Greg Abbott is the 48th governor of Texas, a position he has held since 2015. He is a Republican who previously served as the 50th Attorney General of Texas from 2002 to 2015. Abbott also served as a justice of the Texas Supreme Court from 1996 to 2001. His career has been primarily focused on law and politics within the state of Texas.
1929: Franklin D. Roosevelt's Governorship
Franklin D. Roosevelt served as the governor of New York from 1929 to 1932.
1932: End of Franklin D. Roosevelt's Governorship
Franklin D. Roosevelt's term as the governor of New York ended in 1932.
1956: Release of "The Ten Commandments"
The Cecil B. DeMille film "The Ten Commandments" was released in 1956, inspiring the Fraternal Order of Eagles to donate similar monuments to towns and cities across the nation.
November 13, 1957: Birth of Greg Abbott
Greg Abbott was born on November 13, 1957.
1963: George Wallace's First Term as Governor
George Wallace began his first term as the governor of Alabama in 1963.
1967: End of George Wallace's First Term
George Wallace's first term as the governor of Alabama ended in 1967.
1971: George Wallace's Second Term as Governor
George Wallace returned for his second term as the governor of Alabama in 1971.
1979: End of George Wallace's Second Term
George Wallace's second term as the governor of Alabama concluded in 1979.
1981: Greg Abbott Graduates from University of Texas at Austin, Marries Cecilia Phalen
Greg Abbott graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 1981 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance. In the same year, he married Cecilia Phalen, whom he met while attending UT Austin.
1981: Marriage to Cecilia Phalen Abbott
Greg Abbott married Cecilia Phalen Abbott, the granddaughter of Mexican immigrants, in 1981 in San Antonio. Cecilia's heritage made her the first Latina to be First Lady of Texas since Texas joined the union.
1983: George Wallace's Third Term as Governor
George Wallace embarked on his third term as the governor of Alabama in 1983.
July 14, 1984: Paralyzing Accident
On July 14, 1984, at the age of 26, Greg Abbott was paralyzed from the waist down when an oak tree fell on him while he was jogging after a storm.
1984: Greg Abbott Graduates from Vanderbilt University Law School
Greg Abbott earned his Juris Doctor degree from Vanderbilt University Law School in 1984.
1984: Greg Abbott Enters Private Practice at Butler and Binion, LLP
Greg Abbott started working in private practice at Butler and Binion, LLP in 1984.
1987: End of George Wallace's Governorship
George Wallace's tenure as the governor of Alabama concluded definitively in 1987.
1992: Greg Abbott Ends Tenure at Butler and Binion, LLP
Greg Abbott concluded his time at Butler and Binion, LLP in 1992.
1995: Greg Abbott Appointed to the Texas Supreme Court
In 1995, Governor George W. Bush appointed Greg Abbott to the Texas Supreme Court.
1996: Greg Abbott Elected for Two-Year Term on Texas Supreme Court
In 1996, Greg Abbott was elected for a two-year term on the Texas Supreme Court. He defeated Libertarian John B. Hawley with 84% of the vote.
1998: Greg Abbott Elected for Six-Year Term on Texas Supreme Court
Greg Abbott won a six-year term on the Texas Supreme Court in 1998, defeating Democrat David Van Os with 60% of the vote.
1998: First Election for State Supreme Court
In 1998, Abbott participated in his first election for the state Supreme Court, facing David Van Os as his Democratic opponent. This event marked the beginning of their political rivalry.
1998: Greg Abbott Wins Full Term on the Texas Supreme Court
In 1998, Greg Abbott won a full term on the Texas Supreme Court, securing 60% of the vote.
2001: Greg Abbott Resigns from Texas Supreme Court, Initially Campaigns for Lieutenant Governor
Greg Abbott resigned from the Texas Supreme Court in 2001 to pursue the position of Lieutenant Governor of Texas. He shifted his campaign to the Attorney General's race when John Cornyn, the previous Attorney General, vacated the seat to run for the U.S. Senate.
2001: Greg Abbott Returns to Private Practice, Joins Bracewell & Giuliani LLC and University of Texas School of Law
In 2001, Greg Abbott returned to private practice, joining Bracewell & Giuliani LLC. He also served as an adjunct professor at the University of Texas School of Law.
December 2, 2002: Greg Abbott Sworn in as Texas Attorney General
Greg Abbott was sworn in as Texas Attorney General on December 2, 2002, following John Cornyn's election to the U.S. Senate.
2002: Greg Abbott Elected as Texas Attorney General
In 2002, Greg Abbott was elected as the Texas Attorney General, receiving 57% of the vote.
2003: Greg Abbott Supports Cap on Medical Malpractice Damages in Texas
In 2003, Greg Abbott supported the Texas Legislature's decision to limit non-economic damages in medical malpractice lawsuits to $250,000, without adjustments for inflation.
March 2005: Defense of the Ten Commandments Monument
In March 2005, Abbott, as Texas Attorney General, presented oral arguments to the U.S. Supreme Court, defending a Ten Commandments monument at the Texas State Capitol. He argued that the monument was constitutional and didn't violate the First Amendment's Establishment Clause.
December 21, 2005: Greg Abbott Sues Sony BMG for Spyware on Music CDs
On December 21, 2005, Greg Abbott filed a lawsuit against Sony BMG for installing spyware on music CDs. He alleged that the company's MediaMax copy protection technology violated Texas's spyware and deceptive trade practices laws. Sony BMG settled the lawsuit for $1.5 million.
2005: Greg Abbott Advocates for Ten Commandments Display at Texas State Capitol
In 2005, Greg Abbott successfully argued for the display of the Ten Commandments at the Texas State Capitol during the Van Orden v. Perry case at the U.S. Supreme Court.
November 7, 2006: Reelection as Texas Attorney General
On November 7, 2006, Abbott won reelection for a second term as Texas Attorney General, defeating civil rights attorney David Van Os.
2006: Greg Abbott Re-elected as Texas Attorney General
Greg Abbott was re-elected as the Texas Attorney General in 2006 with 60% of the vote.
2007: Record Vetoes in 2007
In 2007, there was a record number of bills vetoed in a single session.
2010: Third Term as Texas Attorney General
In 2010, Abbott secured his third term as Texas Attorney General, defeating attorney Barbara Ann Radnofsky. This victory made him the longest-serving Texas Attorney General in the state's history.
2010: Greg Abbott Re-elected as Texas Attorney General
In 2010, Greg Abbott secured his third term as Texas Attorney General with 64% of the vote, marking the longest tenure for this position in the state's history.
2011: Record-Breaking Fundraising for Campaign
During the first six months of 2011, Abbott achieved record-breaking fundraising for his campaign, amassing $1.6 million. This unprecedented sum surpassed the fundraising efforts of all previous Texas politicians.
July 2013: Allegations of Improper Ties with Cancer Institute
In July 2013, the Houston Chronicle published allegations suggesting improper connections between Abbott's major donors and the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas. As a director of the institute, Abbott faced scrutiny over potential conflicts of interest and oversight.
July 2013: Announcement of Candidacy for Governor
Shortly after Governor Rick Perry's announcement not to seek reelection in July 2013, Abbott declared his candidacy for governor of Texas in the 2014 election.
August 2013: Insurance Settlement Details
As of August 2013, Greg Abbott received a monthly payment of US$14,000 and a three-year lump sum payment of US$400,000, both tax-free, as part of an insurance settlement from a lawsuit related to his 1984 accident.
2013: Greg Abbott Files Numerous Lawsuits Against the Obama Administration
In 2013, Greg Abbott stated that his primary job as Attorney General was to "sue Barack Obama." Throughout his tenure, he filed 31 lawsuits against the Obama administration, targeting agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (including challenges to the Affordable Care Act), and the U.S. Department of Education.
2013: Opposition to Gun Control Legislation
In 2013, Abbott criticized and opposed New York State's legislation that strengthened gun control by expanding the assault weapons ban and establishing a high-capacity magazine ban. He even threatened legal action if Congress passed a new gun-control bill.
February 2014: Opposition to NRA's Concealed Carry Lawsuit
In February 2014, Abbott argued against a lawsuit filed by the National Rifle Association of America (NRA), which aimed to increase access to concealed carry permits. Abbott's stance was based on his belief that broader concealed carry access would negatively impact public safety.
March 4, 2014: Victory in Republican Primary
On March 4, 2014, Abbott secured a decisive victory in the Republican primary for Texas governor, winning 91.5% of the votes. This win positioned him as the Republican nominee to face State Senator Wendy Davis in the general election.
March 2014: Greg Abbott Intervenes in Lawsuits Against Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Plano
In March 2014, Greg Abbott intervened in three federal lawsuits against Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Plano. Patients alleged the hospital knowingly allowed a dangerous physician, Christopher Duntsch, to perform neurosurgery. Abbott defended Baylor, citing Texas legislature's cap on malpractice cases.
November 4, 2014: Electoral Victory in Texas Gubernatorial Election
On November 4, 2014, Greg Abbott defeated Wendy Davis by a significant margin of 20 points in the Texas gubernatorial election.
2014: Legal Strategy Against Climate Change Regulations
In 2014, Governor Abbott participated in meetings at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce aimed at developing legal strategies to oppose climate change regulations.
2014: Defense of Texas's Same-Sex Marriage Ban
In 2014, Governor Abbott, then serving as Texas Attorney General, defended the state's ban on same-sex marriage, a stance that a federal court ultimately ruled as unconstitutional. Abbott argued that prohibiting same-sex marriage served to incentivize children being born and raised "in the context of stable, lasting relationships."
2014: Greg Abbott Elected as Texas Governor
In 2014, Greg Abbott was elected as the Governor of Texas.
2014: Texas Gubernatorial Election
The 2014 Texas gubernatorial election was held to elect the governor of Texas. Abbott was a candidate in this election.
January 20, 2015: Sworn in as Governor of Texas
Abbott was sworn in as the governor of Texas on January 20, 2015, succeeding Rick Perry. This marked a historic moment as he became the first governor of Texas and the third elected governor of a U.S. state to use a wheelchair.
March 15, 2015: Meeting with Irish Prime Minister
On March 15, 2015, Abbott, as governor of Texas, conducted his inaugural meeting with a foreign prime minister, hosting Irish Taoiseach Enda Kenny. Their discussions centered around bolstering trade and economic relations between Texas and Ireland.
April 28, 2015: Abbott Orders Monitoring of Jade Helm 15 Military Exercise
On April 28, 2015, fueled by internet conspiracy theories suggesting a hostile military takeover, Governor Greg Abbott instructed the Texas State Guard to monitor the Jade Helm 15 military training exercise.
June 2015: Abbott Enhances Texas Border Security Measures
In June 2015, Governor Greg Abbott signed a bill aimed at strengthening Texas's border security operations. The legislation encompassed measures such as increasing the number of state police officers, expanding the utilization of technology, and establishing intelligence units.
September 25, 2015: Temporary Injunction Against Therapy Rate Cuts
On September 25, 2015, a temporary injunction was granted in response to a lawsuit filed against the state of Texas concerning cuts to Medicaid funding for children's developmental therapies. This injunction temporarily halted the implementation of therapy rate cuts initiated by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.
November 2015: Abbott Rejects Syrian Refugees in Texas Following Paris Terrorist Attack
Following the terrorist attacks in Paris, Governor Greg Abbott announced in November 2015 that Texas would not accept Syrian refugees.
December 2015: Abbott Challenges Federal Government and IRC Over Refugee Resettlement
In December 2015, Governor Greg Abbott directed the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to sue the federal government and the International Rescue Committee to prevent refugee resettlement in the state, although this lawsuit was later dismissed by a federal district court.
2015: Abbott Signs Pastor Protection Act
In 2015, Governor Greg Abbott signed the Pastor Protection Act, which grants clergy members the right to refuse to officiate same-sex marriages if it contradicts their religious beliefs.
2015: Campus Carry and Open Carry Bills Signed
Abbott signed both the campus carry (SB 11) and open carry (HB 910) bills into law in 2015.
2015: Obergefell v. Hodges Ruling
In 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Obergefell v. Hodges that the Fourteenth Amendment requires states to recognize same-sex marriage. This landmark decision granted same-sex couples access to the same state and federal benefits as opposite-sex couples.
January 8, 2016: Call for Constitutional Convention
On January 8, 2016, Abbott called for a national constitutional convention during his speech at the Texas Public Policy Foundation. He aimed to address perceived abuses by the Supreme Court and restore the rule of law.
May 17, 2016: Elaboration on Constitutional Convention Proposal
Abbott further elaborated on his proposal for a constitutional convention during a seminar at the Hoover Institute on May 17, 2016.
October 2016: Explosive Package Incident
In October 2016, an explosive package was mailed to Abbott but did not detonate when he opened it because he didn't open it as intended. This incident also targeted President Obama and the Commissioner of the Social Security Administration.
November 2016: New Abortion Rules Approved
In November 2016, at Abbott's request, Texas approved rules requiring facilities performing abortions to bury or cremate fetal remains instead of disposing of them in sanitary landfills. These rules were set to take effect on December 19 but were temporarily blocked by a federal judge on December 15 after legal challenges.
December 2016: Significant Funds on Hand for Campaign
By December 2016, Abbott had accumulated $34.4 million for his reelection campaign, including $9 million raised in the latter half of 2016. This substantial financial backing highlighted his strong support and positioned him well for the upcoming election.
2016: Open Carry Law Takes Effect
The open carry bill took effect in 2016, permitting licensed open carry of handguns in public areas and private businesses without a 30.07 sign, making Texas the 45th state to allow open carry.
2016: Efforts to Limit Impact of Obergefell v. Hodges
In 2016, after the landmark Supreme Court ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges (2015) legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide, Abbott urged the Texas Supreme Court to minimize the ruling's implications. He sought to restrict same-sex couples' access to state and federal benefits associated with marriage.
2016: Call for a Convention of States
In 2016, Abbott addressed the Texas Public Policy Foundation, advocating for a Convention of States to amend the U.S. Constitution. He proposed the Texas Plan, encompassing nine amendments aimed at curbing federal government power and expanding states' rights, including the potential for states to nullify federal laws in certain situations.
2016: "Broken But Unbowed" Publication
Greg Abbott's book, "Broken But Unbowed," recounting his personal story and political views, was published in 2016.
2016: Support for Scott Pruitt's EPA Appointment
Governor Abbott's stance on environmental issues was further highlighted in 2016 when he expressed strong support for the appointment of Scott Pruitt as the head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Abbott's history of legal challenges against the EPA during his tenure as Texas attorney general underlined his stance on environmental regulations.
January 2017: Fundraising for 2018 Reelection Bid
In January 2017, reports emerged that Abbott had begun fundraising for his 2018 reelection campaign. This early fundraising activity demonstrated his proactive approach to securing a second term.
January 21, 2017: Intent to Run for Reelection
During the weekend of January 21, 2017, Abbott expressed his intention to seek reelection as governor of Texas. This announcement set the stage for his upcoming campaign.
January 27, 2017: Federal Judge Rules Against Abortion Law
On January 27, 2017, a federal judge ruled against the Texas law requiring burial or cremation of fetal remains from abortions. Despite the ruling, the State of Texas planned to appeal.
February 1, 2017: Abbott Halts Funding to Travis County Over Sanctuary City Policy
On February 1, 2017, Governor Greg Abbott blocked funding to Travis County, Texas, in response to its newly implemented sanctuary city policy.
March 28, 2017: Confirmation of Reelection Bid
On March 28, 2017, Abbott officially confirmed his decision to run for reelection as governor of Texas, solidifying his commitment to continue his tenure.
May 7, 2017: Abbott Signs Law Targeting Sanctuary Cities
Governor Greg Abbott signed Texas Senate Bill 4 into law on May 7, 2017. The law aimed to penalize sanctuary cities by holding county or city officials accountable for refusing to cooperate with federal immigration authorities and by granting police officers the authority to verify the immigration status of individuals they detain.
May 27, 2017: Tech Leaders Urge Abbott to Oppose "Bathroom Bill"
On May 27, 2017, Governor Abbott faced pressure from influential figures in the tech industry. The CEOs of 14 prominent technology companies, including Facebook, Apple, Microsoft, and Amazon, sent a letter to Abbott urging him to block the passage of legislation known as the "bathroom bill." The bill sought to mandate that individuals use restrooms corresponding to the sex listed on their birth certificates, rather than their gender identity.
June 6, 2017: Special Legislative Session Called
On June 6, 2017, Abbott called for a special legislative session to pass some of his priorities, supported by Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick.
July 14, 2017: Formal Announcement of Reelection Campaign
Abbott formally launched his reelection campaign on July 14, 2017, just four days before the start of a special legislative session that could create divisions within the Republican Party. This strategic timing aimed to capitalize on the political landscape and solidify his support.
November 5, 2017: Controversial Remarks After Sutherland Springs Shooting
After the Sutherland Springs church shooting on November 5, 2017, Abbott suggested considering historical examples of evil from the Nazi era, the Middle Ages, and biblical times. His comparison to Holocaust victims drew criticism from the Anti-Defamation League as "deeply offensive" and "insensitive."
2017: Abbott Approves Bill Allowing Faith-Based Adoption Agencies to Deny Services Based on Religious Beliefs
In 2017, Governor Greg Abbott signed House Bill 3859, which permits faith-based organizations involved in the Texas child welfare system to refuse services that conflict with their deeply held religious convictions. Critics, including Democrats and civil rights groups, expressed concerns that this adoption bill could enable discrimination against individuals based on their religion or sexual orientation, with LGBT rights groups pledging legal challenges. This move prompted California to add Texas to its list of states subject to a ban on official government travel.
2017: Lowering of Handgun License Fees
In 2017, Abbott signed a bill into law that reduced the fees for handgun carry licenses.
2017: Legislation Allowing Adoption Agencies to Refuse Same-Sex Couples
Governor Abbott signed legislation in 2017 that granted taxpayer-funded adoption agencies the ability to decline adoption applications from same-sex couples on religious grounds. This move further inflamed the debate surrounding LGBTQ+ rights and adoption practices in Texas.
2017: Abbott Signs Bill Protecting Pastors' Sermons from Subpoenas
In 2017, Governor Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 24, prohibiting state and local governments from subpoenaing pastors' sermons. The bill's genesis was a Houston anti-discrimination ordinance that led to the subpoenaing of five pastors' sermons.
March 2018: Controversy Over "Bathroom Bill" and Abbott's Stance
In March 2018, the "bathroom bill" remained a contentious issue in Texas politics. Byron Cook, a key figure in blocking the bill, alleged that Governor Abbott privately opposed the legislation despite its revival by Abbott and support from Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick. The bill ultimately failed to become law, with Abbott later stating it was "not on my agenda" during a debate.
April 2018: Cancellation of Voter Purge
In April 2018, an attempt to remove nearly 100,000 registered voters from Texas voter rolls was halted after facing legal challenges from voting rights groups. The effort, initially justified by claims that the voters were not U.S. citizens, was found to have wrongly targeted many legitimate voters. Although Governor Abbott denied involvement, emails later revealed his significant role in pushing for the purge.
2018: Texas Gubernatorial Election
The 2018 Texas gubernatorial election took place to elect the governor of Texas. Abbott ran for reelection during this election cycle.
2018: Rejection of Scientific Consensus on Climate Change
In 2018, Governor Abbott publicly expressed his disagreement with the scientific consensus on climate change. While acknowledging that the climate is changing, he disputed the widely accepted view that human activities are the primary driver.
2018: Response to Santa Fe High School Shooting
Following the 2018 Santa Fe High School shooting, Abbott pledged to consult throughout Texas to find ways to prevent gun violence in schools, leading to a series of round-table discussions at the state capitol. However, nearly two weeks later, he stated, "The problem is not guns, it's hearts without God," during a speech at an NRA convention in Dallas.
June 2019: Bill for Armed Teachers and Threat Assessment Teams
In June 2019, Abbott signed a bill that allowed for an increase in the number of armed teachers in schools and the establishment of "threat assessment teams" to identify potentially violent students. While the legislature addressed student services for mental health, proposals for a red flag law were rejected by Abbott as unnecessary in Texas.
June 2019: Emails Reveal Abbott's Role in Voter Purge
In June 2019, emails surfaced that directly implicated Governor Abbott as the driving force behind the controversial attempt to purge voter rolls in 2018. Despite his previous denials, the evidence showed Abbott's active involvement in the initiative that was ultimately blocked due to its flawed methodology and potential disenfranchisement of legitimate voters.
June 2019: Austin Repeals Homeless Camping Ban
In June 2019, the city of Austin took a significant step by repealing a 25-year-old ordinance that prohibited homeless individuals from camping, lying down, or sleeping in public spaces. This decision marked a shift in the city's approach to addressing homelessness.
August 2019: Response to El Paso Shooting
Following the racially motivated mass shooting in El Paso in August 2019, where 22 people were killed, Abbott assembled a domestic terrorism task force. Despite this, he maintained his opposition to a red flag law and rejected requests to convene a special legislative session on gun violence.
October 2019: Abbott Criticizes Austin's Homeless Policy
Governor Abbott publicly criticized the city of Austin's decision to repeal its ban on homeless encampments in October 2019. In a widely publicized letter to Austin Mayor Steve Adler, Abbott expressed strong disapproval of the policy change and threatened to deploy state resources to address homelessness in the city.
November 2019: Opening of "Abbottville" Homeless Encampment
In November 2019, Governor Abbott directed the State of Texas to establish a temporary homeless encampment on a former vehicle storage yard owned by the Texas Department of Transportation. This site, dubbed "Abbottville" by residents, aimed to provide a designated area for homeless individuals in Austin.
2019: Clash Over Marijuana Law Enforcement Following Hemp Legalization
In 2019, Governor Abbott clashed with local prosecutors who sought to halt prosecutions for low-level marijuana offenses. The prosecutors cited recent legislation that legalized hemp, arguing that available testing methods could not reliably differentiate between marijuana and hemp due to their shared chemical compound, THC. Abbott insisted on continued marijuana law enforcement, maintaining that legal hemp products would possess a "hemp certificate."
January 2020: Texas Becomes First State to Decline Refugee Resettlement Under New Trump Administration Rule
In January 2020, under a new rule implemented by the Trump administration, Texas, under Governor Greg Abbott's leadership, became the first state to refuse refugee resettlement. This move drew criticism from all 16 Catholic bishops in Texas, who jointly condemned the decision.
May 1, 2020: End of Stay-at-Home Order in Texas
On May 1, 2020, Greg Abbott lifted the stay-at-home order he had implemented in Texas on April 2, 2020, which was among the shortest stay-at-home orders by any governor during the COVID-19 pandemic.
July 2020: Shifting COVID-19 Policies in Texas
In July 2020, amid criticism for his contradictory policies regarding COVID-19, Greg Abbott directed counties in Texas with more than 20 COVID-19 cases to enforce the wearing of masks in public. This followed his earlier prohibition of local governments from mandating face masks.
September 2020: Election Integrity Measures and Early Voting Controversy
In September 2020, Governor Abbott issued a proclamation limiting each Texas county to a single location for early voting ballot drop-offs. He defended this decision as a measure to prevent "illegal voting," though evidence of significant voter fraud was lacking. This move, along with his extension of the early voting period due to COVID-19, sparked debate and opposition from various groups.
December 2020: Overruling Local COVID-19 Curfews
In December 2020, Greg Abbott ordered Texas restaurants to disregard local curfews that had been put in place to curb the spread of COVID-19, particularly restrictions on indoor dining and drinking late at night during the New Year's weekend amidst a surge in cases.
2020: John Scott Aids Trump in Election Overturn Attempts
In 2020, John Scott, who would later be appointed Texas Secretary of State by Governor Abbott, actively assisted former President Donald Trump's unsuccessful endeavors to overturn the results of the presidential election. These efforts were based on unfounded allegations of widespread voter fraud and faced significant legal and political pushback.
2020: Prioritizing "Election Integrity" Following 2020 Presidential Election
Following the 2020 U.S. presidential election and President Trump's baseless claims of widespread voter fraud, Governor Abbott made "election integrity" a central focus of his legislative agenda. The resulting legislative actions drew criticism from voting rights advocates and civil rights groups who argued that the measures disproportionately affected voters of color and individuals with disabilities.
2020: Support for Law Enforcement
Following the George Floyd protests in 2020, Abbott urged candidates to "back the blue."
February 2021: Texas Power Crisis Prompts Reform Efforts by Governor Abbott
In February 2021, a winter storm led to a power crisis in Texas, prompting Governor Abbott to call for reforms to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT). He subsequently signed a bill mandating the winterization of power plants.
March 2, 2021: Lifting of All COVID-19 Restrictions in Texas
On March 2, 2021, Greg Abbott rescinded all COVID-19 restrictions in Texas, including the mask mandate, allowing businesses to fully reopen.
March 2021: Abbott's Claim on Release of Migrants with COVID-19
In March 2021, Governor Greg Abbott used the term "invasion" to describe undocumented immigrants crossing the border. He further claimed on Twitter that the Biden administration was recklessly releasing "hundreds" of illegal immigrants infected with COVID-19 into Texas communities. However, PolitiFact rated this claim as "Mostly False." They clarified that those released were asylum seekers with legal grounds to stay in the U.S. and that the actual number was far fewer than "hundreds," with only 108 individuals released at the time of Abbott's tweet.
April 2021: Banning Vaccine Mandates by State Entities
In April 2021, Greg Abbott signed an executive order prohibiting state agencies and publicly funded corporations from requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination.
May 18, 2021: Texas Heartbeat Act Signed
On May 18, 2021, Abbott signed the Texas Heartbeat Act, a six-week abortion ban, into law.
June 2021: Permitless Carry Bill Signed
In June 2021, Abbott signed a permitless carry bill into law, allowing Texans to carry handguns without a license or training. This law went into effect on September 1, 2021.
June 2021: Penalizing Businesses for Requiring Proof of Vaccination
In June 2021, Greg Abbott signed a bill to penalize businesses that mandate customers to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination for their services.
June 2021: Legislative Action for Power Grid Preparedness
In June 2021, Greg Abbott signed a bill into law that mandated power companies in Texas to enhance their preparedness for extreme weather events following the power crisis caused by the winter storm earlier in the year.
June 2021: Abbott Targets Child-Care Facilities Housing Migrant Minors and Announces Border Wall Plans
Governor Greg Abbott ordered Texas child-care regulators in June 2021 to revoke the licenses of facilities that housed unaccompanied migrant minors. He argued that doing so negatively impacted the facilities available for Texan children in foster care. Later in the month, Abbott revealed his plan to construct a border wall with Mexico, pledging $250 million in state funds and seeking public donations for the project.
July 2021: Abbott Authorizes Trespassing Arrests for Illegal Migrants
In July 2021, Governor Greg Abbott issued instructions to state law enforcement officers to begin arresting illegal migrants for trespassing.
July 2021: Democratic Lawmakers Flee Texas to Block Election Bill
In July 2021, Democratic lawmakers in Texas staged a dramatic walkout, flying to Washington, D.C. to prevent the passage of a Republican-backed bill that aimed to overhaul state election procedures. Governor Abbott responded with threats of arrest upon their return to Texas.
July 27, 2021: Abbott Orders National Guard to Assist with Migrant Arrests
On July 27, 2021, Governor Greg Abbott directed the National Guard to aid in the apprehension of migrants.
July 29, 2021: Reinstatement of COVID-19 Restrictions and Prohibition of Local Mandates
On July 29, 2021, during a resurgence of the pandemic, Greg Abbott issued a superseding executive order (GA-38) that reinstated previous orders and imposed additional restrictions on local governments, state agencies, public universities, and businesses operating with state funding. The order prohibited these entities from implementing measures like requiring face masks or proof of vaccination. It also introduced a $1,000 fine for local officials who adopted non-compliant policies.
August 2021: Emphasis on Personal Responsibility over Government Mandates
In August 2021, Greg Abbott emphasized personal responsibility over government intervention in managing the COVID-19 pandemic. He firmly opposed government mandates.
August 17, 2021: Greg Abbott Tests Positive for COVID-19
On August 17, 2021, Greg Abbott's office announced that he had tested positive for COVID-19, though he was reportedly in good health and not experiencing any symptoms. He received Regeneron's monoclonal antibody treatment.
September 1, 2021: Permitless Handgun Carry Takes Effect
Starting September 1, 2021, Texans could carry handguns without a license or training due to a permitless carry bill signed by Abbott in June 2021.
September 2021: Abbott Approves $2 Billion for Texas Border Security, Including Wall Construction
Governor Greg Abbott signed legislation in September 2021 allocating nearly $2 billion towards Texas's border security efforts. This substantial increase, which included $750 million for border wall construction, supplemented the $1 billion already allocated for border security in the state's two-year budget.
September 2021: Restriction on Mail-Order Abortion Medication
In September 2021, Abbott signed a bill into law that prevents women from obtaining abortion medication through mail-order after seven weeks of pregnancy.
October 2021: Appointment of John Scott as Texas Secretary of State
In October 2021, Governor Abbott selected John Scott to serve as Texas Secretary of State, a position with crucial oversight of state elections. Scott's previous involvement in supporting Donald Trump's unsuccessful attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election raised concerns among critics.
October 2021: Expansion of Vaccine Mandate Ban to Private Businesses
In October 2021, Greg Abbott issued an executive order that expanded the prohibition of COVID-19 vaccine requirements to all entities, including private businesses, barring them from mandating vaccination for their employees.
December 2021: Abbott Announces Continuation of Trump's Border Wall
In December 2021, Governor Greg Abbott announced Texas's decision to proceed with the construction of the U.S. Border Wall initiated by former President Donald Trump. The wall, sharing the same design as Trump's, is currently underway.
2021: Removal of LGBTQ+ Youth Resources by Texas Child Welfare Agency
In 2021, the Texas child welfare agency, whose members are appointed by Governor Abbott, removed online resources intended to support LGBTQ+ youth. This decision followed criticism from a Republican primary challenger regarding the agency's inclusion of content related to LGBTQ+ issues. The removal sparked outrage, as the webpage had included vital resources such as a suicide prevention hotline and other support services tailored for LGBTQ+ young people.
2021: Trump Endorses Abbott
In 2021, Donald Trump endorsed Greg Abbott for reelection, choosing him over several Republican primary rivals.
2021: Vetoes of Criminal Justice and Animal Protection Bills
In 2021, Abbott vetoed several bills: a bipartisan criminal justice bill concerning parole eligibility, legislation prohibiting the use of statements made under hypnosis in court, and an animal protection bill regarding the chaining of dogs.
2021: Permitless Carry Bill Signed
In 2021, Abbott signed into law a bill enabling Texans to carry handguns without needing a license.
2021: Penalties for Cities Reducing Police Spending
In 2021, Abbott led legislative efforts to impose financial penalties on cities in Texas that chose to reduce their police budgets.
2021: Texas Winter Storm and Power Crisis
During the North American winter storm in February 2021, widespread power plant failures in Texas resulted in four million households losing power. Greg Abbott called for an investigation and reform of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), responsible for managing the electric grid for most of Texas.
2021: Hard Right Turn in Texas Politics
After the 2021 legislative session, The New York Times characterized Abbott and Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick as "the driving force behind one of the hardest right turns in recent state history."
April 7, 2022: Abbott Announces Plan to Bus Migrants to Washington D.C.
During a press conference on April 7, 2022, Governor Greg Abbott unveiled his plan to utilize the Texas Division of Emergency Management to transport illegal immigrants to Washington D.C. using 900 charter buses. Abbott cited concerns about a potential surge in immigration following the Biden administration's expected rollback of Title 42 provisions related to communicable diseases.
April 2022: Increased Inspections of Commercial Trucks at the Border
In April 2022, Governor Abbott initiated a policy of intensified inspections for commercial trucks entering Texas from Mexico. The aim was to curb drug smuggling and illegal immigration. However, the policy resulted in extensive delays and economic disruption, leading to protests from truckers and criticism from business owners. Abbott eventually rescinded the order following agreements with Mexican officials regarding border security.
May 24, 2022: Uvalde School Shooting and Abbott's Response
On May 24, 2022, Governor Greg Abbott addressed the tragic shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, where an 18-year-old gunman killed 19 students and 2 teachers. Abbott stated that the shooter used an AR-15-style semi-automatic rifle and highlighted the mental health aspect of the tragedy, without mentioning gun laws.
September 15, 2022: Abbott Sends Buses of Migrants to Vice President Harris's Residence
On September 15, 2022, Governor Greg Abbott dispatched two buses carrying 101 migrants, predominantly Venezuelans detained after crossing the U.S.-Mexico border, to the residence of Vice President Kamala Harris at the Naval Observatory in Washington, D.C.
2022: Conclusion of Insurance Settlement Payments
Greg Abbott's insurance settlement payments concluded in 2022, marking the end of regular financial support he had received for nearly three decades following his accident in 1984.
2022: Classification of Gender-Affirming Care as Child Abuse
In a controversial move in 2022, Governor Abbott instructed Texas state agencies to categorize gender-affirming medical treatments for transgender youth as child abuse. This directive specifically targeted procedures such as puberty blockers and hormone therapy, drawing sharp condemnation from medical professionals and advocates for transgender rights.
2022: Focus on "Culture War" Issues
Leading up to his 2022 reelection campaign, Abbott placed a stronger emphasis on "culture war" issues, drawing comparisons to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for his promotion of conservative policies.
2022: Poll Shows Majority Support for Cannabis Legalization
A 2022 poll conducted in Texas revealed that a majority of voters, 55%, either supported or strongly supported the legalization of cannabis. This finding highlighted a growing public sentiment in favor of marijuana policy reform, contrasting with Governor Abbott's stance on the issue.
June 2023: Deployment of Floating Barriers in the Rio Grande
In June 2023, Texas Governor Greg Abbott ordered the deployment of a string of floating buoys in the Rio Grande River to deter illegal border crossings. This action drew criticism and legal challenges, with the U.S. Justice Department filing a lawsuit against Abbott and the state of Texas for refusing to remove the barriers.
December 2023: Thousands of Migrants Arrested for Trespassing Under Abbott's Policy
By December 2023, nearly 10,000 migrants had been arrested for trespassing under Governor Greg Abbott's policy. These migrants faced weeks of imprisonment without access to legal representation or formal charges.
December 2023: Signing of Border Security Bills
In December 2023, Governor Abbott signed into law three bills related to border security. One of the most significant measures made illegal immigration a state crime, further intensifying his efforts to address the issue.
2023: Promise for Swift Pardon
In 2023, after a jury convicted Daniel Perry of murder, Abbott stated his intention to work swiftly towards a pardon for Perry.
2023: Banning of DEI Offices at Public Universities in Texas
In the summer of 2023, Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 17, which prohibits Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) offices at Texas's public colleges and universities.
March 1, 2024: Candidacy for Fourth Term Announced
On March 1, 2024, Abbott made the momentous announcement that he would be running for reelection to a fourth term as governor. This declaration signaled his intention to extend his leadership and continue shaping Texas politics.
May 2024: Full Pardon for Daniel Perry
In May 2024, Abbott granted a full pardon to Daniel Perry, a former Army Sergeant, following a unanimous recommendation from the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles. Perry had been sentenced to 25 years for the fatal shooting of Air Force veteran Garrett Foster during a Black Lives Matter protest in 2023.
2026: Potential Fourth Term
Abbott's advisors have indicated that he is considering running for a fourth term as governor of Texas in 2026. This decision would demonstrate his long-term commitment to public service and potentially reshape the state's political landscape.
January 21, 2031: Potential for Longest Governorship
If Abbott were to win a fourth term in 2026 and serve until January 21, 2031, he would become the longest-serving governor in Texas history, surpassing Rick Perry's 14 years. This potential milestone highlights the significance of his political career.