Incumbent Gov. Greg Abbott bolstered the state’s shipbuilding and defense industries with a landmark $1 billion investment.
Abbott delivered remarks on Monday, June 1, and participated in a groundbreaking ceremony for a modernization of Davie Defense’s Gulf Copper Shipyards’ Coast Guard icebreaker production facilities in Galveston and Port Arthur. This project is the state’s first complex shipbuilding project in decades.
“This is a quintessential America First project,” Abbott said. “America has a dire need for more ships. Texas is proud to partner with Davie Defense on this project. These ships will be built in Texas, crewed by Americans, and deployed to defend American sovereignty in the fastest-growing strategic theater on earth: the Arctic.”
During his remarks, Abbott highlighted that Davie Defense’s significant investment in this expanded shipbuilding facility will bring more advanced defense manufacturing to Texas.
The Gulf Copper Shipyards’ production facility is expected to create approximately 2,400 new jobs, with broader statewide economic impact estimated to support nearly 7,000 jobs. Abbott emphasized that Texas’ business-friendly policies and world-class workforce led to this expansion.
Gina Hinojosa calls out Abbott’s education missteps
Democratic candidate for Texas governor Gina Hinojosa underscored the state’s education woes under Gov. Greg Abbott.
In a social media post on Monday, June 1, she said, “why won’t Gov. Abbott send his appointed Education Commissioner to answer why he is withholding $130 million from the students of Dallas ISD? Because Abbott doesn’t want to be held accountable for cheating our kids,” she said.
Hinojosa did not mince words when she claimed those in the Abbott camp are avoiding accountability when it comes to education funding cuts.
“I do think it’s disrespectful the commissioner is not here to hear this criticism and listen to our suggestions. He was invited, and I’m not sure why he’s not here for our House Education Committee hearing,” Hinojosa said.
Important dates for 2026 Texas election
The last day to register to vote for the General Election is Oct. 5, either online, by mail, or in person.
Early voting starts Oct. 19 and runs through Oct. 30. The absentee ballot request deadline is Oct. 23 for mail requests or Oct. 19 for in-person requests. The absentee ballot return deadline is Nov. 3, by mail or in person on Election Day.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.
Kristian Jaime is the Top Story Reporter for the El Paso Times and is reachable at Kjaime@elpasotimes.com.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Gov. Greg Abbott touts $1 billion Texas shipyard deal
Reporting by Kristian Jaime, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
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