Gov. Greg Abbott rallied Texas’ conservative base in a speech at the Republican Party of Texas convention in Houston.
Abbott addressed the 2026 Republican Party of Texas Convention on Friday, June 12, where he rallied Texas Republicans around a united mission to keep Texas red, turn out voters, and deliver conservative victories up and down the ballot.
“When Republicans unite, we are unbeatable,” Abbott said. “Party unity is needed now more than ever because unity drives victory. Texans know the difference between conservative policies that deliver results and the Democrats’ failed agenda. Our mission is simple: keep Texas the beacon of freedom and opportunity that it is today. Together, we will turn out voters, win up and down the ballot, and keep Texas red.”
Abbott highlighted several issues like guardrails around the expansion of data centers, protecting the Texas power grid, stopping the “Islamification” of Texas, and cracking down on H-1B visa fraud.
He contrasted his vision with “Texas Democrats’ radical agenda.” He claimed that Democrats oppose protections for women’s sports and private spaces, protecting Texas land from foreign adversaries, and sides with progressive activists over Texas families.
“The conversations that begin here will shape the future of Texas,” First Lady Cecilia Abbott said. “We are stronger when we work together, and Republican unity is essential to keeping Texas affordable, safe, healthy, and free for generations to come.”
Abbott also highlighted his public safety initiatives to protect communities and prosecute criminals. Additionally, he underscored the importance of passing his 5-Point Property Tax Relief Plan, which has already earned the support of 88 Republican incumbents and nominees for the Texas House.
Gina Hinojosa sounds off on Abbott speech
Texas Democratic governor candidate Gina Hinojosa took aim at Abbott’s speech on Friday, June 12, reminding voters of his 30 years in office.
“Greg Abbott is the face of 30 years of corrupt, establishment control in Austin that has driven up costs for working families,” Hinojosa said. “Today, he is fully embracing his position at the top of the most corrupt ticket in Texas history. Abbott’s only plan for Texas is a plan for his billionaire donors. He’s shuttering our schools to push his voucher scam.”
She noted Abbott flip-flopped on data centers despite helping create the “most generous tax giveaway to those companies.” She also underscored that Abbott would ban H-1B visas after spending years facilitating them to enrich his biggest donors.
“In his speech, Abbott made no mention of rising health care costs, utility rates, or the fact that the American Dream is out of reach for too many Texans after 12 years of his failed leadership,” Hinojosa said. “The speech was just like Abbott: hypocritical, boring, and stuck in the past – 2026 will be his last year in office.”
She contended she would strengthen Texas public schools, hold down utility costs for working families, and ensure healthcare for every Texas child.
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, Gina Hinojosa on Texas Republicans in governor race
Reporting by Kristian Jaime, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Kristian Jaime, El Paso Times | USA TODAY Network
