Gov. Greg Abbott unveiled new initiatives designed to overhaul delays in public safety, which he has criticized in the past.
Abbott announced on Thursday, May 14, four major public safety initiatives that will crack down on criminal illegal immigrants, establish a Texas statewide prosecutor, hold rogue district attorneys accountable, and ensure dangerous repeat offenders remain behind bars while awaiting trial.
During his remarks, Abbott highlighted cases where violent criminals were released from custody by “rogue district attorneys with no regard for the dangerous crimes committed, placing innocent Texans and law enforcement officers’ lives in danger,” he said.
“My top priority is to protect communities, not criminals,” Abbott said. “Last session, we delivered the toughest bail reform package in Texas history. Now, we are building on that success to deny bail for illegal immigrants charged with felonies, remove rogue DAs, and get repeat offenders off the streets.”
During the state’s next legislative session, Abbott has already noted he will push for bills that:
Gina Hinojosa pushes message of momentum
Texas Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gina Hinojosa has called on supporters to maintain the momentum of a possible blue wave in the state.
She noted in a campaign donation news release on Thursday, May 14, that the election is only six months away and there is still a long way to go.
“With less than six months until Election Day, it’s clear we’re building a movement in Texas that is catching fire,” she said. “People all over the country — including President Obama — see what Texans have known for a long time: Texas is ready for change. Texans are ready for a governor who will put us first, not the billionaires and corporations.”
She again hammered Abbott on school closures and higher energy bills, which have resonated with voters as a of late as the economy now tops one of the main concerns in the midterm election.
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, by mail or Oct. 19, in person. The absentee ballot return deadline is Tuesday, 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: Abbott on crime failures, Hinojosa sells change in Texas governor race
Reporting by Kristian Jaime, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
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