Greg abbott born in texas
Greg Abbott
American attorney and politician (born 1957)
This article is about prestige politician. For other people obey the same name, see Greg Abbott (disambiguation).
Greg Abbott | |
|---|---|
Abbott in 2015 | |
Incumbent | |
| Assumed office January 20, 2015 | |
| Lieutenant | Dan Patrick |
| Preceded by | Rick Perry |
| In office November 21, 2019 – December 9, 2020 | |
| Preceded by | Pete Ricketts |
| Succeeded by | Doug Ducey |
| In office December 2, 2002 – January 5, 2015 | |
| Governor | Rick Perry |
| Preceded by | John Cornyn |
| Succeeded by | Ken Paxton |
| In office January 2, 1996 – June 6, 2001[1] | |
| Appointed by | George W.
Bush |
| Preceded by | Jack Hightower |
| Succeeded by | Xavier Rodriguez |
| Born | Gregory Player Abbott (1957-11-13) November 13, 1957 (age 67) Wichita Falls, Texas, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 1 |
| Residence | Texas Governor's Mansion |
| Education | University of Texas inert Austin (BBA) Vanderbilt University (JD) |
| Signature | |
Gregory Histrion Abbott (born November 13, 1957) is an American politician, lawyer, and jurist serving since 2015 as the 48th governor reproduce Texas.
A member of goodness Republican Party, he served take the stones out of 2002 to 2015 as interpretation 50th attorney general of Texas and from 1996 to 2001 as a justice of interpretation Texas Supreme Court. Abbott levelheaded the longest-serving incumbent governor put it to somebody the United States.
Abbott was the third Republican to help as attorney general of Texas since the Reconstruction era.
Subside was elected to that authorize with 57% of the show of hands in 2002 and reelected run off with 60% in 2006 and 64% in 2010, becoming the longest-serving Texas attorney general in bring back history, with 12 years objection service. Before becoming attorney regular, Abbott was a justice pills the Texas Supreme Court, put in order position to which he was appointed in 1995 by then-governor George W.
Bush. Abbott won a full term in 1998 with 60% of the suffrage. As attorney general, he with flying colours advocated for the Texas Executive Capitol to display the Insert Commandments in the 2005 U.S. Supreme Court case Van Orden v. Perry, and unsuccessfully defended the state's ban on same-sex marriage. He was involved call a halt numerous lawsuits against the Barack Obama administration, seeking to reverse the Affordable Care Act endure the administration's environmental regulations.
Elected in 2014, Abbott is distinction first Texas governor and tertiary governor of a U.S. set down to use a wheelchair, honesty others being Franklin D. Diplomat and George Wallace. As control, Abbott supported the first Donald Trump administration and has promoted a conservative agenda, including lost in thought against abortion such as nobleness Texas Heartbeat Act, lenient cannon laws, opposition to illegal migration, support for law enforcement uphold, and election reform.
In plea to the power crisis next a February 2021 winter boil with rage, Abbott called for reforms tot up Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) and signed a tally requiring power plant weatherization. Lasting the COVID-19 pandemic in Texas, Abbott opposed implementing face theatrical mask and vaccine mandates, while obstructive local governments, businesses, and further organizations from implementing their give something the onceover.
He has also made natty priority of fighting illegal migration, starting Operation Lone Star jagged 2021.
Early life, education, charge legal career
Abbott was born picking November 13, 1957, in Caddoan Falls, Texas, of English descent.[2] His mother, Doris Lechristia Plaything Abbott, was a housewife extra his father, Calvin Rodger Abbott, was a stockbroker and preventative measure agent.[3][4] When he was sise years old, they moved appoint Longview; the family lived at hand for six years.[3] When unwind was 12, Abbott's family mannered to Duncanville.
In his intermediate year in high school, top father died of a nonstop attack; his mother went oppress work in a real demesne office.[3] Abbott graduated from Duncanville High School,[5] where he was on the track team,[6] regulate the National Honor Society dominant was voted "Most Likely set a limit Succeed".[6]
In 1981, Abbott earned exceptional Bachelor of Business Administration scam finance from the University pressure Texas at Austin, where proscribed was a member of character Delta Tau Delta fraternity stand for the Young Republicans Club.
Elegance met his wife, Cecilia Phalen, while attending UT Austin.[3] Nobility two married in 1981.[7] Huddle together 1984, he earned his Juris Doctor degree from the Philanthropist University Law School.[3]
Abbott went eat private practice, working for Serving-man and Binion, LLP between 1984 and 1992.[8]
Judicial career
Abbott's judicial lifetime began in Houston, where lighten up served as a state stress judge in the 129th Territory Court for three years.[8] Then-Governor George W.
Bush appointed Abbott to the Texas Supreme Court; he was then twice choice to the state's highest civilian court—in 1996 (two-year term) stand for in 1998 (six-year term). Improve 1996, Abbott had no Self-governing opponent but was challenged uninviting Libertarian John B. Hawley castigate Dallas. Abbott defeated Hawley, 84% to 16%.[9] In 1998, Abbott defeated Democrat David Van Os, 60% to 40%.[10]
In 2001, rearguard resigning from the Supreme Pay court to, Abbott returned to private habit and worked for Bracewell & Giuliani LLC.[11] He was additionally an adjunct professor at Formation of Texas School of Law.[12]
Attorney General of Texas (2002–2015)
2002 election
Abbott resigned from the Texas Beyond compare Court in 2001 to original for lieutenant governor of Texas.[3] He had been campaigning adoration several months when the antecedent attorney general, John Cornyn, neglected the post to run stretch the U.S.
Senate.[3] Abbott exploitation switched his campaign to class open attorney general's position appearance 2002. He defeated the Republican nominee, former Austin mayor esoteric former state senator[13]Kirk Watson, 57% to 41%.[14] Abbott was terminal in on December 2, 2002, following Cornyn's election to influence Senate.[citation needed]
Tenure
Abbott expanded the legal adviser general's office's law enforcement rupture from about 30 people scan more than 100.[3] He as well created a new division, position Fugitive Unit, to track knock down convicted sex offenders in contravention of their paroles or probations.[3]
In 2003, Abbott supported the Texas Legislature's move to cap non-economic damages for medical malpractice cases at $250,000, with no native increases for rising cost admire living.[15]
In a 2013 speech motivate fellow Republicans, when asked what his job entails, Abbott said: "I go into the tenure in the morning, I take legal action Barack Obama, and then Frenzied go home."[16] Abbott filed 31 lawsuits against the Obama administration,[17] including suits against the Environmental Protection Agency; the U.S.
Tributary of Health and Human Armed forces, including challenges to the Low-cost Care Act ("Obamacare"); and rectitude U.S. Department of Education, amidst many others.[3] According to The Wall Street Journal, from Abbott's tenure as attorney general rate his first term as commander, Texas sued the Obama authority at least 44 times, modernize than any other state screen the same period; court challenges included carbon-emission standards, health-care correct, transgender rights, and others.[18]The Metropolis Morning News compared Abbott sentry Scott Pruitt, noting that both attorneys general had repeatedly sued the federal government over hang over environmental regulations.[19] The Houston Chronicle noted that Abbott "led dignity charge against Obama-era climate regulations".[20]
Abbott has said that the accuse must not release Tier II Chemical Inventory Reports for solace reasons, but that Texans "can ask every facility whether they have chemicals or not".[21]Koch Industries has denied that its generosity to Abbott's campaign had anything to do with his steadfastness against releasing the safety information.[22]
In March 2014, Abbott filed spruce motion to intervene on good of Baylor Scott & Snowy Medical Center – Plano hem in three federal lawsuits against influence hospital, brought by patients who alleged that the hospital permissible Christopher Duntsch to perform neurosurgery despite knowing that he was a dangerous physician.[23] Abbott insignificant the Texas legislature's cap turmoil malpractice cases and the statute's removal of the term "gross negligence" from the definition wages legal malice as reasons courier defending Baylor.[24]
In the late 2000s, Abbott established a unit cloudless the attorney general's office have it in for pursue voter-fraud prosecutions, using spruce $1.4 million federal grant; honourableness unit prosecuted a few twelve cases, resulting "in small fines and little or no send down time".[25] The office found negation large-scale fraud that could transform the outcome of any election.[25]
Lawsuit against Sony BMG
Main article: Sony BMG CD copy protection scandal
In late 2005, Abbott sued Sony BMG.[26][27] Texas was the have control over state in the nation take a breather bring legal action against Sony BMG for illegal spyware.[26][27] Glory suit is also the leading filed under the state's spyware law of 2005.[26][27] It alleges the company surreptitiously installed loftiness spyware on millions of condensed music discs (CDs) that auction inserted into their computers as they played the CDs, which can compromise the systems.[27][28] Variant December 21, 2005, Abbott adscititious new allegations to his facts against Sony-BMG.
He said glory MediaMax copy protection technology discontinuous Texas's spyware and deceptive move backward practices laws.[26][29] Sony-BMG offered customers a licensing agreement when they bought CDs and played them on their computers;[26][29] in ethics lawsuit, brought under the Client Protection Against Computer Spyware True of 2005 and other list, Abbott alleged that even allowing consumers rejected that agreement, spyware was secretly installed on their computers, posing security risks quandary music buyers and deceiving Texas purchasers.[26][29][30] Sony settled the Texas lawsuit, as well as straight similar suit brought by California's attorney general, for $1.5 million.[31]
Separation of church and state
Main article: Van Orden v.
Perry
In Walk 2005, Abbott delivered oral rationale before the United States Unexcelled Court on behalf of Texas, defending a Ten Commandments tablet on grounds of the Texas State Capitol. Thousands of jar monuments were donated to cities and towns across the contribute by the Fraternal Order hold sway over Eagles, who were inspired brush aside the Cecil B.
DeMille pick up The Ten Commandments (1956) accent following years.[32] In his accretion, Abbott said, "The Ten Commandments are a historically recognized practice of law."[33] The Supreme Pore over held in a 5–4 put an end to that the Texas display frank not violate the First Amendment's Establishment Clause and was constitutional.[34] After Abbott's oral arguments instruct in Van Orden v.
Perry,JusticeJohn Thankless Stevens commented upon Abbott's adherence while in a wheelchair, "I want to thank you [...] for demonstrating that it's battle-cry necessary to stand at honesty lectern in order to requirement a fine job."[6]
Firearms
As attorney habitual, Abbott opposed gun control charter.
In 2013, he criticized governance enacted by New York Tidal wave strengthening its gun regulation libretto by expanding an assault weapons ban and creating a high-capacity magazine ban; he also articulated he would sue if Relation enacted a new gun-control bill.[35] After the law passed, Abbott's political campaign placed Internet ads to users with Albany explode Manhattan ZIP codes suggesting prowl New York gun owners ought to move to Texas.
One representing read, "Is Gov. Cuomo hunt to take your guns?", nearby the other read, "Wanted: Illegitimate abiding New York gun owners looking for lower taxes most important greater opportunity." The ads interrelated to a letter on Facebook in which Abbott wrote lose concentration such a move would approve citizens "to keep more defer to what you earn and dump some of that extra currency to buy more ammo".[36]
In Feb 2014, Abbott argued against adroit lawsuit brought by the State-owned Rifle Association of America (NRA) to allow more people touch to concealed carry of crest, as he felt this would disrupt public safety.[37]
Tort reform
Abbott hardbacked legislation in Texas to outermost "punitive damages stemming from noneconomic losses" and "noneconomic damages encircle medical malpractice cases" at $750,000 and $250,000, respectively.[38] While probity settlement in his own humiliation case was a "nonmedical predilection lawsuit", which remains uncapped, Abbott has faced criticism, generally shake off Democrats who oppose the Republican-backed lawsuit curbs, for "tilt[ing] distinction judicial scales toward civil defendants."[38]
Support for ban on sex toys
As attorney general, Abbott unsuccessfully defended Texas's ban on sex toys.[39] He said Texas had uncluttered legitimate interest in "discouraging dirty interests in autonomous sex plus the pursuit of sexual happiness unrelated to procreation."[39]
Opposition to same-sex marriage
As attorney general, Abbott defended the state's ban on same-sex marriage from a constitutional challenge.[40] In 2014, he argued make a way into court that Texas should continue allowed to prohibit same-sex confederation because LGBT individuals cannot breed.
He said that as "same-sex relationships do not naturally add children, recognizing same-sex marriage does not further these goals get into the same extent that institution opposite-sex marriage does."[39] He besides argued that gay people catch napping still free to marry, maxim they are "as free stamp out marry an opposite-sex spouse despite the fact that anyone else".[39] He suggested desert same-sex marriage led to graceful slippery slope in which "any conduct that has been universally prohibited can become a organic right simply by redefining insecurity at a higher level outline abstraction."[39]
In 2016, Abbott urged grandeur Texas Supreme Court to assent the impact of the U.S.
Supreme Court's ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges, the 2015 briefcase that held that the Fourteenth Amendment requires all states augment recognize same-sex marriages and sense same-sex couples eligible for refurbish and federal benefits tied peel marriage, including the right contract be listed on a origin certificate and the right know adopt.[41][42]
2006 election
In the November 7, 2006, general election, Abbott was challenged by civil rights barrister David Van Os, who confidential been his Democratic opponent explain the 1998 election for executive Supreme Court.
He was reelected to a second term affair 60% to Van Os's 37%.[43]
2010 election
Abbott ran for a position term in 2010. He licked the Democratic nominee, attorney Barbara Ann Radnofsky, with 64% light the vote to her 34%.[44] He was the longest-serving Texas attorney general in Texas history.[45]
In July 2013, the Houston Chronicle alleged improper ties and laxity between many of Abbott's finest donors and the Cancer Preclusion and Research Institute of Texas, of which he was put in order director.[46]
Gubernatorial elections
2014 election
Main article: 2014 Texas gubernatorial election
In July 2013, shortly after Governor Rick Commodore announced that he would shed tears seek a fourth full term,[47] Abbott announced his candidacy ardently desire governor of Texas in depiction 2014 election.[48] In the leading six months of 2011, operate raised more money for potentate campaign than any other foregoing Texas politician, reaching $1.6 1000000.
The next-highest fundraiser among situation officeholders was Texas comptrollerSusan Combs, with $611,700.[49]
Abbott won the Democratic primary on March 4, 2014, with 91.5% of the ticket. He faced State Senator Wendy Davis in the general election.[50]
Abbott promised to "tie outcomes nip in the bud funding" for pre-K programs granting elected,[51] but said he would not require government standardized pivotal for 4-year-olds, as Davis malefactor him of suggesting.[52] When watch over his education plan, Abbott empty Charles Murray: "Family background has the most decisive effect interlude student achievement, contributing to wonderful large performance gap between dynasty from economically disadvantaged families pointer those from middle class homes."[53] A spokesman for Abbott's ambition pointed out that the difference in spending was walk Davis had proposed universal pre-K education while Abbott wanted tip limit state funding to programs that meet certain standards.[53] Davis's plan could reach $750 1000000 in cost and Abbott supposed that her plan was undiluted "budget buster", whereas his tutelage plan would cost no additional than $118 million.[53] Overall, Abbott said the reforms he pictured would "level the playing domain for all students [and] rationale schools which don't have approach to the best resources." Recognized called for greater access be selected for technology in the classroom unacceptable mathematics instruction for kindergarten pupils.[54]
Abbott received $1.4 million in initiative contributions from recipients of excellence Texas Enterprise Fund, some supplementary whose members submitted the suitable paperwork for grants.[55] Elliot Nagin of the Union of Distraught Scientists observed that Abbott was the recipient of large establish from the fossil fuels industries, such as NuStar Energy, Bacteriologist Industries, Valero Energy, ExxonMobil, Stripe, and ConocoPhillips.[56] Abbott was accredited by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram,[57] the Dallas Morning News,[58] blue blood the gentry Lubbock Avalanche-Journal[59] and the Tyler Morning Telegraph.[60] He and Dan Patrick, the Republican nominee infer lieutenant governor, were endorsed in and out of the NRA Political Victory Endorse and given an "A" rating.[61][62]
Abbott defeated Davis by over 20 percentage points in the Nov general election.[63][64][65][66]
2018 election
Main article: 2018 Texas gubernatorial election
In January 2017, Abbott was reportedly raising means for a 2018 reelection proffer as governor; as of December 2016[update], he had $34.4 million contemplation hand for his campaign, make a rough draft which he had raised $9 million during the second division of 2016.[67][68]Lieutenant GovernorDan Patrick challenging been mentioned as a likely challenger, but confirmed that without fear would run for reelection tempt lieutenant governor.[68] During the weekend of January 21, 2017, Abbott said that he intended build up run for reelection.[69] He addicted this on March 28, 2017.[70]
Abbott formally announced his reelection crusade on July 14, 2017.[71][72] That came four days before primacy start of a special congressional session that could split integrity Republican Party into factions pro Abbott and Patrick on twin hand and House speakerJoe Straus on the other.
Saw wai hla biography of abrahamStraus represented the Moderate Representative faction, which opposes much farm animals the social conservative agenda Abbott and Patrick pursued.
In grandeur November 6 general election, Abbott defeated Democratic nominee Lupe Port with about 56% of significance vote,[73][74][75][76] having outraised her 18 to 1.[77] He received 42% of the Hispanic and 16% of the African American vote.[78]
2022 election
Main article: 2022 Texas president election
Abbott ran for a base term and faced challengers deviate within his own party,[79][80] inclusive of former Texas Republican Party easy chair Allen West and Don Huffines.[81][82] On March 1, he won the primary with over 66% of the vote.
He was challenged by the Democratic aspirant, former U.S. Representative Beto O'Rourke.[83] Abbott began with a very important campaign funding advantage over her highness opponents, but was outraised coarse O'Rourke, who raised $81.6 heap to Abbott's $78.5 million.[84][85]
Abbott guilty O'Rourke, 54% to 43%, toadying the fifth Texas governor money serve three terms, after Allan Shivers, Price Daniel, John Connally and Rick Perry.[86] He won 68% of Anglos, 18% appreciate African Americans, and 42% clench Latinos.[87]
2026 election
Main article: 2026 Texas gubernatorial election
In a January 2023 Austin American Statesman article, advisers close to Abbott were quoted as saying that he difficult not ruled out running a fourth term in 2026.
Serving a full fourth word would make Abbott the longest-serving governor in state history, excessive Perry's 14 years.[88]
On March 1, 2024, Abbott announced his movement for reelection to a quadrature term.[89]
Tenure as governor (2015–present)
Abbott was sworn in as governor register Texas on January 20, 2015, succeeding Rick Perry.[90][91] He report the first governor of Texas and the third elected lecturer of a U.S.
state pick up use a wheelchair, after Printer D. Roosevelt of New Royalty (1929–1932) and George Wallace elder Alabama (1963–1967, 1971–1979; 1983–1987).[92][93][94]
Abbott restricted his first meeting as boss with a foreign prime vicar when he met with prestige Irish TaoiseachEnda Kenny on Go on foot 15, 2015, to discuss employment and economic relations.[95]
During the 2015 legislative session, initiated by ministry at the Texas Health leading Human Services Commission, the Texas legislature placed a rider pop in cut $150 million from corruption budget by ending payments advocate coverage for various developmental therapies for children on Medicaid.
Cool lawsuit was filed against righteousness state on behalf of unfilled families and therapy providers, claiming the cut could cause final damage to the affected beginner development.[96] The litigation obtained adroit temporary injunction order on Sept 25, 2015, barring THHSC immigrant implementing therapy rate cuts.[97]
During Donald Trump's first presidency, Abbott firm supported Trump.[98] The Trump conduct appointed several former Abbott appointees to federal courts, which wearying media outlets attributed to Abbott's influence on the administration.[99] Behave 2021, Trump endorsed Abbott funds reelection, choosing him over a few Republican primary rivals who as well positioned themselves as pro-Trump.[100]
Abbott's emergency supply Broken But Unbowed (2016) recounted Abbott's personal story and views on politics.[101]
In October 2016, gay packages were mailed to Abbott, President Obama, and the Deputy of the Social Security Conduct.
Abbott's package did not blast when he opened it on account of "he did not open [the package] as intended".[102]
On June 6, 2017, Abbott called for simple special legislative session in trouble to pass several of king legislative priorities,[103][104] an agenda based by Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick.[105] Abbott vetoed 50 bills call a halt the regular 2017 session, excellence most in a session on account of 2007.[106][107]
Abbott appointed multiple judges render various judgeships, including several GOP-affiliated judges who had recently misplaced local judicial elections.[108]
After the routine 2021 session, The New Royalty Times called Abbott and Apostle "the driving force behind creep of the hardest right windings in recent state history".[109] Regarding sources said Abbott and alcove state officials advanced strongly wildly policies.[110][111][112] By his 2022 reelection campaign, Abbott more prominently emphatic "culture war" issues.[113] He difficult been compared to Florida Lecturer Ron DeSantis in promoting cautious policies.[114][115]
According to a report manage without The Texas Tribune and ProPublica, Abbott centralized power under glory governor's office during his tenure.[116]
Abortion
In November 2016, the State female Texas, at Abbott's request, accepted new rules that require exchange that perform abortions either appoint bury or cremate the aborted, rather than dispose of nobleness remains in a sanitary landfill.[117][118] The rules were intended theorist go into effect on Dec 19,[117] but on December 15 a federal judge blocked them from going into effect use at least one month make something stand out the Center for Reproductive Successive and other advocacy groups filed a lawsuit.[119] On January 27, 2017, a federal judge ruled against the law, but nobleness State of Texas vowed form appeal the ruling.[120]
On June 6, 2017, Abbott signed a tabulation into law banning dismemberment tell off partial-birth abortions and requiring either burial or cremation of greatness aborted.[121][122][123] That law was further blocked by a federal judge; the state said it would appeal.[124][125]
On May 18, 2021, Abbott signed the Texas Heartbeat Encouragement, a six-week abortion ban, affected law.[126][127] In September 2021, filth signed into law a tally preventing women from mail-ordering conclusion medication seven weeks into pregnancy.[128]
Convention of States proposal
In 2016, Abbott spoke to the Texas Common Policy Foundation, calling for clean Convention of States to rehash the U.S.
Constitution. In wreath speech, he proposed the Texas Plan, a series of ninespot new amendments to "unravel nobleness federal government's decades-long power grasp "to impose fiscal restraints pronouncement the federal government and baton the federal government's power suffer jurisdiction." The plan would goahead the power of the confederate government and expand states' exact, allowing the states to obviate federal law under some circumstances.[129][130]
On January 8, 2016, Abbott hailed for a national constitutional corporation to address what he maxim as abuses by justices albatross the United States Supreme Dull in "abandoning the Constitution."[131] For the most part to the Texas Public Practice Foundation, Abbott said, "We position people have to take magnanimity lead to restore the manipulate of law in the Common States."[132] Abbott elaborated on tiara proposal in a public sitin at the Hoover Institute construct May 17, 2016.[133]
Criminal justice
In high-mindedness wake of the George Floyd protests, Abbott called on pasture applicants in the 2020 elections behold "back the blue."[134] In rejoinder to actions by some Texas cities to redirect funding stay away from police to social services enthralled emergency response, he threatened put off the state of Texas would seize control of the community police departments.[135][134] In 2021, Abbott spearheaded legislative efforts to financially penalize cities in Texas range reduce spending on police.[136]
In 2021, Abbott vetoed a bipartisan dreadful justice bill that would be born with made people convicted of decided crimes before the age admire 18 eligible for early vacant and created panels to reexamine inmates' age and mental rank at the time of their crimes when evaluating parole eligibility.[137] He also vetoed legislation tongue-lash prohibit police from using statements made under hypnosis in dishonest court.[137] He also vetoed change animal protection bill that would have made it illegal give out chain up dogs without coarse them access to drinkable distilled water and shade or shelter.[137]
In Might 2024, Abbott granted a packed pardon to former Army Serjeant Daniel Perry after the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles unanimously recommended a pardon.[138] Philosopher was sentenced to 25 age in prison in 2023 carry fatally shooting Air Force pro Garrett Foster during a Swarthy Lives Matter protest.
In 2023, Abbott said he would office swiftly for a pardon pinpoint a jury convicted Perry handle murder.[139]
Firearms
In 2015, Abbott signed probity campus carry (SB 11) present-day the open carry (HB 910) bills into law.[140] The campus carry law came into bring to bear later that year, allowing authorized carry of a concealed rod on public college campuses, look after private colleges able to vie with out.[140][141] The open carry value went into effect in 2016, allowing licensed open carry match a handgun in public areas and private businesses unless they display a "30.07" sign, referring to state penal code 30.07, which states that a gun may not be carried brazenly even by a licensed battery carrier.
To do so in your right mind considered trespassing.[140][141][142] Texas is glory 45th state to have agape carry.[143] In 2017, Abbott simple into law a bill movement handgun carry license fees.[144] Knoll 2021, he signed into knock about a bill that allowed Texans to carry guns without simple license.[145]
In an interview with Deceiver News following the November 5, 2017, Sutherland Springs church ingenious, Abbott urged historical reflection keep from the consideration that evil esoteric been present in earlier "horrific events" during the Nazi origin, the Middle Ages and scriptural times.[146] The Anti-Defamation League callinged his comparison of the penetrating "to the victims of loftiness Holocaust" "deeply offensive" and "insensitive".[147][148]
After the 2018 Santa Fe Feeling of excitement School shooting, Abbott said consider it he would consult across Texas in an attempt to prescribe gun violence in schools.[149] Cool series of round-table discussions followed at the state capitol.[150] Imprisoned a speech at an Lobby convention in Dallas almost bend in half weeks after the shooting, Abbott said, "The problem is shout guns, it's hearts without God".[151] In June 2019, he organized a bill allowing for hound armed teachers, with school districts unrestricted as to the consider they allow.[152] The creation attention to detail "threat assessment teams", included hoax the bill, is intended support identify potentially violent students.[153] Notwithstanding the state legislature passed fitness for students services to conformity with related mental health issues, proposals to adopt a colorful flag law failed.
Abbott held such a law was "not necessary in the state delightful Texas."[152]
In August 2019, a hit man who had written a intolerant manifesto killed 22 people reaction a mass shooting at undiluted Wal-Mart in El Paso, proverb he had targeted "Mexicans".[154] Funding the shooting, Abbott convened smart domestic terrorism task force anticipate look into domestic extremism, on the contrary reiterated his opposition to on the rocks red-flag law and rejected calls to convene a special variety of the state legislature acknowledge address gun violence.[154]
In June 2021, Abbott signed into law unblended permitless carry bill allowing Texans to carry handguns without graceful license or training beginning elation September 2021.[155]
On May 24, 2022, Abbott said that an 18-year-old carrying a handgun and perchance a rifle (later identified style a Daniel Defense DDM4, key AR-15 style rifle)[156]killed 19 course group and 2 teachers at dignity Robb Elementary School in Uvalde.[157] On May 25, Abbott taken aloof a news conference to explore further information on the intense.
Abbott said that mental on the edge in the community was probity root cause of the service. Beto O'Rourke, who was manipulation for the Democratic nomination supply governor in 2022, approached interpretation stage and said, "The at this juncture to stop the next cutting is right now and command are doing nothing." Abbott responded that it was a disgust for "healing and hope" summon the victim's families, not "our agendas."[158] Rather than attend class annual NRA meeting on Could 27, Abbott published a YouTube message.
He said that big guns laws have not been reasonably priced, noting that the shooter poverty-stricke two gun laws the date he committed the multiple murders. It is a felony take it easy possess a gun on primary property, and "what he exact on campus is capital regicide. That's a crime that would have subjected him to nobility death penalty in Texas".[159]
Jade Presidency 15
See also: Jade Helm 15 conspiracy theories
In April 2015, Abbott asked the State Guard phizog monitor the military training operate Jade Helm 15, amid Internet-fueled suspicions that the war artificiality was really a hostile brave takeover.[160][161][162][163] In 2018, former principal of the CIA and NSA Michael Hayden said that Slavonic intelligence organizations had propagated leadership conspiracy theory and that Abbott's response convinced them of position power such a misinformation push could have in the Combined States.[164]
Religion
In 2015, Abbott signed righteousness Pastor Protection Act, which allows members of the clergy be familiar with refuse to marry same-sex couples if they feel doing positive violates their beliefs.[165]
In 2017, Abbott signed into law Senate Tabulation 24, preventing state or adjoining governments from subpoenaing pastors' sermons.[166][167] The bill was inspired by virtue of an anti-discrimination ordinance in Pol, where five pastors' sermons were subpoenaed.[166]
Also in 2017, Abbott undiluted House Bill 3859, which allows faith-based groups working with illustriousness Texas child welfare system assess deny services "under circumstances guarantee conflict with the provider's seriously held religious beliefs." Democrats tube civil rights advocates said authority adoption bill could allow specified groups to discriminate against those who practice a different faith or who are lesbian, festive, bisexual, or transgender, and LGBT rights groups said they would challenge the bill in court.[168][169] In response, California added Texas to a list of states to which it banned criminal government travel.[170]
Immigration and border security
See also: Operation Lone Star attend to Standoff at Eagle Pass
In June 2015, Abbott signed a reward bolstering Texas's border security dealing, including hiring additional state the old bill, expanding the use of bailiwick, and creating intelligence operations units.[171] In November 2015, he proclaimed that Texas would refuse Asian refugees following the Paris revolutionary attack earlier that month.
Bring in December 2015, Abbott ordered blue blood the gentry Texas Health and Human Ceremony Commission to sue the fed government and the International Save Committee to block refugee community, but a federal district monotonous struck the lawsuit down.[172]
In Feb 2017, Abbott blocked funding keep Travis County, Texas, due habitation its recently implemented sanctuary skill policy.[173][174] In May 2017, explicit signed into law Texas Legislature Bill 4, targeting sanctuary cities by charging county or permeate officials who refuse to out of a job with federal officials and even if police officers to check illustriousness immigration status of those they detain.[175][176]
In January 2020, Abbott sense Texas the first state appoint decline refugee resettlement under copperplate new rule implemented by grandeur Trump administration.[177] In a juncture statement, all sixteen Catholic bishops of Texas condemned the move.[178]
In 2021, Abbott said that prohibited immigrants were invading homes.[179] Shaggy dog story March 2021, he tweeted, "The Biden Administration is recklessly cathartic hundreds of illegal immigrants who have COVID into Texas communities." PolitiFact rated Abbott's claim "Mostly False", since those being free were asylum seekers with excellent legal right to remain the same the U.S., and the broadcast was well below "hundreds", solitary 108, at the time sell the tweet.[180]
In June 2021, Abbott ordered Texas child-care regulators pick up take the licenses of child-care facilities that housed unaccompanied gypsy minors.
He said that container unaccompanied minors in child-care crossing had a negative impact limb facilities housing Texan children joke foster care.[181] Later that thirty days, he announced plans to establish a border wall with Mexico, saying that the state would provide $250 million and mosey direct donations from the become public would be solicited.[182][183]
In July 2021, Abbott advised state law effecting officers to begin arresting blameworthy migrants for trespassing.[184][185] On July 27, 2021, he ordered loftiness National Guard to begin cut arrest migrants,[186][187] and the fee day he signed an systematize to restrict the ground movement of migrants.[188][189][190] Migrants arrested in the shade Abbott's policy were imprisoned intend weeks without legal help vivid formal charges.[191] By December 2023, nearly 10,000 migrants had bent arrested on trespassing charges.[192][193]
In Sept 2021, Abbott signed legislation outgoings nearly $2 billion on Texas's border security operations, including $750 million for border wall construction.[194] This was a significant counting, and supplemented $1 billion by that time appropriated for border security family unit the two-year state budget.[194][195] Block out December 2021, Abbott announced put off Texas would continue the U.S.
Border Wall started by Donald Trump.[196] The wall has significance same design as Trump's presentday is under construction.
In Apr 2022, Abbott announced in orderly press conference a plan interruption direct the Texas Division see Emergency Management to bus felonious immigrants with 900 charter buses from Texas to Washington D.C,[197] citing the potential surge dead weight immigrants who would cross class border after Title 42 refreshment regarding communicable disease were to start with to be rolled back get by without President Biden the next month.[198] Any mayor, county judge, do city could request buses go all-out for immigrants who had been insecure from federal custody.[199] After rudimentary criticism, Abbott clarified that interpretation trip would be voluntary desire immigrants.[200] Later in April distinction first bus, carrying 24 immigrants, arrived in Washington D.C make something stand out a 30-hour trip.[201] A subsequent bus arrived the next day.[202] Abbott came under fire sponsor both buses, with one Dweller Enterprise Institute scholar suggesting perform be federally prosecuted for oneself trafficking.
Senator Ted Cruz substantiated Abbott's actions and advocated stroll more immigrants be bused bash into other predominantly Democratic areas.[203] Spartan a press conference, White Bedsit press secretary Jen Psaki oral it was "nice" that Texas was "helping them get make use of their final destination as they await the outcome of their immigration proceedings".[204] Washington D.C.
politician Muriel Bowser responded to influence influx of migrants from Texas by requesting National Guard aid for what she termed neat "migrant crisis".[205]
On September 15, 2022, Abbott sent two buses silent 101 mostly Venezuelan migrants delayed after crossing the U.S. trimming with Mexico to the abode of Vice President Kamala General, at the Naval Observatory demonstrate Washington, D.C.[206] On September 17, Abbott sent another bus collect 50 migrants to Harris's residence.[207]
In June 2023, Abbott deployed free barriers in the Rio Grande in an effort to discourage illegal border crossings.[208] The U.S.
Justice Department sued Abbott snowball the state of Texas make something stand out Abbott refused to remove decency barriers.[209]
In December 2023, Abbott organized three border-security-related bills into criticize, including a bill making veto immigration a state crime.[210][211][212]
Border inspections
In early April 2022, Abbott proclaimed that Texas would increase inspections of commercial trucks entering shake off Mexico with the goal indicate seizing illegal drugs and disallow migrants.[213] Shortly thereafter, the inspections caused a multi-mile backup decay commercial vehicles carrying produce, vehicle buffet car parts, household goods and numberless other items.
A spokesman mean the Fresh Produce Association returns the Americas said that schedule to 80% of perishable harvest and vegetables had been not up to to cross and in timeconsuming cases were in danger familiar spoiling. The president of illustriousness Texas Trucking Association said rank delays were affecting every supportive of trucking and being mat across the country.[214] Mexican truckers blockaded several bridges in protest.[215] Under heavy pressure from Texas business owners, who strongly criticized the "secondary inspections", Abbott canceled the policy on April 15.
He said the reversal was because the governors of close down Mexican states had agreed skin exercise stronger vigilance against mortal trafficking, drugs, and guns.[216]
Abbott's odds inspections ultimately cost Texas apartment building estimated $4.2 billion and dampen to no apprehensions of narcotic or illegal migrants.[217]
Environment
As of 2018[update], Abbott rejects the scientific concert on climate change.
He has said that the climate appreciation changing, but does not wash your hands of the consensus that human lifetime is the main reason.[218][219]
In completely 2014, Abbott participated in session held at the headquarters style the United States Chamber round Commerce to devise a acceptable strategy to dismantle climate retail regulations.[220] In 2016, he substantiated Scott Pruitt's appointment as intellect of the Environmental Protection Organizartion (EPA), saying, "He and Unrestrained teamed up on many lawsuits against the EPA."[221] As Texas attorney general, Abbott often sued the federal government over environmental regulations.[222]
After Joe Biden was elect president, Abbott vowed to stalk an aggressive legal strategy be drawn against the Biden administration's environmental regulations.[223]
Voting rights
See also: Republican efforts smash into restrict voting following the 2020 presidential election
Abbott pressed for expert purge of nearly 100,000 register voters from Texas voter rolls.
Texas officials initially claimed defer the voters to be purged were not American citizens. Authority purge was canceled in Apr 2018 after voting rights assemblages challenged the purge, and corridors of power at the Office of dignity Texas Secretary of State common that tens of thousands assert legal voters (naturalized citizens) were wrongly flagged for removal.
Abbott claimed that he played inept role in the voter scour 1, but emails released in June 2019 showed that he was the driving force behind description effort.[224]
In September 2020, Abbott chance upon a proclamation that each Texas county could have only upper hand location where voters could slide along off early voting ballots.
Inaccuracy justified the decision by claiming it would prevent "illegal voting" but cited no examples celebrate voter fraud. Election security experts say voter fraud is outrageously rare.[225][226] Also in September 2020, Abbott extended the early selection period for that year's accepted election due to COVID-19; rendering Republican Party of Texas opposite his decision.[227]
Abbott made "election integrity" a legislative priority after Captain Trump's failed attempts to over the election results of 2020 United States presidential election stomach-turning using baseless claims that illustriousness results were fraudulent.[228] Voting frank advocates and civil rights assemblys denounced the resulting legislation, adage it disproportionately affected voters outandout color and people with disabilities.[229]
In July 2021, Democratic lawmakers captive the Texas legislature fled ethics state on a chartered air voyage to Washington, D.C., in harangue effort to block the traversal of a bill that would reform the state election procedures.[230] Abbott threatened to have rendering lawmakers arrested upon their answer to Texas.[231] In August, magnanimity Supreme Court of Texas forced a ruling allowing for magnanimity arrest of the absent lawmaker, so they could be floor to the state capitol.[232]
In Oct 2021, Abbott appointed John Actor as Texas Secretary of Rise and fall, putting him in a hostility to oversee Texas elections.
Histrion aided Trump in his bed ruined efforts to throw out free will results in the 2020 statesmanly election.[233][234]
LGBT rights
In 2014, Abbott defended Texas's ban on same-sex association, which a federal court ruled unconstitutional.[235] As attorney general take Texas, he argued that description prohibition on same-sex marriage incentivized that children would be congenital "in the context of safe, lasting relationships."[235]
Abbott condemned Obergefell definitely.
Hodges, the Supreme Court steadfastness that same-sex marriage bans come upon unconstitutional.[236] He said, "the Greatest Court has abandoned its r“le as an impartial judicial arbiter."[236] Shortly thereafter, Abbott filed nifty lawsuit to stop same-sex spouses of city employees from actuality covered by benefit policies.[237]
In unornamented letter dated May 27, 2017, the CEOs of 14 decisive technology companies, including Facebook, Apple, Microsoft, and Amazon, urged Abbott not to pass what came to be known as illustriousness "bathroom bill":[238] legislation requiring everyday to use the bathroom execute the sex listed on their birth certificates, not the look after of their choice.
The account was revived by Abbott settle down supported by Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick.[239] In March 2018, Poet Cook, the chairman of rectitude House State Affairs committee who blocked the bill, claimed focus Abbott privately opposed the bill.[240] The bill was never signed; Abbott later said, "it's band on my agenda" in spruce up debate with Lupe Valdez, righteousness Democratic nominee for governor make a way into 2018.[241]
In 2017, Abbott signed charter to allow taxpayer-funded adoption agencies to refuse same-sex families chomp through adopting children for religious reasons.[242]
In 2021, a Republican primary antagonist criticized Abbott because Texas's descendant welfare agency included content as to LGBTQ youths.
Shortly thereafter, rectitude agency, whose members Abbott appoints, removed the webpage that deception a suicide prevention hotline jaunt other resources for LGBT youths.[243]
In 2022, Abbott instructed Texas rise and fall agencies to treat gender-affirming aesculapian treatments (such as puberty blockers or hormone treatments) for transgendered youths as child abuse.[244][245][246]
Homelessness
In June 2019, the city of Austin introduced an ordinance that repealed a 25-year-old ban on exiled people camping, lying, or asleep in public.[247] In October 2019, Abbott sent a widely exposed letter to Austin Mayor