for Bracewell & Giuliani after resigning from the Supreme Court to run for Texas lieutenant governor.
2001: End of Abbott's Supreme Court Tenure
In 2001, Greg Abbott's tenure as a justice of the Texas Supreme Court came to an end.
December 2, 2002: Abbott Sworn in as Attorney General
On December 2, 2002, Greg Abbott was sworn in as the Attorney General of Texas, following John Cornyn's election to the U.S. Senate.
2002: Abbott Becomes Attorney General of Texas
In 2002, Greg Abbott was appointed as the 50th Attorney General of Texas.
2002: Abbott Elected Texas Attorney General
In 2002, Greg Abbott was elected as the Texas Attorney General with 57% of the vote.
2003: Abbott Supports Medical Malpractice Damage Cap
In 2003, Greg Abbott supported the Texas Legislature's move to cap non-economic damages for medical malpractice cases at $250,000.
March 2005: Abbott Defends Ten Commandments Monument
In March 2005, Greg Abbott delivered oral argument before the United States Supreme Court on behalf of Texas, defending a Ten Commandments monument on the grounds of the Texas State Capitol.
2005: Abbott Advocates for Ten Commandments Display
In 2005, as Attorney General, Greg Abbott successfully advocated for the Texas State Capitol to display the Ten Commandments in the U.S. Supreme Court case Van Orden v. Perry.
November 7, 2006: Abbott Reelected as Attorney General
On November 7, 2006, Greg Abbott was reelected as Attorney General, defeating David Van Os.
2006: Abbott Reelected as Attorney General
In 2006, Greg Abbott was reelected as the Texas Attorney General with 60% of the vote.
2007: Most Bills Vetoed Since 2007
In the regular 2017 session, Greg Abbott vetoed 50 bills, the most in a session since 2007.
2010: Abbott Reelected as Attorney General for Third Term
In 2010, Greg Abbott was reelected as the Texas Attorney General for a third term with 64% of the vote.
2010: Abbott Reelected to Third Term as Attorney General
In 2010, Greg Abbott was reelected to a third term as Attorney General, defeating Barbara Ann Radnofsky.
2011: Abbott Raised Funds for his Campaign
In the first six months of 2011, Greg Abbott raised funds for his campaign.
July 2013: Abbott Announces Candidacy for Governor
In July 2013, Greg Abbott announced his candidacy for governor of Texas in the 2014 election, shortly after Rick Perry announced he would not seek a fourth term.
August 2013: Abbott's Monthly Settlement Payment Amounted to $14,000
As of August 2013, Abbott's monthly payment from his accident insurance settlement 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.
2013: Abbott Criticizes New York Gun Control Legislation
In 2013, Greg Abbott criticized legislation enacted by New York State strengthening its gun regulation laws, including expanding an assault weapons ban and creating a high-capacity magazine ban.
2013: Abbott Sues Obama Administration
In 2013, Greg Abbott stated his job involved suing Barack Obama and his administration, filing 31 lawsuits during his tenure as attorney general.
February 2014: Abbott Argues Against NRA Lawsuit
In February 2014, Greg Abbott argued against a lawsuit brought by the National Rifle Association of America (NRA) to allow more people access to concealed carry of firearms, citing public safety concerns.
March 4, 2014: Abbott Wins Republican Primary
On March 4, 2014, Greg Abbott won the Republican primary with 91.5% of the vote and faced State Senator Wendy Davis in the general election.
March 2014: Abbott Intervenes in Lawsuits Against Baylor Scott & White
In March 2014, Greg Abbott filed a motion to intervene on behalf of Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Plano in lawsuits against the hospital concerning Christopher Duntsch.
2014: Abbott Runs for Governor
In 2014, Greg Abbott ran for Governor of Texas.
2014: Abbott defended Texas's ban on same-sex marriage
In 2014, Greg Abbott, as attorney general of Texas, defended the state's ban on same-sex marriage, arguing that it incentivized children being born in stable, lasting relationships, despite a federal court ruling it unconstitutional. The ban was later deemed unconstitutional.
2014: United States Chamber of Commerce Sessions
In early 2014, Greg 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.
January 20, 2015: Abbott Sworn in as Governor of Texas
On January 20, 2015, Greg Abbott was sworn in as 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, Greg Abbott held his first meeting as governor with a foreign prime minister, meeting with the Irish Taoiseach Enda Kenny to discuss trade and economic relations.
April 2015: Monitored Jade Helm 15 Exercise
In April 2015, Abbott asked the Texas State Guard to monitor the military training exercise Jade Helm 15 amid suspicions of a hostile military takeover.
June 2015: Border Security Bill Signed
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.
September 25, 2015: Temporary Injunction Order on Therapy Rate Cuts
On September 25, 2015, litigation obtained a temporary injunction order, barring the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (THHSC) from implementing therapy rate cuts.
2015: Abbott Signed the Pastor Protection Act
In 2015, Abbott signed the Pastor Protection Act, which allows members of the clergy to refuse to officiate at same-sex weddings if they feel doing so violates their beliefs.
2015: Signed Campus Carry and Open Carry Bills
In 2015, Abbott signed the campus carry (SB 11) and the open carry (HB 910) bills into law, allowing licensed carry of a concealed handgun on public college campuses and licensed open carry of a handgun in public areas and private businesses.
2015: Abbott Becomes Governor of Texas
In 2015, Greg Abbott assumed office as the 48th governor of Texas.
2015: U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges
In 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges held that the 14th Amendment requires all states to recognize same-sex marriages.
January 8, 2016: Abbott Calls for National Constitutional Convention
On January 8, 2016, Greg Abbott called for a national constitutional convention to address perceived abuses by justices of the United States Supreme Court.
May 17, 2016: Abbott Elaborates on Constitutional Convention Proposal
On May 17, 2016, Greg Abbott elaborated on his proposal for a national constitutional convention in a public seminar at the Hoover Institute.
October 2016: Explosive Package Mailed to Abbott
In October 2016, explosive packages were mailed to Greg Abbott, President Obama, and the commissioner of the Social Security Administration. Abbott's package did not explode because of how he opened it.
November 2016: Texas Approves Rules for Abortion Remains Disposal
In November 2016, at Greg Abbott's request, the State of Texas approved new rules requiring facilities that perform abortions to bury or cremate the aborted remains.
December 2016: Abbott's Campaign Funds Reach $34.4 Million
As of December 2016, Greg Abbott's campaign had $34.4 million on hand, with $9 million raised during the second half of 2016.
2016: Abbott Calls for Convention of States and Proposes Texas Plan
In 2016, Greg Abbott spoke to the Texas Public Policy Foundation, calling for a Convention of States to amend the U.S. Constitution. He proposed the Texas Plan to limit federal power and expand states' rights.
2016: Supported Scott Pruitt's EPA Appointment
In 2016, Greg Abbott supported Scott Pruitt's appointment as head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), stating they had collaborated on lawsuits against the EPA previously.
2016: Abbott Urges Limiting Impact of Obergefell v. Hodges
In 2016, Greg Abbott urged the Texas Supreme Court to limit the impact of the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges.
2016: Abbott's Book "Broken But Unbowed" Released
In 2016, Greg Abbott's book, "Broken But Unbowed", was released, recounting his personal story and views on politics.
2016: Open Carry Bill Effective
In 2016, the open carry bill went into effect, allowing licensed open carry of a handgun in public areas and private businesses unless they display a "30.07" sign. Texas became the 45th state to have open carry.
January 2017: Abbott Raises Funds for Reelection Bid
In January 2017, it was reported that Greg Abbott was raising funds for his 2018 reelection bid as governor.
January 21, 2017: Abbott Announces Intention to Run for Reelection
On January 21, 2017, Greg Abbott announced his intention to run for reelection as governor of Texas during the weekend.
January 27, 2017: Federal Judge Rules Against Texas Abortion Remains Law
On January 27, 2017, a federal judge ruled against the Texas law requiring facilities that perform abortions to bury or cremate the remains, but the State of Texas vowed to appeal the ruling.
February 2017: Blocked Funding to Travis County
In February 2017, Abbott blocked funding to Travis County, Texas, due to its recently implemented sanctuary city policy.
March 28, 2017: Abbott Confirms Reelection Run
On March 28, 2017, Greg Abbott confirmed his intention to run for reelection as governor of Texas.
May 27, 2017: CEOs of Tech Companies Urged Abbott to Reject "Bathroom Bill"
On May 27, 2017, CEOs of 14 major technology companies, including Facebook, Apple Inc., Microsoft, and Amazon.com, sent a letter to Greg Abbott urging him not to pass the "bathroom bill," which would require individuals to use bathrooms corresponding to the sex listed on their birth certificates.
June 6, 2017: Abbott Calls for Special Legislative Session
On June 6, 2017, Greg Abbott called for a special legislative session to pass his legislative priorities, which was supported by Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick.
July 14, 2017: Abbott Formally Announces Reelection Campaign
On July 14, 2017, Greg Abbott formally announced his reelection campaign, four days before the start of a special legislative session.
November 5, 2017: Sutherland Springs church shooting Comments
In an interview after the November 5, 2017, Sutherland Springs church shooting, Abbott urged historical reflection, comparing the event to "horrific events" during the Nazi era, the Middle Ages and biblical times, which the Anti-Defamation League found offensive.
2017: Abbott Signed House Bill 3859 Allowing Faith-Based Groups to Deny Services
Also in 2017, Abbott signed House Bill 3859, allowing 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." Critics argued this could lead to discrimination, and California added Texas to a list of states banning official government travel in response.
2017: Abbott Signed Senate Bill 24, Protecting Pastors' Sermons
In 2017, Abbott signed into law Senate Bill 24, preventing state or local governments from subpoenaing pastors' sermons. This bill was prompted by an anti-discrimination ordinance in Houston where five pastors' sermons had been subpoenaed.
2017: Lowered Handgun Carry License Fees
In 2017, Abbott signed into law a bill lowering handgun carry license fees in Texas.
2017: Abbott Signed Legislation Allowing Adoption Agencies to Refuse Same-Sex Families
In 2017, Abbott signed legislation that allowed taxpayer-funded adoption agencies to refuse same-sex families the right to adopt children based on religious reasons. This event created controversy and debate regarding LGBTQ+ rights and religious freedom.
March 2018: Byron Cook claimed Abbott privately opposed the bathroom bill
In March 2018, Byron Cook, the chairman of the House State Affairs committee, claimed that Abbott privately opposed the "bathroom bill," a legislation requiring people to use the bathroom of the sex listed on their birth certificates, not the one of their choice.
April 2018: Texas Voter Purge Canceled After Challenges
In April 2018, a purge of nearly 100,000 registered voters from Texas voter rolls was canceled after voting rights groups challenged it. Texas officials had initially claimed the voters were not U.S. citizens, but the Office of the Texas Secretary of State admitted that tens of thousands of legal voters (naturalized citizens) were wrongly flagged for removal.
2018: Abbott Rejects Scientific Consensus on Climate Change
As of 2018, Greg Abbott rejects the scientific consensus on climate change, acknowledging climate change but not accepting human activity as the main cause.
2018: Abbott Reelected as Texas Governor
In 2018, Greg Abbott was reelected as the governor of Texas.
2018: Response to Santa Fe High School Shooting
In 2018, after the Santa Fe High School shooting, Abbott consulted across Texas to prevent gun violence in schools, stating at an NRA convention that "The problem is not guns, it's hearts without God".
2018: Response to Jade Helm 15 Conspiracy
In 2018, former CIA and NSA director Michael Hayden said Russian intelligence organizations had propagated the Jade Helm 15 conspiracy theory, and that Abbott's response convinced them of the power such a misinformation campaign could have in the U.S.
2018: Abbott's 2018 Reelection Bid
In January 2017, Abbott was reportedly raising funds for a 2018 reelection bid as governor.
June 2019: Abbott Signed House Bill 1325, Legalizing Industrial Hemp
In June 2019, Abbott signed House Bill 1325 into law, legalizing the cultivation of industrial hemp (cannabis containing less than 0.3% THC) in Texas. The bill also legalized possession and sale of hemp-derived CBD products without requiring a doctor's approval.
June 2019: Signed Bill Allowing More Armed Teachers
In June 2019, Abbott signed a bill allowing for more armed teachers in schools and creating "threat assessment teams". Proposals to adopt a red flag law failed.
June 2019: Criticized Austin's Homeless Ordinance
In June 2019, after the city of Austin repealed a ban on homeless people camping in public, Abbott sent a letter to Austin's mayor criticizing the ordinance and threatening to deploy state resources.
June 2019: Emails Show Abbott Drove Voter Purge Effort
In June 2019, emails were released indicating that Abbott was the driving force behind a controversial effort to purge nearly 100,000 registered voters from Texas voter rolls. Abbott had previously claimed he played no role in the voter purge.
August 2019: El Paso Shooting Response
In August 2019, after a mass shooting at a Walmart in El Paso where 22 people were killed, Abbott convened a domestic terrorism task force but opposed a red-flag law and a special session to address gun violence.
November 2019: Opened Temporary Homeless Encampment
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".
January 2020: Declined Refugee Resettlement
In January 2020, Abbott made Texas the first state to decline refugee resettlement under a new rule implemented by the Trump administration, a move condemned by Catholic bishops of Texas.
May 1, 2020: End of Abbott's Stay-at-Home Order
Greg Abbott's stay-at-home order during the COVID-19 pandemic ended on May 1, 2020. It lasted from April 2 and was one of the shortest stay-at-home orders implemented by any governor.
July 2020: Abbott Directs Counties to Wear Masks
In July 2020, Greg Abbott directed counties with more than 20 COVID-19 cases to wear masks in public places, after previously prohibiting local governments from mandating face masks. His response to the pandemic was criticized on both sides of the political spectrum.
September 2020: Abbott Limited Ballot Drop-Off Locations and Extended Early Voting
In September 2020, Greg Abbott issued a proclamation limiting each Texas county to one location for early voting ballot drop-offs, citing the need to prevent "illegal voting" without providing examples of voter fraud. Also in September 2020, Abbott extended the early voting period for that year's general election because of COVID-19, a decision opposed by the Republican Party of Texas.
December 2020: Abbott Directs Restaurants to Ignore Local Curfews
In December 2020, Greg Abbott directed Texas restaurants to ignore local curfews imposed to prevent the spread of COVID-19 during New Year's weekend.
2020: Abbott Prioritized "Election Integrity" Legislation
In 2020, Abbott made "election integrity" a legislative priority following President Trump's failed attempts to overturn the 2020 United States presidential election. These attempts used claims that the results were fraudulent. Voting rights advocates and civil rights groups criticized the resulting legislation, asserting it disproportionately affected voters of color and people with disabilities.
2020: Scott aided Trump in efforts to throw out election results
In 2020, John Scott, who would later be appointed as Texas secretary of state by Abbott in 2021, assisted then-President Trump in his unsuccessful attempts to invalidate the results of the presidential election.
2020: Abbott Calls on Candidates to "Back the Blue"
In the wake of the George Floyd protests, Greg Abbott called on candidates in the 2020 elections to "back the blue".
February 2021: Abbott Calls for ERCOT Reforms
In February 2021, following a winter storm and power crisis in Texas, Governor 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 All COVID-19 Restrictions in Texas
On March 2, 2021, Greg Abbott lifted all COVID-19 restrictions in Texas, including ending the mask mandate and allowing businesses to reopen "100 percent".
April 2021: Abbott Bans Vaccine Passports for State Agencies and Corporations
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: Signed Permitless Carry Bill
In June 2021, Abbott signed into law a permitless carry bill allowing Texans to carry handguns without a license or training beginning in September.
June 2021: Abbott Punishes Businesses Requiring Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination
In June 2021, Greg Abbott signed a bill that would punish businesses that require customers to have proof of COVID-19 vaccination for services.
July 2021: Ordered Arrests of Migrants for Trespassing
In July 2021, Abbott directed law enforcement to arrest illegal migrants for trespassing, ordered the National Guard to assist, and restricted ground transportation of migrants. Migrants faced weeks of imprisonment without legal help.
July 2021: Texas Democrats Fled to Block Election Bill
In July 2021, Democratic lawmakers in the Texas legislature fled the state to Washington, D.C., to block the passage of a bill that would reform the state election procedures. Abbott threatened to have the lawmakers arrested upon their return to Texas.
July 29, 2021: Abbott Issues Executive Order GA-38
On July 29, 2021, Greg Abbott issued a superseding executive order (GA-38) that reinstated earlier orders and imposed 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. This order also provided for a $1,000 fine for local officials who adopted inconsistent policies. This order was issued during a worsening pandemic.
August 17, 2021: Abbott Tests Positive for COVID-19
On August 17, 2021, Greg Abbott's office announced that he had tested positive for COVID-19. He received Regeneron's monoclonal antibody treatment and was reported to be in good health.
September 2021: Increased Border Security Spending
In September 2021, Abbott signed legislation allocating nearly $2 billion to Texas's border security operations, including $750 million for border wall construction.
September 2021: Abbott Signs Bill Preventing Mail-Ordering Abortion Medication
In September 2021, Greg Abbott signed into law a bill preventing women from mail-ordering abortion medication seven weeks into pregnancy.
October 2021: Abbott Appointed John Scott as Texas Secretary of State
In October 2021, Abbott appointed John Scott as Texas secretary of state, positioning him to oversee Texas elections. Scott had previously aided Trump in his efforts to challenge the 2020 presidential election results.
2021: Abbott's "Hard Right Turn"
After the regular 2021 session, The New York Times described Greg Abbott and Dan Patrick as "the driving force behind one of the hardest right turns in recent state history."
2021: Texas Power Grid Crisis
During the February 13–17, 2021 North American winter storm, power-plant failures left four million Texas households without power. Abbott called for investigation and reform of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), the electric grid operator for most of Texas.
2021: Immigration Claims and COVID
In 2021, Abbott claimed illegal immigrants were invading homes and falsely tweeted that the Biden Administration was releasing hundreds of illegal immigrants with COVID into Texas communities.
2021: Signed Permitless Carry Bill
In 2021, Abbott signed into law a bill that allowed Texans to carry guns without a license.
2021: Abbott Penalizes Cities Reducing Police Spending
In 2021, Greg Abbott spearheaded legislative efforts to fine Texas cities that reduced spending on police after some redirected funding to social services and emergency response.
2021: Abbott Vetoes Criminal Justice and Animal Protection Bills
In 2021, Greg Abbott vetoed a bipartisan criminal justice bill and an animal protection bill regarding chaining dogs without water and shelter.
2021: Trump Endorses Abbott for Reelection
In 2021, during Donald Trump's first presidency, Trump endorsed Greg Abbott for reelection, choosing him over several Republican primary rivals. Abbott ardently supported Trump during his presidency.
2021: Texas Agency Removed LGBTQ Youth Resources
In 2021, following criticism from a Republican primary challenger, the Texas child welfare agency, whose members are appointed by Abbott, removed a webpage with a suicide prevention hotline and other resources for LGBTQ youths.
April 2022: Busing Migrants to Washington, D.C.
In April 2022, Abbott announced a plan to bus illegal immigrants from Texas to Washington, D.C., using charter buses. The first bus arrived after a 30-hour trip, leading to criticism and suggestions of federal prosecution for human trafficking.
May 24, 2022: Uvalde School Shooting
On May 24, 2022, Abbott reported an 18-year-old killed 19 students and 2 teachers at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, carrying a handgun and possibly a Daniel Defense DDM4, an AR-15 style rifle.
September 15, 2022: Sent Buses of Migrants to Kamala Harris's Residence
On September 15, 2022, Abbott sent two buses with 101 mostly Venezuelan migrants to the residence of Vice President Kamala Harris.
2022: Abbott Emphasizes "Culture War" Issues
By his 2022 reelection campaign, Greg Abbott more prominently emphasized "culture war" issues, drawing comparisons to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
2022: Abbott Directed Texas Agencies to Treat Gender-Affirming Care as Child Abuse
In 2022, Greg Abbott instructed Texas state agencies to treat gender-affirming medical treatments for transgender youths, such as puberty blockers or hormone treatments, as child abuse.
2022: Abbott Reelected as Texas Governor
In 2022, Greg Abbott was reelected as the governor of Texas.
2022: Majority of Texans Support Legalizing Cannabis
In 2022, a poll of Texas voters indicated that 55% of Texans either support or strongly support legalizing cannabis.
2022: End of Lump Sum Payments from Accident Settlement
In 2022, the lump sum payments from the insurance settlement Abbott received following his 1984 accident came to an end, although the monthly payments continue for life.
January 2023: Advisors Suggest Abbott Might Run for Fourth Term
In January 2023, advisors close to Greg Abbott suggested in an Austin American Statesman article that he had not ruled out running for a fourth term in 2026.
June 2023: Deployed 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: Migrant Arrests on Trespassing Charges
By December 2023, nearly 10,000 migrants had been arrested on trespassing charges under Abbott's policy.
December 2023: Signed Border Security Bills
In December 2023, Abbott signed three border-security-related bills into law, including a bill making illegal immigration a state crime.
2023: Abbott Pledges to Work Swiftly for Perry's Pardon
In 2023, Greg Abbott said he would work swiftly for a pardon after a jury convicted Daniel Perry of murder.
2023: Abbott Signs Bill Prohibiting DEI Offices at Texas Public Colleges and Universities
In 2023, Greg Abbott signed into law Senate Bill 17, which prohibits Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) offices at Texas's public colleges and universities.
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 murdering Air Force veteran Garrett Foster during a Black Lives Matter protest. The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, whose members had all been appointed by Abbott, unanimously recommended the pardon.
November 2024: COVID-19 Deaths in Texas Reach 93,390
As of November 2024, 93,390 COVID-19 deaths had been registered in Texas, according to the Johns Hopkins University Coronavirus Resources Center.
2024: Opposed United Auto Workers Unionization
In 2024, Abbott joined five other Republican governors in a statement opposing the United Auto Workers unionization campaign.
2024: Abbott on Time's Time 100 List
In 2024, Greg Abbott was included on the news magazine Time's Time 100 list.
2024: Abbott Campaigns Against House Republicans Opposing Voucher Program
Leading into the 2024 elections, Greg Abbott campaigned against incumbent House Republicans who voted against his voucher program.
September 10, 2025: Abbott Orders Development of Regulations for THC Products
On September 10, 2025, Abbott issued an executive order directing the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) to develop regulations and oversight of THC products. These regulations included a prohibition on sales of the product to anyone under 21 and requiring a government-issued ID to purchase it.
November 9, 2025: Abbott Announces Candidacy for Fourth Term
On November 9, 2025, Greg Abbott announced his candidacy for reelection to a fourth term as governor.
November 2025: Abbott Declared Muslim Brotherhood and CAIR Terrorist Organizations
In November 2025, Abbott declared the Muslim Brotherhood and the Council on American–Islamic Relations (CAIR) as "foreign terrorist organizations and transnational criminal organizations". He also called for an investigation of so-called "sharia courts", stating the Constitution's religious protections do not allow religious courts to bypass state and federal laws.
2025: Abbott Longest-Serving Incumbent Governor
As of 2025, Greg Abbott is the longest-serving incumbent governor in the United States.
2025: Authorized National Guard Deployment
In 2025, Abbott authorized the President to call up 400 members of the Texas National Guard to support the deployment of federal forces in the United States.
2025: Abbott Signed Texas Senate Bill 10 Requiring Display of Ten Commandments in Schools
In 2025, Abbott signed Texas Senate Bill 10, which mandates that all public schools display the Ten Commandments in their classrooms. This action occurred a day after a federal court blocked a similar law in Louisiana.
2025: Abbott Vetoed Bill Banning THC Products
In 2025, after the sale of consumable hemp products containing delta-8-THC increased significantly, the legislature passed SB 3, which would have completely banned the sale of THC products in the state. Greg Abbott vetoed the bill due to public outcry, putting him at odds with Lieutenant Governor Patrick. He proposed regulation instead of a full ban, including restrictions on the age of consumers, time of purchase, and testing requirements, but comprehensive legislation failed to pass.
2025: Legislation Signed Giving Families Around $10,000 for School-Related Expenses
The legislation Greg Abbott signed in 2025 gave participating families around $10,000 to cover tuition fees and other school-related expenses.
2026: Abbott Running for Fourth Term
In 2026, Greg Abbott is running for an unprecedented fourth term as governor.
2026: Possibility of Abbott's Fourth Term
In January 2023, advisors close to Abbott suggested in an Austin American Statesman article that he had not ruled out running for a fourth term in 2026, which would make him the longest-serving governor in Texas history.
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