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{{About|the politician|other people with the same name|Greg Abbott (disambiguation)}}{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2015}}{{Infobox Officeholder|name =Greg Abbott|image =Greg Abbott2015.jpg|partyorder =48th [[Republican PartyGovernor of Texas]]|Republicanlieutenant = [[Dan Patrick (politician)|Dan Patrick]]|spouseterm_start =Cecilia PhalenJanuary 20, 2015|religionterm_end = |predecessor =[[Roman CatholicRick Perry]]|officessuccessor = {{Officeholder/governor|office1 = 50th [[Texas Attorney General|Attorney General of Texas]] |numbergovernor1 =48th[[Rick Perry]] |stateterm_start1 =TexasDecember 2, 2002 |termsterm_end1 =January 205, 2015 – present |lieutenantpredecessor1 =[[Dan PatrickJohn Cornyn]] |precededsuccessor1 =[[Rick PerryKen Paxton]] |succeededoffice2 =Associate Justice of the [[Supreme Court of Texas]] |formerterm_start2 =n1995 }}|term_end2 = 2001|predecessor2 = [[Jack English Hightower|Jack Hightower]]|successor2 = [[Xavier Rodriguez]]|birth_name = Gregory Wayne Abbott|birth_date = {{Officeholder/attorneygeneralbirth date and age|1957|11|13}} |jurisdictionbirth_place =[[Wichita Falls, Texas]], U.S. |numberdeath_date =50th |deputydeath_place =n |governorparty =[[Rick PerryRepublican Party (United States)|Republican]] |termsspouse =December 2, 2002 – January 5, 2015{{marriage|Cecilia Phalen|1981}}|children = 1 |precededresidence =[[John CornynTexas Governor's Mansion|Governor's Mansion]] |succeedededucation =[[Ken PaxtonUniversity of Texas at Austin]] {{small|([[Bachelor of Business Administration|BBA]])}}<br>[[Vanderbilt University]] {{Officeholder/misc small|office=Associate Justice of the Texas Supreme Court([[Juris Doctor|JD]])}} |termssignature =1995–2001AbbottSignature.jpg |precededwebsite =Jack Hightower {{url|succeeded=Xavier Rodriguez gov.texas.gov|Government website}}

'''Gregory Wayne "Greg" Abbott''' (born November 13, 1957<ref name="Directory"/>) is was the second Republican to serve as Attorney General of Texas since [[conservativeReconstruction era of the United States|Reconstruction]]. Prior to assuming the office of attorney general, he was a justice of the [[pro-lifeTexas Supreme Court]] , a position to which he was initially appointed in 1995 by then-Governor [[Republican Party|RepublicanGeorge W. Bush]] . He is noted outside of Texas for successfully advocating the right of the state of Texas to display the [[governorTen Commandments]] in front of the [[TexasState Capitol]] in [[Austin]], in a position which he has held since January 2015. Previously, he was an associate justice 2005 [[Supreme Court of the Texas United States|United States Supreme Court from 1995 to 2001 and the ]] case known as ''[[attorney generalVan Orden v. Perry]] of his state from 2002 ''. He is also the first governor to permanently use a wheelchair since [[George C. Wallace]].<ref>http://www.al.com/opinion/index.ssf/2015/01/new_texas_governor_first_since.html</ref>

==Early life, education, and early law career==Abbott was born on November 13, 1957, in [[Wichita Falls, Texas|Wichita Falls]], Texasof [[English American|English descent]]. His mother, on November 13Doris Lechristia Jacks Abbott, 1957was a homemaker, and was reared in Longviewhis father, TexasCalvin Roger Abbott, was a stockbroker and insurance agent.<ref name="DirectoryTXMonthSweany102013"/> He earned an undergraduate degree in finance from UT<ref>{{cite web|url=https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V631-Austin CXD|title=Person Details for Gregory Wayne Abbott, "Texas, Birth Index, 1903–1997" |publisher= FamilySearch.org|accessdate=November 8, 2014}}</ref> When he was six years old, they moved to [[Longview, Texas|Longview]] and a law degree at the family lived in the [[Vanderbilt UniversityEast Texas]]city for six years.<ref name="DirectoryTXMonthSweany102013"/>

At the beginning of junior high school, Abbott's family moved to [[Duncanville, Texas|Duncanville]]. In his sophomore year in high school, his father died of a [[Myocardial infarction|heart attack]], and his mother went to work in a real estate office.<ref name="TXMonthSweany102013"/> He graduated from [[Duncanville High School]].<ref>[http://www.vote-smart.org/bio.php?can_id=Early careerMTX98792?q=print vote-smart.org.] {{webarchive|url=Abbott served from 1993 to 1995 as a trial judge https://web.archive.org/web/20081023213318/http://www.vote-smart.org/bio.php?can_id=MTX98792%3Fq%3Dprint |date=October 23, 2008 }}</ref> He was on the 129th District Courttrack team in high school and won every meet he entered his senior year.<ref name="DirectoryWashPostReid10302014"/> In 1995{{cite news |last=Wilson |first=Reid |date=October 30, 2014 |title=The likely next governor of Texas is full of Lone Star swagger. Don't be surprised if he runs for president. |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/govbeat/wp/2014/10/30/the-likely-next-governor -of-texas-is-full-of-lone-star-swagger-dont-be-surprised-if-he-runs-for-president/ |newspaper=[[George WThe Washington Post]] |location=[[Washington, D.C. Bush]] appointed him to the Texas Supreme Court|accessdate=October 31, and Abbott would remain a member of the court until he resigned 2014}}</ref> He was in 2001the [[National Honor Society]] and was voted "Most Likely to Succeed".<ref name="DirectoryWashPostReid10302014"/>

In 1981, he earned a [[Bachelor of Business Administration]] in finance from the [[University of Texas at Austin]], where he was a member of the [[Delta Tau Delta]] [[fraternity]] and the Young Republicans' Club. He met his wife, Cecilia Phelan, while attending UT Austin.<ref name="TXMonthSweany102013"/> In 1984, he earned his [[Juris Doctor|J.D.]] degree from the [[Vanderbilt University Law School]] in [[Nashville, Tennessee]].<ref name="TXMonthSweany102013"/> On July 14, 1984, at age 26, Abbott was [[paraplegic|paralyzed]] below waist-level when an oak tree fell on him while he was jogging following a storm.<ref name="TXAttyGenBio">{{cite web|url=https://www.oag.state.tx.us/agency/agga_bio.shtml |title=oag.state.tx.us |publisher=oag.state.tx.us |accessdate=October 14, 2013 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017181451/https://www.oag.state.tx.us/agency/agga_bio.shtml |archivedate=October 17, 2013 }}</ref><ref>[http://www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/state-politics/20100531-Accident-set-Texas-Attorney -General-Greg-3032.ece Accident set Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott on a path toward politics], May 31, 2010, ''The Dallas Morning News''. Retrieved October 27, 2010</ref> He had two steel rods implanted in his spine, underwent extensive rehabilitation at [[TIRR Memorial Hermann]] in Houston, and has used a [[wheelchair]] ever since.<ref>Fernandez, Manny. [https://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/23/us/candidate-for-texas-governor-draws-support-and-critics-for-talk-of-his-disability.html "Candidate Draws Support and Critics for Talk of Disability"] July 22, 2013. ''The New York Times''.</ref><ref>Ackerman, Todd. "Houston rehab giant ready for Giffords." ''Houston Chronicle''. January 20, 2011. http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/Houston-rehab-giant-ready-for-Giffords-1687205.php</ref> He sued the homeowner and negotiated an insurance settlement worth more than {{USD}}10 million, resulting in payouts of {{USD}}14,000 a month.<ref>[http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=AASB&p_theme=aasb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0F68D5E487901BCD&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM "Lawsuit brought Abbott $10 million settlement"], October 8, 2002, Austin ''American-Statesman''</ref> Abbott went into private practice, working for Butler and Binion, [[Limited Liability Partnership|LLC]] between 1984 and 1992.<ref name="TXAttyGenBio" /> ==Judicial career==Abbott's judicial career began in [[Houston, Texas|Houston]], where he served as a [[Texas judicial system|state trial judge]] in the 129th District Court for three years.<ref name="TXAttyGenBio" /> Then-Governor [[George W. Bush]] appointed Abbott to the Texas Supreme Court, and he was first then twice elected to the state's highest civil court—in 1996 (two-year term) and 1998 (six-year term). In 1996, Abbott had no [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] opponent but was challenged by [[Libertarian Party (United States)|Libertarian]] John B. Hawley of Dallas. Abbott defeated Hawley 84–16%.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=372472 |title=TX Supreme Court Justice (Place 5) Race |date= November 5, 1996 |publisher=Our Campaigns |accessdate=October 14, 2013}}</ref> In 1998, Abbott defeated Democrat [[David Van Os]] 60–40%.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=372479 |title=TX Supreme Court Justice (Place 5) Race |date=November 3, 1998 |publisher=Our Campaigns |accessdate=October 14, 2013}}</ref> In 2001, after resigning from the Supreme Court, Abbott went back to private practice and worked for [[Bracewell & Giuliani|Bracewell & Giuliani LLC]].<ref name="BusWk09192013"/> He was also an adjunct professor at [[University of Texas AG School of Law]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://votesmart.org/candidate/biography/50168/greg-abbott |title=Attorney General Greg Abbott's Biography |publisher=Project VoteSmart.org |date=November 13, 1957 |accessdate=October 14, 2013}}</ref> ==Attorney General of Texas==[[File:President George W. Bush Discusses Harriet Miers Nomination with Former Texas Supreme Court Justices.jpg|thumb|right|Greg Abbott talks about the [[Harriet Miers]] nomination with [[President of the United States|President]] [[George W. Bush]] and former [[Texas Supreme Court|Texas Supreme Court Justices]] in 2005. From left: [[Eugene A. Cook|Eugene Cook]], Raul Gonzalez, Abbott, [[John Hill (Texas politician)|John Hill]], [[James A. Baker (justice)|James Baker]], Bush, and [[Craig T. Enoch|Craig Enoch]]]] ===2002election===Abbott resigned from the Texas Supreme Court in 2001 to seek the position of [[Lieutenant Governor of Texas]].<ref name="TXMonthSweany102013"/> His campaign for Lieutenant Governor had been running for several months when the previous attorney general, [[John Cornyn]], vacated the post to run for the [[United States Senate|U.S. Senate]].<ref name="DirectoryTXMonthSweany102013"/> He then switched his campaign to the open attorney general's position in 2002. Abbott defeated the Democratic nominee, former [[Austin, Texas|Austin]] Mayor and current State Senator [[Kirk Watson]], 57–41%.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=1509 |title=TX Attorney General Race |date= November 5, 2002 |publisher=Our Campaigns |accessdate=October 14, 2013}}</ref> Abbott was sworn in on December 2, 2002, following fellow Republican Cornyn's election to the Senate. ===Tenure===Abbott expanded the Attorney General's office's law enforcement division from about thirty people to more than one hundred.<ref name="TXMonthSweany102013"/> He also created a new division called the Fugitive Unit to track down convicted sex offenders in violation of their paroles or probations.<ref name="TXMonthSweany102013"/> Abbott has spoken out against concerns such as voter fraud, the right to bear arms, and President [[Barack Obama]]'s health care reform. When asked what his job entails, Abbott says: "I go into the office in the morning, I sue Barack Obama, and then I go home."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gosanangelo.com/news/2013/feb/19/abbott-shares-views-with-local-republicans/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130424004833/http://www.gosanangelo.com/news/2013/feb/19/abbott-shares-views-with-local-republicans/|title=Greg Abbott shares views with local Republicans|work=SAST|date=February 19, 2013|accessdate=June 25, 2016|archivedate=April 24, 2013}}</ref> Abbott has filed suit against various U.S. agencies, including the [[Environmental Protection Agency]], the [[Department of Health and Human Services]] (including challenges to [[Obamacare]]), and the [[Department of Education]], among many others.<ref name="TXMonthSweany102013"/> Abbott filed 31 lawsuits against the Obama administration.<ref name=texastrib20170117>{{cite news |title=Texas vs. the Feds — A Look at the Lawsuits |first1=Neena |last1=Satija |first2=Lindsay |last2=Carbonell |first3=Ryan |last3=McCrimmon |date=January 17, 2017 |accessdate=October 4, 2017 |url=https://www.texastribune.org/2017/01/17/texas-federal-government-lawsuits/ |agency=[[The Texas Tribune]]}}</ref> According to ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'', from Abbott's tenure as Attorney General through his first term as Governor, Texas sued the Obama administration at least 44 times, more than any other state over the same period; court challenges included carbon-emission standards, health-care reform, transgender rights and others.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Frosch |first1=Dan |first2=Jacob |last2=Gershman |title=Abbott's Strategy in Texas: 44 Lawsuits, One Opponent: Obama Administration; Former Attorney General, Now Governor, has Led a Red-State Revolt Against the White House |newspaper=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |date=June 24, 2016 |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/abbotts-strategy-in-texas-44-lawsuits-one-opponent-obama-administration-1466778976 |accessdate=October 5, 2017}}</ref> ''[[The Dallas Morning News]]'' compared Abbott to [[Scott Pruitt]], noting that both Attorneys General had repeatedly sued the federal government's environmental regulations.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dallasnews.com/news/environment/2016/12/07/new-epa-administrator-oklahomas-answer-greg-abbott|title=Trump's EPA pick sued Obama's agency early and often with anti-climate change ally Greg Abbott|date=December 7, 2016|website=dallasnews.com|accessdate=February 18, 2018}}</ref> The ''[[Houston Chronicle]]'' noted that Abbott "lead the charge against Obama-era climate regulations."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/texanomics/article/The-problem-with-the-blue-state-governor-s-11191549.php|title=Why the blue states' climate alliance may not work|website=houstonchronicle.com|accessdate=February 18, 2018}}</ref> Abbott has said that the state must not release [[Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act#Inventory Reporting|Tier II Chemical Inventory Reports]] for security reasons, but that Texans "can ask every facility whether or not they have chemicals or not".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.texastribune.org/2014/07/01/abbott-ask-chemical-plants-whats-inside/ |title=Abbott: Ask Chemical Plants What's Inside |last1=Root |first1=Jay |date=July 1, 2014 |work=The Texas Tribune |publisher=texastribune.org |accessdate=July 1, 2014}}</ref> [[Koch Industries]] has denied that their contributions to Abbott's campaign had anything to do with his ruling against releasing the safety information.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/state-politics/20140703-koch-industries-says-gifts-abbotts-chemical-ruling-not-linked.ece |title=Koch Industries says gifts, Abbott's chemical ruling not linked |last1=Slater |first1=Wayne |date=July 3, 2014 |website=The Dallas Morning News |publisher=The Dallas Morning News Inc. |accessdate=July 8, 2014}}</ref> In 2014, Abbott argued against a mostly conservative record lawsuit brought by the [[National Rifle Association]] to allow more people access to [[Concealed carry in the United States|concealed carry of firearms]], as Abbott felt this would disrupt public safety.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://tpr.org/post/supreme-court-wont-hear-nra-s-case-lowering-conceal-carry-age-limit |title=Supreme Court Won't Hear NRA's Case For Lowering Conceal-Carry Age Limit |last1=Poppe |first1=Ryan |date=February 26, 2014 |publisher=tpr.org |accessdate=July 4, 2014}}</ref> ====Lawsuit against Sony BMG===={{Main|Sony BMG CD copy protection scandal}}On November 21, 2005, Abbott sued [[Sony BMG]].<ref name="TechLawJ">{{cite news |date=November 20, 2005 |title=Texas Sues Sony BMG Alleging Violation of Texas Spyware Statute |url=http://www.techlawjournal.com/topstories/2005/20051121.asp |newspaper=Tech Law Journal |accessdate=October 31, 2014}}</ref><ref name="TXAttyGenSonyPR">{{cite news |last=Texas Attorney General's Office |date=November 21, 2014 |title=Attorney General Abbott Brings First Enforcement Action In Nation Against Sony BMG For Spyware Violations |url=https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/oagnews/release.php?id=1266 |newspaper=State of Texas |location=Austin, Texas |accessdate=October 31, 2014}}</ref> Texas was the first state in the nation to bring legal action against Sony BMG for illegal [[spyware]].<ref name="TechLawJ"/><ref name="TXAttyGenSonyPR"/> The suit is also the first filed under the state's spyware law of 2005.<ref name="TechLawJ"/><ref name="TXAttyGenSonyPR"/> It alleges the company surreptitiously installed the spyware on millions of compact music discs (CDs) that consumers inserted into their computers when they play the CDs, which can compromise the systems.<ref name="TXAttyGenSonyPR"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oag.state.tx.us/oagnews/release.php?id=1266 |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2013-10-14 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5SvnbjCTO?url=http://www.oag.state.tx.us/oagnews/release.php?id=1266 |archivedate=October 28, 2007 |df=mdy-all }}, oag.state.tx.us.</ref> On December 21, 2005, Abbott added new allegations to his lawsuit against Sony-BMG. Abbott says the [[MediaMax]] copy protection technology violates the state's spyware and deceptive trade practices laws.<ref name="TechLawJ"/><ref name="DallasBizJ12212005"/> He says Sony-BMG offered consumers a licensing agreement when they bought CDs and played them on their computers.<ref name="TechLawJ"/><ref name="DallasBizJ12212005"/> But, Abbott alleges in the lawsuit that even if consumers reject that agreement, spyware is known secretly installed on their computers, posing security risks for successfully arguing music buyers.<ref name="TechLawJ"/><ref name="DallasBizJ12212005"/> Abbott said "We keep discovering additional methods Sony used to deceive Texas consumers who thought they were simply buying music", and "Thousands of Texans are now potential victims of this deceptive game Sony played with consumers for its own purposes."<ref name="TechLawJ"/><ref name="DallasBizJ12212005"/> In addition to violations of the [[Internet Spyware Prevention Act|Consumer Protection Against Computer Spyware Act of 2005]], which allows for civil penalties of 100,000 for each violation of the law, the alleged violations added in the updated lawsuit, on December 21, 2005, carry maximum penalties of 20,000 per violation.<ref name="DallasBizJ12212005">{{cite web|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/dallas/stories/2005/12/19/daily31.html |title=AG throws more allegations at Sony BMG |work=The Business Journals |date=December 21, 2005 |accessdate=October 14, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/sanantonio/stories/2005/12/19/daily32.html |title= Attorney General ups the ante in lawsuit against Sony BMG|work=The Business Journals |date=December 22, 2005 |accessdate=October 14, 2013}}</ref> ====''Van Orden v. Perry''===={{Main|Van Orden v. Perry}}On March 2, 2005, Abbott appeared before the [[United States Supreme Court]] in [[Washington, D.C.]], where he defended a [[Ten Commandments]] monument on the [[Texas State Capitol]]. Dozens of similar monuments were donated to cities and towns across the nation throughout the 1960s by the [[Fraternal Order of Eagles]], who were inspired by the 1956 epic ''[[The Ten Commandments (1956 film)|The Ten Commandments]]''; in doing so, they gained the support of the film's director [[Cecil B. DeMille]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/28/politics/28commandments.html|title=The Ten Commandments Reach the Supreme Court|work=[[The New York Times]]|accessdate=February 10, 2010 | first=Linda | last=Greenhouse | date=February 28, 2005}}</ref> The Supreme Court held in a 5–4 decision that the Texas display did not violate the First Amendment's Establishment Clause and was constitutional. After Abbott's oral arguments in ''Van Orden v. Perry'', [[Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States|Justice]][[John Paul Stevens]] commented upon Abbott's performance while in a wheelchair, "I want to thank you … for demonstrating that it's not necessary to stand at the lectern in order to do a fine job".<ref name="DirectoryWashPostReid10302014"/> Abbott sued  ====2006 election====In the federal government 27 times during November 7 general election, Abbott was challenged by [[civil rights]] attorney David Van Os, who had been his tenure as Democratic opponent in the 1998 election for state Supreme Court. He won re-election to a second term 60–37%.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=243928 |title=TX Attorney GeneralRace |date= November 7, 2006 |publisher=Our Campaigns |accessdate=October 14, 2013}}</ref> ====2010 election====Abbott ran for a third term, and he served campaigned for other Republican candidates in that position until he began 2010 including [[Jim Landtroop]], the [[Plainview, Texas|Plainview]] insurance agent. While on his term as Plainview stop, Abbott cited his and Landtroop's mutual opposition to the health care plan signed into law in March 2010 by President [[Barack Obama]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kcbd.com/Global/story.asp?S=13353186|title=Texas governor Attorney General backs candidate in 2015District 85 State Rep. race|date= October 19, 2010|publisher=kcbd.com|accessdate=November 5, 2010}}</ref> He defeated the Democratic attorney [[Barbara Ann Radnofsky]] of Houston and the Libertarian Jon Roland once again. Radnofsky was also the unsuccessful Democratic candidate opposing U. S. Senator [[Kay Bailey Hutchison]] in the 2006 general election. Abbott defeated Radnofsky 64–34%.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=613690 |title=TX Attorney General Race |date= November 2, 2010 |publisher=Our Campaigns |accessdate=October 14, 2013}}</ref> He was the longest-serving Texas attorney general in Texas history.<ref name="DirectoryTXTribRoot11042014">{{cite news |last=Root |first=Jay |date=November 4, 2014 |title=Greg Abbott Crushes Wendy Davis in GOP Sweep |url=http://www.texastribune.org/2014/11/04/abbott-crushes-wendy-davis-gop-sweep/ |newspaper=[[Texas Tribune]] |location=Austin, Texas |accessdate=November 8, 2014}}</ref> In July 2013, the ''[[Houston Chronicle]]'' alleged improper ties and oversight between many of Abbott's largest donors and the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, of which he was a director.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Abbott-s-role-at-cancer-agency-under-fire-4691334.php |title=Abbott's role at cancer agency under fire |work=Houston Chronicle |accessdate=July 27, 2013}}</ref> ==Governor of Texas==

{{Main|Texas gubernatorial election, 2014}}[[File:Texas Governor Election Results Greg Abbott by County, 2014.svgGage Skidmore.pngjpg|thumb|200pxright|left190px|Abbott won the 2014 election speaking at FreePac in a landslide[[Phoenix, along with numerous other conservative Republicans.Arizona|Phoenix]]Abbott won the 2014 general election with over 59 percent of the vote,<ref name="Directory">[https://www.texastribune.org/directory/greg-abbott/ Governor Greg Abbott2012]. ''The Texas Tribune''. Retrieved October 1, 2016.</ref><ref>Root, Jay (November 4, 2014). [https://www.texastribune.org/2014/11/04/abbott-crushes-wendy-davis-gop-sweep/ Abbott Crushes Davis in GOP Sweep]. ''The Texas Tribune''. Retrieved April 21On July 8, 2018.</ref><ref>Hoppe2013, Christy (November 5, 2014). Governor [https://www.dallasnews.com/news/local-politics/2014/11/05/greg-abbott-tops-wendy-davis-in-texas-governor-s-race Greg Abbott tops Wendy Davis in Texas governor's race[Rick Perry]. ''The Dallas Morning News''. Retrieved April 21, 2018.</ref> in an election ] announced that was he would not seek a disaster for [[Democratic Party (USA)|Democrats]]fourth full term.<ref>Thorburn, Wayne (November 17, 2016). [{{cite web|url=http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2014/11/how-the-democrats-lost-texas-112956 How the Democrats Lost Texas]. ''Politico Magazine''. Retrieved October 1, 2016.</ref><ref>Hamilton, Reeve (November 5, 2014). [https://www.texastribune.org/20142013/1107/0508/littlerick-showperrys-battlegroundbig-texas-fightsdecision/ What Went Wrong With Battleground Texas?] |title=Rick Perry Won''The Texas Tribune''. Retrieved April 21, 2018.</ref> In the same t Run for Re-election, the [[Tea Party Movement|Tea Party]] made large gains in the state.<ref namework="Grissom">Grissom, Brandi (May 28, 2014). [https://www.texastribune.org/2014/05/28/tea-party-conservatives-win-top-gop-runoff-contest/ Tea Party Conservatives Win Top GOP Runoff Contests]. ''The Texas Tribune''. Retrieved |accessdate=October 114, 2015.</ref> Abbott's campaign was praised for its effectiveness.<ref>Carney, Dave (February 6, 2015). [http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2015/02/greg-abbott-texas-114972 How We Won Texas]. ''Politico Magazine''. Retrieved October 1, 2016.2013}}</ref>

On July 14, 2013, speaking near the Alamo on the 29th anniversary of the accident that left him a paraplegic, Abbott formally announced his intention to run for [[Governor of Texas]] in the [[Texas gubernatorial election, 2014|2014 Texas gubernatorial election]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.star-telegram.com/2013/07/14/5000079/ag-abbott-set-to-formally-begin.html |archive-url=https://archive.is/20130714224947/http://www.star-telegram.com/2013/07/14/5000079/ag-abbott-set-to-formally-begin.html |dead-url=2018 electionyes |archive-date=July 14, 2013 |accessdate=July 14, 2013 }}</ref> In the first six months of 2011, he raised more funds for his campaign than any other Texas politician, reaching $1.6 million. The next highest fundraiser among state officeholders was [[Texas Comptroller]] [[Susan Combs]] with $611,700.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.texastribune.org/texas-politics/2014-statewide-elections/quiet-spot-top-ballot/ |title=Greg Abbott and the Quiet Spot at the Top |work=The Texas Tribune |accessdate=October 14, 2013}}</ref>

In the Republican primary held February 2014, while speaking on March 6, 2018the dangers of [[Political corruption|corruption]] in law enforcement, Abbott polled 1,392,294 votes (90.4 percent) over two minor intra-party rivals.compared the [[South Texas]] area to a [[Third World]] country<ref>{{cite web|url=httpshttp://enrpageswww.sosthemonitor.state.tx.uscom/publicopinion/mar06_325_statethe_monitor_view/article_135beb94-8f83-11e3-81fc-0017a43b2370.htm?x=0&y=1394&id=142html |title=Election ReturnsThird-world implications |date=March 6February 7, 20182014 |publisher=Texas Secretary of Statethemonitor.com |accessdate=March 7February 8, 20182014}}</ref> that "erodes the social fabric of our communities and destroys Texans' trust and confidence in government."<ref name=lmtstateissues/>Abbott further said that he does not consider corruption "limited to one region of Texas […] My plan is to add more resources to eliminate corruption so people can have confidence in their government."<ref name=lmtstateissues/>

In Abbott criticized [[Ted Nugent]]'s infamous "subhuman mongrel" comment directed at [[President of the November 6 general United States|President]] [[Barack Obama]] by saying "This is not the kind of language I would use or endorse in any way. It's time to move beyond this, and I will continue to focus on the issues that matter to Texans."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2014/02/22/ted-nugent-comments-may-hurt-greg-abbott-campaign |title=Ted Nugent's comments may hurt Greg Abbott's campaign |publisher=Fox News Channel |accessdate=March 5, 2014}}</ref> Abbott won the Republican primary on March 4, 2014, with 1,219,903, or 91.5% of the ballots cast. The remaining approximately 103,000 votes were divided among three minor candidates. He faced state Senator [[Wendy Davis (politician)|Wendy Davis]] of [[Fort Worth, Texas|Fort Worth]], who polled 432,065 votes (79.1%) in her Democratic primary contest against a lone opponent.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://team1.sos.state.tx.us/enr/results/mar04_169_state.htm?x=0&y=3415&id=69|title=Republican primary electionreturns, March 4, 2014|publisher=team1.sos.state.tx.us|accessdate=March 6, 2014}}</ref> Abbott will face one promised to "tie outcomes to funding" for pre-K programs if elected governor,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.statesman.com/news/news/greg-abbott-promotes-improving-quality-of two Democrats-prek-ove/nfPRY/ |title=Greg Abbott promotes improving quality of pre-K over expanding access, the full-day classes |last1=Alexander |first1=Kate |date=March 31, 2014 |publisher=statesman.com |accessdate=April 7, 2014}}</ref> but he said he would not require government standardized testing for 4-year olds, as Davis has accused him of advancing.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.texastribune.org/2014/04/08/abbott-camp-pre-k-plan-does-not-mean-more-tests/ |title=Abbott Campaign: Pre-K Plan Does Not Mean More Tests |last1=Smith |first1=Morgan |last2=Ura |first2=Alexa |date=April 8, 2014 |work=The Texas Tribune |publisher=texastribune.org |accessdate=April 14, 2014}}</ref> When defending his education plan, Abbott cited [[liberalCharles Murray (political scientist)|Charles Murray]] : "Family background has the most decisive effect on student achievement, contributing to a large performance gap between children from economically disadvantaged families and those from middle class homes."<ref name="DallasMNHoppe04012014">{{cite web |url=http://trailblazersblog.dallasnews.com/2014/04/greg-abbotts-education-plan-cites-controversial-thinker-on-race-gender.html/ |title=Greg Abbott's education plan cites controversial thinker on race, gender |last1=Hoppe |first1=Christy |date=April 1, 2014 |work=The Dallas Morning News |accessdate=April 8, 2014}}</ref> A spokesman for Abbott's campaign pointed out that the biggest difference in spending is that Davis has proposed universal pre-K education while Abbott wants to limit state funding to only programs that meet certain standards.<ref name="DallasMNHoppe04012014"/> Davis' plan could reach 750 million in costs and Abbott has said that Davis' plan is a "budget buster" whereas Abbott's education plan would cost no more than 118 million.<ref name="DallasMNHoppe04012014"/> Overall, Abbott said the reforms that he envisioned would "level the playing field for all students [and] target schools which don't have access to the best resources." He has called for increased accessibility to technology in the classroom and mathematics instruction for kindergarten pupils.<ref name=lmtstateissues>"Texas Gubernatorial Candidate: Greg Abbott speaks about state issues, ''[Lupe Valdez[Laredo Morning Times]]'', May 16, 2014, pp. 1, 14A</ref> Abbott received 1.4 million in campaign contributions from recipients of the former sheriff [[Texas Enterprise Fund]], some of whose members submitted the proper paperwork for grants.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://trailblazersblog.dallasnews.com/2014/09/greg-abbott-shielded-problem-plagued-business-fund-by-withholding-applications-that-didnt-event-exist.html/ |title=Greg Abbott shielded problem-plagued business fund by withholding applications that didn't even exist |last1=Slater |first1=Wayne |date=September 28, 2014 |website=The Dallas County Morning News |publisher=The Dallas Morning News Inc. |accessdate=September 30, 2014}}</ref> Elliot Nagin of the [[Union of Concerned Scientists]] observed that Abbott was the recipient of large support from the fossil fuels industries, such as [[NuStar Energy]], [[Koch Industries]], [[Valero Energy]], [[ExxonMobil]], [[Chevron Corporation|Chevron]], and an open lesbian[[ConocoPhillips]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/elliott-negin/after-the-deluge-texas-an_b_10367522.html|title=After the Deluge: Texas and France Split on Climate Science|first=Elliott|last=Negin|date=June 9, 2016|website=huffingtonpost.com|accessdate=February 18, 2018}}</ref> Abbott received the endorsement of the ''[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]]'',<ref>{{cite news |last=Editorial Board |date=October 19, 2014 |title=For governor, Abbott holds promise |url=http://www.star-telegram.com/2014/10/18/6209780/for-governor-abbott-holds-promise.html|newspaper=Fort Worth Star-Telegram |accessdate=October 20, 2014}}</ref> ''Dallas Morning News'',<ref>{{cite news |date=October 16, 2014 |title=Editorial: We recommend Greg Abbott for Texas governor |newspaper=Dallas Morning News |location=[[Dallas]], Texas }}</ref> the ''[[Lubbock Avalanche-Journal]]''<ref>{{cite news |last=Editorial Board |date=October 18, 2014 |title=Our View: Attorney General Greg Abbott is the best gubernatorial candidate |url=http://lubbockonline.com/editorials/2014-10-18/our-view-attorney-general-greg-abbott-best-gubernatorial-candidate |newspaper=Lubbock Avalanche-Journal |location=Lubbock, Texas |accessdate=October 19, 2014}}</ref> and Andrew Whitethe ''[[Tyler Morning Telegraph]]''.<ref>{{cite news |last=Editorial Board |date=October 18, son 2014 |title=Greg Abbott ready to be our governor |newspaper=Tyler Morning Telegraph |location=Tyler, Texas}}</ref> Abbott defeated Davis by about 19 percentage points in the November general election.<ref>{{cite web | last1=Root | first1=Jay | title=Abbott Crushes Davis in GOP Sweep | url=https://www.texastribune.org/2014/11/04/abbott-crushes-wendy-davis-gop-sweep/ | date=November 4, 2014 | publisher=''[[The Texas Tribune]]'' | accessdate=April 21, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last1=Hoppe | first1=Christy | title=Greg Abbott Tops Wendy Davis in Texas Governor's Race | url=https://www.dallasnews.com/news/local-politics/2014/11/05/greg-abbott-tops-wendy-davis-in-texas-governor-s-race | date=November 5, 2014 | publisher=''[[The Dallas Morning News]]'' | accessdate=April 21, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last1=Herskovitz | first1=Jon | title=Republican Greg Abbott Wins Texas Governor's Race | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-elections-texas-governor/republican-greg-abbott-wins-texas-governors-race-idUSKBN0IP08J20141105 | date=November 4, 2014 | publisher=[[Reuters]] | accessdate=April 21, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last1=Root | first1=Jay | title=Wendy Davis Lost Badly. Here’s How it Happened. | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2014/11/06/wendy-davis-lost-really-badly-heres-how-it-happened/ | date=November 6, 2014 | publisher=''[[The Washington Post]]'' (from ''[[The Texas Tribune]]'') | accessdate=April 21, 2018}}</ref> ===2018 election==={{Main|Texas gubernatorial election, 2018}}In January 2017, Abbott was reportedly raising funds for a 2018 re-election bid as governor; as of December 2016, he had $34.4 million on hand for his campaign, of which he raised $9 million during the late former second half of 2016.<ref>{{cite web | last1=Svitek | first1=Patrick | title=Greg Abbott Builds Big War Chest Ahead of 2018 | url=https://www.texastribune.org/2017/01/12/abbott-builds-big-war-chest-2018-campaign/ | date=January 12, 2017 | publisher=''[[The Texas Tribune]]'' | accessdate=January 23, 2017}}</ref><ref name="WarChest"/> [[Lieutenant Governor of Texas|Lieutenant Governor]] [[Mark WhiteDan Patrick (politician)|Dan Patrick]]had been mentioned as a potential challenger for governor but confirmed he would run for a second term as lieutenant governor. Valdez led White <ref name="WarChest">Peggy Fikac, "Abbott adds $9 million to campaign war chest", ''[[San Antonio Express-News]]'', January 13, 2017, p. A4</ref> During the weekend of January 21, 2017, Abbott stated he was intending on running for re-election.<ref>{{cite web | last1=Whitely | first1=Jason | title=Abbott to Run for Re-Election, Explains Position on Bathroom Bill | url=http://www.wfaa.com/mb/news/local/abbott-to-run-for-re-election-explains-position-on-bathroom-bill/389732380 | date=January 22, 2017 | publisher=[[WFAA]] | accessdate=January 23, 2017}}</ref> He confirmed this on March 28, 2017.<ref>{{cite web | last1=Jeffers Jr. | first1=Gromer | title=Gov. Greg Abbott Remains Coy About 'Bathroom Bill,' Says He'll Run for Re-Election | url=http://www.dallasnews.com/news/texas-legislature/2017/03/28/texas-gov-greg-abbott-says-will-100-percent-run-re-election | date=March 28, 2017 | publisher=''[[The Dallas Morning News]]'' | accessdate=March 28, 2017}}</ref> Abbott formally announced his re-election campaign on July 14, 2017.<ref>{{cite web | last1=Root | first1=Jay | title=With No Opposition in Sight, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott Formally Launches 2018 Re-Election Bid | url=https://www.texastribune.org/2017/07/14/gov-greg-abbott-announce-re-election/ | date=July 14, 2017 | publisher=''[[The Texas Tribune]]'' | accessdate=July 30, 2017}}</ref> He chose the primary[[Amtrak]] depot at historic [[San Antonio station (Texas)|Sunset Station]] in San Antonio for his formal announcement of candidacy: "I've proven that I'm willing to take on the liberals, 43 I'm willing to 27take on [[Washington, D. C.]], and I'm counting on you to have my back." Several protesters were led out of the hall before Abbott outpolled Valdez by nearly 956began speaking.<ref>Peggy Fikac,000 votes "Abbott to seek second term: Governor says in their respective party primariesS.A. he's ready to fight liberals," ''[[San Antonio Express-News]],'' July 15, 2017, pp 1, A2.</ref> The formal announcement came four days before the beginning of a special legislative session that could split the Republican Party into factions favoring Abbott and Lieutenant Governor Patrick, on one hand, and [[Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives|House Speaker]] [[Joe Straus]], a [[Rockefeller Republican|Moderate Republican]] who opposes much of the Abbott-Patrick social conservative agenda.

[[File:Greg Abbott took office , Governor of Texas (26279225765).jpg|thumb|250px|Abbott speaking at the 2016 [[World Travel and Tourism Council]] conference]]Abbott was sworn in as the governor of Texas on January 20, 2015.<ref name="Echoes">Fernandez, Manny (January 20, 2015). [httphttps://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/21/us/politics/new-texas-governor-greg-abbott-expected-to-continue-on-perrys-path.html?_r=1 0 "Texas’ New Governor Echoes the Plans of Perry"]. ''[[The New York Times]]''. Retrieved October 1January 24, 20162015.</ref> <ref>Whitely, Jason (January 20, 2015). [http://www.wfaa.com/story/news/politics/2015/01/20/texas-inaugurates-new-governor-abbott/22037001/ "Abbott called a special session , Patrick Sworn in 2017as new Texas Leaders"]. WFAA.com. Retrieved January 24, ordering 2015.</ref> Abbott declared February 2, 2015, as "[[Chris Kyle]] Day" in honor of the legislature [[United States Navy SEALs|United States Navy SEAL]] who was the most lethal [[sniper]] in U.S. military history portrayed in the successful film ''[[American Sniper (film)|American Sniper]]''.<ref name=abbottkyle>Holley, Peter (February 2, 2015). [https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2015/01/31/texas-governor-declares-feb-2-chris-kyle-day/ "Texas Gov. Greg Abbott Declares ‘Chris Kyle Day’ As ‘American Sniper’ Continues to focus on conservative prioritiesSurge"]. ''The Washington Post''. Retrieved February 7, 2015.</ref>Price<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2015/01/30/greg-abbott-declares-feb-2-chris-kyle-day |title=Greg Abbott Declares Feb. 2 'Chris Kyle Day' |publisher=US News |date=January 30, Bob 2015 |accessdate=2016-01-02 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160110083955/http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2015/01/30/greg-abbott-declares-feb-2-chris-kyle-day |archivedate=January 10, 2016 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>Howell, Kellan (June 6January 30, 20172015)- [http://www. washingtontimes.com/news/2015/jan/30/greg-abbott-declares-chris-kyle-day-in-texas/ "Gov. Abbott Declares ‘Chris Kyle Day’ in Texas: ‘We Honor Our Military Heroes’"]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved February 7, 2015.</ref> This came exactly two years after Kyle was shot and killed.<ref name=abbottkyle/> Abbott held his first meeting as governor with a foreign prime minister when he met with the [[Irish Taoiseach]] [[Enda Kenny]] on March 15, 2015 to discuss trade and economic relations.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.breitbarttexastribune.org/2015/03/15/abbott-discusses-trade-irish-prime-minister/|title=Abbott Discusses Trade With Irish Prime Minister|work=[[Texas Tribune]]|accessdate=March 16, 2015}}</ref> Abbott on April 28, 2015 asked the State Guard to monitor the training exercise, [[Jade Helm 15]], amid Internet-fueled suspicions that the war simulation is really a hostile military takeover.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/texas-republican-decries-pandering-idiots|title=Texas Republican decries 'pandering to idiots'|publisher=MSNBC}}</2017ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https:/06/06www.usnews.com/news/articles/2015/04/30/greg-abbott-tells-texas-national-guard-to-monitor-us-military-exercises|title=Greg Abbott Tells Texas National Guard to Monitor U.S. Military Exercises |work=US News & World Report}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/blogs/itsallpolitics/2015/05/02/403865824/texas-governor-callsdeploys-legislativenational-specialguard-sessionto-bathroomstave-billoff-others/ obama-takeover|title=Texas Governor Calls Deploys State Guard To Stave Off Obama Takeover|date=May 2, 2015|publisher=NPR}}</ref><ref name="dallasnews.com">{{cite web|url=http://trailblazersblog.dallasnews.com/2015/04/former-gop-lawmaker-blisters-abbott-for Legislative Special Session -pandering-to-idiots-over-military-exercises.html/|title=Former GOP lawmaker blisters Abbott for ‘Bathroom Bill’'pandering to idiots' over military exercises|work=Trail Blazers Blog}}</ref> During the 2015 legislative session, Othersinitiated by officials at the [[Texas Health and Human Services Commission]], the Texas Legislature placed a rider in the Texas budget to cut $150 million from its budget by ending payments and coverage for various developmental therapies for children on [[Medicaid]]. A lawsuit has been filed against the state on behalf of affected families and therapy providers, claiming it can cause irreparable damage to the affected children's development.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/26/texas-start-over-cuts-childrens-therapy/ |title=Texas to Move Forward With Cuts to Children'Breitbart Newss Therapy |publisher=The Texas Tribune |date=August 26, 2016 |accessdate=2016-01-02}}</ref> The litigation obtained a temporary injunction order on September 25, 2015, barring THHSC from implementing therapy rate cuts.<ref>{{cite web|title = Citing 'irreparable injury'. Retrieved June 7to kids, 2017judge blocks deep...|url = http://www.mystatesman.com/news/news/state-regional-govt-politics/citing-irreparable-injury-to-children-judge-blocks/nnnyd/|publisher = mystatesman.com|accessdate = December 14, 2015}}</ref> Despite  Unlike his two immediate predecessors Bush and Perry, Abbotthas said he has no intention of running for U.S. President.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/politics/article/Abbott-follows-Bush-Perry-in-writing-a-book-7226634.php|title=Texas Governor Greg Abbott to release first book, following Bush, Perry|work=mysanantonio.com|accessdate=October 1, 2016}}</ref> His 2016 book, 's conservative 'Broken But Unbowed'' is a reflection on his personal story and viewson politics.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Abbott|first1=Greg|title=Broken But Unbowed|date=2016|publisher=Threshold Editions|isbn=9781501144899}}</ref> In October 2016, explosive packages was mailed to Abbott, President Obama, some conservative commentators voiced their concerns that Texas bureaucrats were increasing Texas regulations and making the Commissioner of the Social Security Administration. The governor's package did not explode when he opened it more like Californiaas he opened the package incorrectly.<ref>[{{cite web|last1=Helmore|first1=Edward|title=Would-be Obama assassin identified by cat hairs, authorities say|url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/nov/24/barack-obama-explosive-package-cat-hairs?CMP=fb_gu|website=theguardian.com|accessdate=25 November 2017}}</ref> On June 6, 2017, Abbott called for a special legislative session in order to pass several legislative priorities for Abbott,<ref>{{cite web | last1=Grinberg | first1=Emanuella | title=Texas Special Legislative Session: What's on the Agenda | url=http://www.breitbartcnn.com/2017/06/06/politics/texas-special-legislative-session/index.html | date=June 6, 2017 | publisher=[[CNN]] | accessdate=June 7, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Greg Abbott: Texas Governor Revives 'Bathroom Bill' for Special Session | url=http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/06/2806/lennongreg-abbott-texas-bureaucratsgovernor-becomingrevives-regulationbathroom-friendlybill-obamafor-special-session.html | date=June 6, 2017 | publisher=[[Fox News]] (from the [[Associated Press]]) | accessdate=June 7, 2017}}</ LENNONref> something supported by Lieutenant Governor [[Dan Patrick (politician)|Dan Patrick]].<ref>{{cite web | last1=Svitek | first1=Patrick | title=Gov. Abbott Calls Special Session on Bathrooms, Abortion, School Finance | url=https: Texas Bureaucrats Are Becoming More Regulation//www.texastribune.org/2017/06/06/abbott-friendly Than Obamaspecial-session-announcement/ | date=June 6, 2017 | publisher=''[[The Texas Tribune]]'' | accessdate=June 7, 2017}}</ref> Abbott vetoed 50 bills in the regular 2017 session, the most vetoed in a session since 2007. <ref>{{cite web | last1=McGaughy | first1=Lauren | title=Gov. Greg Abbott Vetoes 50 Bills, the Most Killed by a Texas Governor in a Decade | url=https://www.dallasnews.com/news/texas-legislature/2017/06/15/gov-greg-abbott-vetoes-50-bills-killed-texas-governor-decade | date=June 15, 2017 | publisher=''Breitbart [[The Dallas Morning News]]''. | accessdate=June 2825, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last1=Svitek | first1=Patrick | title=Abbott Vetoes 50 Bills Passed by Legislature | url=https://www. Retrieved texastribune.org/2017/06/15/gov-greg-abbott-vetoes-50-bills-passed-texas-legislature/ | date=June 2915, 2017.| publisher=''[[The Texas Tribune]]'' | accessdate=June 25, 2017}}</ref>

In late November 2016, the State of Texas, under at Abbott's request, approved new rules that would require aborted babies facilities that perform abortions either to receive a burial bury or cremation, proper for a real human beingcremate the aborted, rather than be disposed dispose of the remains in a [[sanitary landfill]].<refname="Burial">{{cite web | last1=Stack, | first1=Liam (November 30, 2016). [http| title=Texas Will Require Burial of Aborted Fetuses | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/30/us/texas-burial-aborted-fetuses.html?_r=0 Texas Will Require Burial of Aborted Fetuses]. | date=November 30, 2016 | publisher=''[[The New York Times]]''. Retrieved | accessdate=December 1, 2016.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last1=Perchick, | first1=Michael (December 1, 2016). [http| title=New Texas Provisions Require Burial or Cremation of Aborted Fetuses | url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2016/12/01/new-texas-provisions-require-burial-cremation-aborted-fetuses/94721914/?utm_source| date=feedblitz&utm_mediumDecember 1, 2016 | publisher=FeedBlitzRss&utm_campaign=usatoday-newstopstories New Texas provisions require burial or cremation of aborted fetuses]. ''[[USA Today'' ]] (from ''[[KVUE-TV'']]). Retrieved | accessdate=December 1, 2016.}}</ref> Despite the common sense The rules were intended to go into effect on protecting human lifeDecember 19, <ref name="Burial"/> but on December 15 a federal judge ruled against blocked the law in late January 2017rules from going into effect for at least one month after the [[Center for Reproductive Rights]] and other advocacy groups filed a lawsuit.<ref>Evans{{cite web | title=Judge Blocks Texas Rules Requiring Burial of Fetal Remains | url=http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2016/12/15/judge-blocks-texas-rules-requiring-burial-fetal-remains.html | date=December 15, Marissa (2016 | publisher=[[Fox News]] | accessdate=December 17, 2016}}</ref> On January 27, 2017), a federal judge ruled against the law, but the State of Texas vowed to appeal the ruling. [<ref>{{cite web | last1=Evans | first1=Marissa | title=Federal Court Blocks Texas Fetal Remains Burial Rule | url=https://www.texastribune.org/2017/01/27/fetal-remains-ruling/ Federal court blocks Texas fetal remains burial rule]. | date=January 27, 2017 | publisher=''[[The Texas Tribune]]''. Retrieved | accessdate=February 2, 2017.}}</ref>

In On June 6, 2017, Abbott signed a major [[pro-life]] bill into law banning dismemberment and [[Intact dilation and extraction|partial-birth]] abortions, banning the sale of the body parts of aborted babies, and requiring either the remains of the babies be either buried cremation or cremated rather than disposed burial of in an inhumane waythe aborted.<ref>Price, Bob (June 7, 2017){{cite web | last1=Mekelburg | first1=Madlin | title=Sweeping Anti-Abortion Bill Heads to Gov. [httpGreg Abbott's Desk | url=https://www.breitbartdallasnews.com/news/texas-legislature/2017/0605/0726/texassweeping-governoranti-inksabortion-dismembermentbill-abortionheads-salegov-bodygreg-partsabbotts-ban/ Texas Governor Inks Dismemberment Abortiondesk | date=May 26, Sale of Body Parts Ban]. 2017 | publisher=''Breitbart [[The Dallas Morning News]]''. Retrieved | accessdate=June 7, 2017.}}</ref><ref>Mekelburg{{cite web | last1=Grasso | first1=Samantha | title=Texas Bans Common Abortion Procedure, Madlin (May 26, 2017). [Requires Fetal Remains Burial with New Law | url=https://www.dallasnewsdailydot.com/newsirl/texas-legislature/2017/05/26/sweeping-anti-abortion-billlaw-headsfetal-govburial-greg-abbotts-desk Sweeping anti-abortion bill heads to Gov. Greg Abbottsb8/ | date=June 7, 2017 | publisher=''s desk[[The Daily Dot]]. ''Dallas News''. Retrieved | accessdate=June 7, 2017.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last1=Gryboski, | first1=Michael (June 7, 2017). [| title=Texas Governor Signs Abortion Dismemberment Ban Into Law | url=http://www.christianpost.com/news/texas-governor-signs-abortion-dismemberment-ban-law-186867/ Texas Governor Signs Abortion Dismemberment Ban Into Law]. | date=June 7, 2017 | publisher=''[[The Christian Post]]''. Retrieved | accessdate=June 7, 2017.}}</ref>The law was also blocked by a federal judge; the state said it would appeal.<ref>Chretien, Claire (June 7, 2017). [https{{cite web|url=http://www.lifesitenewsdallasobserver.com/news/breakingtexas-judges-blocks-texas-governoranti-signsabortion-lawfetal-banningburial-dismembermentlaw-abortion 10312418|title=Federal Judge Blocks Texas bans mutilating babies in abortion' Controversial Fetal Burial Requirement|first=Stephen|last=Young|date=January 30, selling their body parts]2018|website=dallasobserver. ''LifeSite News''. Retrieved June 7com|accessdate=February 18, 2017.2018}}</ref><ref>Russell, Nicole (July 6, 2017). [http{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonexaminerreuters.com/article/us-texas-abortion/judge-halts-texas-law-recognizesrequiring-humanburial-lifeor-criticscremation-rage/article/2627828 of-fetal-tissue-idUSKBN1FI2PM|title=Judge halts Texas law recognizes human liferequiring burial or cremation of fetal tissue|date=January 29, critics rage]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved July 62018|publisher=|accessdate=February 18, 2017.2018|via=Reuters}}</ref>

====Religious libertyConvention of States proposal====On June 11January 8, 20152016, Abbott signed an act into law that gives pastors that right called for a national [[Convention to refuse propose amendments to the United States Constitution|constitutional convention]] to address what he sees as abuses by justices of the [[United States Supreme Court]] in "marry" homosexual couples if it violates their conscienceabandoning the [[United States Constitution|Constitution]]."<ref>Crampton, Liz (June 11, 2015){{cite news | title=Texas Gov. [httpsAbbott Calls for Convention on Constitution, Proposes Amendments | url=http://www.texastribunefoxnews.orgcom/2015politics/062016/1101/09/texas-gov-abbott-signscalls-pastorfor-protectionconstitutional-actconvention-proposes-constitution-amendments.html | date=January 9, 2016 | publisher=''[[Fox News Channel|Fox News]]'' | accessdate=February 10, 2016}}</ ref> Abbott Signs "Pastor Protection Act" Into Lawproposed passing nine new [[Amendments to the Constitution of the United States|amendments to the Constitution]], intended to limit the power of the federal government and expand [[states rights]]. <ref>{{cite news | last1=Walters | first1=Edgar | title=Abbott Calls on States to Amend U.S. Constitution | url=https://www.texastribune.org/2016/01/08/abbott-calls-states-amend-us-constitution/ | date=January 8, 2016 | publisher=''[[The Texas Tribune]]''| accessdate=February 10, 2016}}</ref> Speaking to the [[Texas Public Policy Foundation]], Abbott said, "We the people have to take the lead to restore the rule of law in the United States. Retrieved October 1"<ref>Peggy Fikac, "Governor seeks to crimp high court: Abbott wants constitutional convention", ''[[San Antonio Express-News]], January 10, 2016, pp.A3, A4</ref>

On May 21, 2017, In 2016 Abbott signed Senate Bill 24 into lawspoke to the [[Texas Public Policy Foundation]], preventing state or local governments from subpoenaing pastorscalling for a [[Convention of States]] to amend the U.S. Constitution. In his speech, he released a plan which includes 9 proposed amendments to "unravel the federal government' sermonss decades-long power grab "to impose fiscal restraints on the federal government and limit the federal government's power and jurisdiction."<ref name="SvitekSubpoenas">{{cite web journal| last1=Svitek Grissom| first1=Patrick Brandi| title=Texas Gov. Greg Abbott Signs Bill Protecting Sermons from Subpoenas calls for Convention of States to take back states' rights|journal=Dallas News|date=January 8, 2016| url=httpshttp://www.texastribunedallasnews.orgcom/2017news/05politics/212016/01/08/gov-greg-abbott-signscalls-billfor-protectingconstitutional-sermonsconvention-subpoenas/ | date=May 21, 2017 | publisher=''The Texas Tribune'' | accessdate=May 22, 2017to-take-back-states-rights}}</ref>Abbott elaborated on his proposal in a public seminar at the [[Hoover Institute]] on May 17, 2016.<ref>{{cite web |author1=Robinson, Peter|authorlink1=Peter_Robinson_(speechwriter)| title=The Texas Plan With Governor Greg Abbott Signs Bill Preventing Government From Subpoenaing Sermons | url=http://dfwwww.cbslocalhoover.comorg/2017research/05/21/abbotttexas-signsplan-billgovernor-preventinggreg-government-subpoenaing-sermons/ abbott| datewebsite=May 21, 2017 [[Uncommon Knowledge]]| publisher=CBS DFW [[Hoover Institution]]| accessdate=13 March 2017|date=May 2217, 20172016}}</ref> This bill was inspired by an [[Homosexual Agenda|pro-homosexual]] "anti-discrimination" ordinance in [[Houston]], where five sermons were subpoenaed.<ref name="SvitekSubpoenas"/>

====Gun laws====On June 1513, 20172015, Abbott signed H.B. 3859 the [[Campus carry in the United States|campus carry]] (SB 11) and the [[Open carry in the United States|open carry]] (HB 910) bills into law, which gave adoption agencies to refuse to let homosexual couples adopt the children under their care due to religious reasons.<refname="OpenAndCampus">Gryboski, Michael (June 16, 2017). [{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.christianpostkvue.com/story/news/texas-governor-gregstate/2015/06/12/gov-abbott-billopen-protectingcarry-faithcampus-based-adoption-188222carry/ Texas 71160338/ |title=Gov. Signs Bill Protecting Religious Freedom of Faith-Based Adoption Groups]Abbott signs open carry, campus carry into law |website=Kvue. ''The Christian Post''. Retrieved com |date=June 2516, 2017.2015 |accessdate=2016-01-02}}</ref>The campus carry law went into effect on August 1, 2015 and allows the licensed carrying of a concealed handgun on public college campuses, with private colleges being able to opt out.<refname="OpenAndCampus"/>Evans, Marissa (June 15, 2017). [https<ref name="Open">{{cite web|url=http://www.texastribune.org/20172015/06/1513/abbott-signs-religiousopen-protectionscarry-child-welfare-agenciesbill/ |title=At Shooting Range, Abbott OKs religious refusal of adoptions in Texas]. ''Signs "Open Carry" Bill |publisher=The Texas Tribune''. Retrieved |date=June 2513, 2017.2015 |accessdate=2016-01-02}}</ref><ref>GillThe open carry bill went into effect on January 1, Joshua (June 16, 2017). [http://dailycaller.com/2017/06/16/religious-adoption-agencies-can-reject-lgbt-parents-2016 and allows the licensed carrying of handguns openly in-texas/ Religious Adoption Agencies Can Reject LGBT Parents In Texas]. ''The Daily Caller''. Retrieved June 25, 2017all locations that allow concealed carry.<ref name="OpenAndCampus"/><refname="Open"/><ref>LaBarbera, Peter (June 16, 2017). [{{cite news|url=https://www.lifesitenewsnytimes.com/news2016/01/01/us/new-law2016-christian01-adoption01-agenciestexas-wontopen-becarry-forcedgun-to-give-kids-to-gay-coup New law: Christian adoption agencies won’t be forced to give kids to gay couples in .html?_r=0|title=Texas]. ''LifeSite News''. Retrieved June 25, 2017.</ref> This law caused Open Carry Gun Law|newspaper=[[CaliforniaThe New York Times]], a left|accessdate=2016-01-wing Democrat state, to add Texas to its governmental travel ban list.02}}</ref>Watkins, Matthew (June 22, 2017). [https://www.texastribune.org/2017/06/22/citing-religious-refusal-adoption-rule-california-bans-Texas is the 45th state-travel-te/ Citing religious refusal of adoption rule, California bans state travel to Texas]. ''The Texas Tribune''. Retrieved June 25, 2017have open carry.</ref><ref>Price, Bob (June 22, 2017). [{{cite web|url=http://www.breitbartabc13.com/texas/2017news/06/22/californiatexas-attacksbecomes-texas45th-travelstate-banto-allegedpass-lgbtopen-discriminationcarry-law/ California Attacks 1143146/ |title=Texas with Travel Ban over Alleged LGBT Discrimination]becomes 45th state to pass open carry law |website=Abc13. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved com |date=June 268, 2017.2015 |accessdate=2016-01-02}}</ref>

====Gun rights====On June 13May 26, 20152017, Abbott signed the [[campus carry]] (SB 11) and the [[open carry]] (HB 910) bills a bill into law.<ref name="OpenAndCampus">{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.kvue.com/story/news/state/2015/06/12/gov-abbott-open-lowering handgun carry-campus-carry/71160338/ |title=Govlicense fees. Abbott signs open carry, campus carry into law |website=Kvue.com |date=2015-06-13 |accessdate=2016-01-02}}</ref> The campus carry law went into effect on August 1, 2015 and allows the licensed carrying of a concealed handgun on public college campuses, with private colleges being able to opt out.<ref name="OpenAndCampus"/><ref name="Open">{{cite web|urllast1=http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/13/abbott-signs-open-carry-bill/ Samuels |titlefirst1=At Shooting Range, Abbott Signs "Open Carry" Bill |publisher=The Texas Tribune |date=2015-06-13 |accessdate=2016-01-02}}</ref> The open carry bill went into effect on January 1, 2016 and allows the licensed carrying of handguns openly in all locations that allow concealed carry.<ref name="OpenAndCampus"/><ref name="Open"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/01/us/-2016-01-01-texas-open-carry-gun-law.html?_r=0Alex |title=Texas Open Carry Governor Jokes About Shooting Reporters After Signing Gun Law|newspaper=''[[The New York Times]]''|accessdate=January 2, 2016}}</ref> Texas is the 45th state to have open carry.<ref>{{cite webBill |url=http://abc13.com/news/texas-becomes-45th-state-to-pass-open-carry-law/1143146/ |title=Texas becomes 45th state to pass open carry law |website=Abc13.com |date=2015-06-08 |accessdate=2016-01-02}}</ref> Later, in May 2017, Abbott signed a bill into law massively reducing handgun carry licence fees.<ref>Price, Bob (May 28, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/texas/2017/05/28/texas-governor-signs-law-reducing-handgun-carry-license-fees/ Texas Governor Signs Law Reducing Handgun Carry License Fees]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 28, 2017.</ref><ref>Samuels, Alex (May 26, 2017). [https://www.texastribune.org/2017/05/26/texas-gov-greg-abbott-signs-measure-reduce-handgun-license-fee/ Texas governor jokes about shooting reporters after signing gun bill]. | date=May 26, 2017 | publisher=''[[The Texas Tribune]]''. Retrieved | accessdate=May 28, 2017.}}</ref>

====Illegal immigration Pastor Protection Act and refugeesrelated laws====Abbott signed the 2015 Texas state budget into law, which provided for a record amount of spending for border security and enforcement.<ref>Shadwick, Lana (On June 1011, 2015). [http://www.breitbart.com/texas/2015/06/10/texas-gov-signs-toughest-border-security-plan-of-any-state-and-seeks-fed-reimbursement/ Texas Gov. Signs Toughest Border Security Plan of Any State, and Seeks Fed Reimbursement]. ''Breitbart''. Retrieved October 1, 2016.</ref> Abbott vetoed almost $300 million in discretionary spending from signed the budget despite that"Pastor Protection Act" which allows pastors to refuse to marry couples if they feel doing so violates their beliefs.<ref>[http://gov.texas.gov/news/press-release/21105 Governor {{cite web | last1=Crampton | first1=Liz | title=Abbott Signs State Budget "Pastor Protection Act" Into Law]. ''Office of the Governor''. June 20, 2015. Retrieved October 1, 2016.</ref><ref>[http| url=https://dfwwww.cbslocaltexastribune.comorg/2015/06/2011/gov-abbott-cuts-300m-vetoes-bills-onsigns-spousalpastor-loopholesprotection-prostitutionact/ Gov. Abbott Cuts $300M, Vetoes Bills On Spousal Loopholes, Prostitution]. ''CBS DFW''. | date=June 2011, 2015. Retrieved October 1, 2016.</ref> The Texas legislature did not pass a bill to end "[[Sanctuary City (Immigration)|sanctuary cities]]", so Abbott took matters into his own hands and established a plan to "strip state grant funding from county sheriffpublisher='s" who do not enforce the law.<ref>Price, Bob (January 1, 2016). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2016/01/01/2015-texas-new-governor-attacks-sanctuary-cities-expands-border-security/ 2015: Texas’ New Governor Attacks Sanctuary Cities, Expands Border Security]. 'The Texas Tribune'Breitbart''. Retrieved October 1| accessdate=September 29, 2016.}}</ref>

In September 2016On May 21, 2017, Abbott withdrew Texas from a federal refugee resettlement program after the [[Barack Hussein Obama|Obama Administration]] rejected "specific security conditions" signed Senate Bill 24 into law, preventing state or local governments from the statesubpoenaing pastors' sermons.<refname="SvitekSubpoenas">Price, Bob (September 30, 2016). [http{{cite web | last1=Svitek | first1=Patrick | title=Abbott Signs Bill Protecting Sermons from Subpoenas | url=https://www.breitbarttexastribune.com/texasorg/20162017/0905/3021/texasabbott-withdrawssigns-federalbill-refugeeprotecting-resettlementsermons-programsubpoenas/ | date=May 21, 2017 | publisher=''[[The Texas Withdraws from Federal Refugee Resettlement ProgramTribune]]. ''Breitbart''. Retrieved October 1| accessdate=May 22, 20162017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Abbott Signs Bill Preventing Government From Subpoenaing Sermons | url=http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2017/05/21/abbott-signs-bill-preventing-government-subpoenaing-sermons/ | date=May 21, 2017 | publisher=CBS DFW | accessdate=May 22, 2017}}</ref> This bill was inspired by an anti-discrimination ordinance in [[Houston]], where five sermons were subpoenaed.<ref name="SvitekSubpoenas"/>

On February 1June 15, 2017, Abbott blocked funding to Travis County after its leftsigned House Bill 3859 which allows faith-wing sheriff introduced illegal [[Sanctuary City (Immigration)|based groups working with the Texas child welfare system to deny services "sanctuary cityunder circumstances that conflict with the provider's sincerely held religious beliefs."]] policies Democrats and civil rights advocates said the adoption bill could allow such groups to discriminate against those who practice a different religion or who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, and LGBT rights groups said they would challenge the countybill in court.<ref>Svitek, Patrick (February 1, 2017). [{{cite web | last1=Evans | first1=Marissa | title=Abbott OKs Religious Refusal of Adoptions in Texas | url=https://www.texastribune.org/2017/0206/0115/sanctuaryabbott-fightsigns-abbottreligious-cutsprotections-fundingchild-traviswelfare-countyagencies/ In "sanctuary" fight| date=June 15, Abbott cuts off funding to Travis County]. 2017 | publisher=''[[The Texas Tribune''. Retrieved February 2, 2017.</ref><ref>Price, Bob (February 1, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/texas/2017/02/01/texas-governor-suspends-funding-sanctuary-county/ Texas Governor Cuts Cash for Sanctuary County]. ]''Breitbart''. Retrieved February 2| accessdate=June 25, 2017.}}</ref> On May 7, 2017, Abbott signed a bill into law which would criminally charge city or county officials who refuse to cooperate with federal officials in enforcing immigration laws and which gives the police the right to choose to check the immigration status of individuals if they choose, effectively banning "sanctuary" cities.<ref>Carter, Brandon (May 7, 2017). [http://thehill.com/latino/332317-texas-governor-signs-law-banning-sanctuary-cities {{cite web | last1=Herskovitz | first1=Jon | title=Texas governor signs law banning sanctuary cities]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved May 7, 2017.</ref><ref>Price, Bob (May 7, 2017). [httpapproves adoption bill that critics contend discriminates | url=https://www.breitbartreuters.com/texasarticle/2017/05/07/live-videous-texas-governoradoption-signslgbt-toughest-sanctuary-city-law-usa/ Texas Governor Signs Toughest Sanctuary City Law in U.S.A.]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 7idUSKBN19631H | date=June 15, 2017.</ref><ref>| publisher=[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/05/07/texas-governor-signs-bill-targeting-sanctuary-cities.html Texas governor signs bill targeting sanctuary cities[Reuters]. ''Fox News''. May 7, 2017. Retrieved May 7, 2017.</ref> While a federal judge blocked portions of the law, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals overturned the ruling.<ref>Price, Bob (September 25, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/texas/2017/09/25/texas-anti-sanctuary-city-law-can-enforced-appeals-court-rules/ Texas’ Anti-Sanctuary City Law Can Be Enforced, Appeals Court Rules]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved September | accessdate=June 25, 2017.}}</ref> In March 2018response, the 5th Circuit Court [[California]] added Texas to a list of Appeals again ruled states in favor of the lawwhich it banned official government travel.<ref>Multiple references:*Dedaj, Paulina (March 13{{cite web | last1=Watkins | first1=Matthew | title=Citing Religious Refusal of Adoption Rule, 2018). [httpCalifornia Bans State Travel to Texas | url=https://www.foxnewstexastribune.comorg/us2017/201806/0322/13/usciting-appealsreligious-courtrefusal-upholdsadoption-texasrule-lawcalifornia-targetingbans-sanctuarystate-cities.html US appeals court upholds Texas law targeting sanctuary cities]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved March 14, 2018.*Price, Bob (March 13, 2018). [http://www.breitbart.com/texas/2018/03/13/texastravel-sanctuary-city-law-survives-fifth-circuit-appealte/ Texas Sanctuary City Law Survives Fifth Circuit Appeal]. | date=June 22, 2017 | publisher=''Breitbart News''. Retrieved March 14, 2018.*Aguilar, Julián (March 13, 2018). [https://www.texastribune.org/2018/03/13/texas-immigration-sanctuary-cities-law-court/ Federal appeals court's ruling upholds most of Texas' "sanctuary cities" law]. ''[The Texas Tribune]]''. Retrieved March 14| accessdate=June 25, 2018.2017}}</ref>

In April 2018====Sanctuary cities====On February 1, 2017, Abbott pledged blocked funding to send 250 [[National GuardTravis County, Texas]] troops due to the U.S.–Mexico border in accordance with President its recently implemented [[Donald Trumpsanctuary city]]'s order to send troops there,policy.<ref>Multiple references:*Zwirz, Elizabeth (April 6, 2018){{cite web | title=Texas Gov. [Abbott Cuts Funding to Austin Over Sanctuary City Policies | url=http://www.foxnews.com/uspolitics/20182017/0402/0602/arizonatexas-governorgov-abbott-announcescuts-plansfunding-to-sendaustin-150over-nationalsanctuary-guardcity-members-to-borderpolicies.html Arizona| date=February 2, Texas announce plans to send National Guard members to border]. ''2017 | publisher=[[Fox News''. Retrieved April 7, 2018.*[https://www.voanews.com/a/arizona-texas-prepare-send-guard-troops-united-states-mexico-border/4336285.html Arizona, Texas Sending National Guard to US-Mexico Border]. ''Voice of America''. April 6, 2018. Retrieved April 7, 2018.*Price, Bob (April 7, 2018). [http://www.breitbart.com/texas/2018/04/07/250-texas-national-guard-members-heading-border/ 250 Texas National Guard Members Heading to Border]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved April 9| accessdate=February 2, 2018.2017}}</ref> and he defended the actions.<ref>Key{{cite web | last1=Svitek | first1=Patrick | title=In "Sanctuary" Fight, Pam (April 9, 2018). [httpAbbott Cuts Off Funding to Travis County | url=https://www.breitbarttexastribune.comorg/video2017/201802/0401/09/txsanctuary-govfight-abbott-mathematicalcuts-needfunding-nationaltravis-guard-secure-u-s-mexico-bordercounty/ TX Gov Abbott: ‘Mathematical Need’ for National Guard to Secure U.S.-Mexico Border]. | date=February 2, 2017 | publisher=''Breitbart News[[The Texas Tribune]]''. Retrieved April 9| accessdate=February 2, 2018.2017}}</ref> A few days laterOn May 7, 2017, Abbott increased signed [[Texas Senate Bill 4]] into law, targeting sanctuary cities by charging county or city officials who refuse to work with federal officials and by allowing police officers to check the number immigration status of pledged troops to at least 1,000those they detain if they choose.<ref>Multiple references:*Chamberlain, Samuel (April 9, 2018). [{{cite web | title=Texas Governor Signs Bill Targeting Sanctuary Cities | url=http://www.foxnews.com/politics/20182017/0405/0907/texas-arizonagovernor-newsigns-mexicobill-pledgetargeting-hundredssanctuary-national-guard-troops-for-us-mexico-bordercities.html Texas| date=May 7, Arizona, New Mexico pledge hundreds of National Guard troops for US-Mexico border]. ''2017 | publisher=[[Fox News''. Retrieved April 9]] | accessdate=May 7, 2018.*Sanchez, Luis (April 9, 2018). [2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last1=Carter | first1=Brandon | title=Texas Governor Signs Law Banning Sanctuary Cities | url=http://thehill.com/homenewslatino/state332317-watch/382370texas-arizonagovernor-hikessigns-numberlaw-ofbanning-nationalsanctuary-guard-troops-its-sending-to-the-border Texascities | date=May 7, Arizona hike number of troops heading to border]. 2017 | publisher=''[[The Hill''. Retrieved April 9, 2018.*[http://www.breitbart.com/news/texas-to-send-up-to-1400-troops-to-u-s-mexico-border/ Texas to send up to 1,400 troops to U.S.-Mexico border]. ''Breitbart News'' (from ''UPI''newspaper). April 10, 2018. Retrieved April 10, 2018.See also:*Price, Bob (April 10, 2018). [http://www.breitbart.com/texas/2018/04/10/texas-national-guard-troops-will-armed-says-governor/ Texas National Guard Troops Will Be Armed, Says Governor|The Hill]]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved April 11| accessdate=May 7, 2018.2017}}</ref>

====IsraelEnvironmental issues====[[File:Hurricane Harvey Response (36806293711).jpg|thumb|right|250px|Governor Abbott signed three bills in 2017, one of which condemns the anti-with President [[IsraelDonald Trump]] during [[Boycott, Divestment and SanctionsHurricane Harvey]] movement and requires emergency]]Abbott believes that every business Earth's climate is changing, but he thinks that contracts for any Texas governmental unit not further study is necessary to boycott Israel,determine human role in such changes.<ref>Hope, Merrill (May 2, 2017). [{{cite web|url=http://www.breitbarttexasmonthly.com/texasburka-blog/2017/05/02/texasfemas-governorclimate-signschange-anticarrot-bdsto-bill-lawtexas/ |title=FEMA's Climate Change Carrot to Texas Governor Signs Anti-BDS Bill into Law]|date=March 24, 2015|website=texasmonthly. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 9com|accessdate=February 18, 2017.2018}}</ref> and the other two ban government contractors from doing business with [[Iran]], [[Sudan]], or "designated foreign terrorist organizations"; and expand anti-Iran restrictions.<ref>Hope, Merrill (June 9, 2017). [{{cite web|url=http://www.breitbartstatesman.com/texasnews/2017/06/09/texasepa-governorchief-israelicarbon-pmdioxide-reaffirmnot-strongprimary-tiescause-callclimate-change/ Texas Governor, Israeli PM Reaffirm Strong Ties During Call]c4Pxz9gLmh2BHErv3ywihM/|title=EPA chief: carbon dioxide not primary cause of climate change|website=statesman. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 9com|accessdate=February 18, 2017.2018}}</ref>

====State and national sovereignty====On June 14, 2017In early 2014, Abbott signed a bill into law prohibiting participated in strategy sessions held at the use headquarters of any foreign law, including the [[Sharia LawUnited States Chamber of Commerce]], in Texas courts[[Washington, D. C.]] devising a legal strategy for dismantling climate change regulations.<ref>Hope{{cite news |title=Move to Fight Obama's Climate Plan Started Early |first1=Coral |last=Davenport |first2=Julie |last2=Hirschfeld Davis |date=August 3, Merrill (June 16, 2017). 2015 |newspaper=[http[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.breitbartnytimes.com/texas2015/201708/0604/16us/texasobama-enactsunveils-antiplan-shariato-law/ Texas Enacts ‘Antisharply-Sharia’ Law]limit-greenhouse-gas-emissions. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 16html |accessdate=October 4, 2017.}}</ref>

====Voter fraud====On June 2, 2017In 2016, Abbott signed a bill into law reinstating and modifying Texas's voter ID law.<ref>Wilson, Reid (June 2, 2017). supported the appointment of [http://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/336093-texas-gov-signs-new-voter-id-plan Texas gov signs new voter ID plan[Scott Pruitt]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved June 2, 2017.</ref> Also in June 2017, Abbott vetoed a bill that would have allowed mail-in-ballot-only elections in some elections in rural counties because he thought ] to head the risk of [[voter fraudUnited States Environmental Protection Agency|Environmental Protection Agency]] was too high for such a bill(EPA), noting "He and I teamed up on many lawsuits against the EPA."<ref>Svitek{{cite news |title=Pruitt, Patrick Trump's EPA pick, has both sides of climate divide girding for a major fight |first1=Brady |last1=Dennis |authorlink2=Chris Mooney (June 15journalist) |first2=Chris |last2=Mooney |date=December 8, 2016 |accessdate=October 4, 2017). |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |url=https://www.texastribunewashingtonpost.orgcom/2017news/energy-environment/06wp/152016/gov12/08/pruitt-gregtrumps-abbottepa-vetoespick-50has-billsboth-passedsides-texasof-legislature/ Abbott vetoes 50 bills passed by Legislature]. ''The Texas Tribune''. Retrieved June 25, 2017.</ref> On August 11, 2017, Abbott signed a bill into law increasing the penalty for mailclimate-in ballot fraud.<ref>Hope, Merrill (August 14, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/texas/2017/08/14/texasdivide-inksgirding-stifferfor-penaltiesa-mailmajor-ballot-voter-fraudfight/ Texas Inks Stiffer Penalties for Mail Ballot Voter Fraud]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved April 27, 2018.}}</ref>

A few days later, he signed In a bill into law cracking down on sexual teacher-student relationshipsletter dated May 27, 2017, the CEOs of 14 large companies, including [[Facebook]], [[Apple Inc.|Apple]], [[Microsoft]] and [[Amazon.com|Amazon]], urged Abbott not to pass discriminatory legislation.<ref>HopeMcGaughy, Merrill (May 25Lauren, 2017). [httphttps://www.breitbartdallasnews.com/news/texas-legislature/2017/05/2528/texasmark-governorzuckerberg-signstim-lawcook-crackdowntexas-teachergov-sexabbott-misconduct/ Texas Governor Signs Law pass-discriminatory-laws "Mark Zuckerberg, Tim Cook to Crackdown on Teacher Sex Misconduct]Texas Gov. Greg Abbott: Don't pass discriminatory laws"], 'Breitbart 'Dallas News''. Retrieved , May 2528, 2017, retrieved June 19.2017</ref> He also signed a At issue was the so-called "bathroom bill into law expanding Texas's ", which would require transgender people to use the bathroom of the sex listed on their birth certificate, not the one of their choice. The bill was revived by Abbott and supported by Republican lieutenant governor [[hate crimeDan Patrick (politician)|Dan Patrick]] law to include crimes against police officers and judges.<ref>Price, Bob (June 17, 2017). [http://www.breitbartfoxnews.com/texaspolitics/2017/06/1706/greg-abbott-texas-makesgovernor-killingrevives-bathroom-bill-copsfor-hatespecial-crime/ Texas Makes Attacking Cops a Hate Crime]session. html "Greg Abbott: Texas governor revives 'bathroom bill'Breitbart for special session"], Fox News''. Retrieved /Associated Press, June 176, 2017, retrieved June 19, 2017.</ref><ref>BlakeIn March 2018, Andrew [[Byron Cook (May 25, 2017politician). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/may/25/texas-legislature-broadens-hate-crime-law-protect-/ Texas legislature broadens hate crime law to protect police officers, judges|Byron Cook]]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved May 25, 2017.</ref> On June 6, 2017the chairman of the House State Affairs committee who blocked the bill, claimed that Abbott signed a privately opposed the bill into law banning texting while driving in Texas.<ref>{{cite web | last1=Platoff, | first1=Emma (June 6| title=Texas Gov. Greg Abbott Opposed Controversial "Bathroom Bill, 2017). [" State Legislator Says | url=https://www.texastribune.org/20172018/0603/0613/texas-gov-greg-abbott-signsopposed-textingcontroversial-whilebathroom-drivingbill-state-rep-bansa/ Gov. Abbott signs statewide ban on texting while driving]. | date=March 13, 2018 | publisher=''[[The Texas Tribune''. Retrieved June 7, 2017.</ref><ref>Hope, Merrill (June 8, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/texas/2017/06/08/texting-driving-ban-coming-texas/ Texting While Driving Ban Coming to Texas]. ]''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 8| accessdate=March 30, 2017.2018}}</ref>

On June 96, 2017, Abbott signed a bill into law expanding Texas's enacting a statewide ban on [[female genital mutilationtexting while driving]].<ref>Hope, Merrill (June 14, 2017){{cite web | last1=Platoff | first1=Emma | title=Gov. [httpAbbott Signs Statewide Ban on Texting While Driving | url=https://www.breitbarttexastribune.com/texasorg/2017/06/1406/texasabbott-expandssigns-bantexting-femalewhile-genitaldriving-mutilationban/ | date=June 6, 2017 | publisher=''[[The Texas Expands Ban on Female Genital MutilationTribune]]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved | accessdate=June 157, 2017.}}</ref>

Polls in April 2018 showed ==Election history==On November 4, 2014, Abbott highly vulnerable defeated Wendy Davis by 21 points. According to exit polls he received 44 percent of the challenge Hispanic vote and 50 percent of either Hispanic men, a majority (54 percent) of his two Democratic opponentswomen voters, Lupe Valdez or Andrew White. Valdez and White compete 62 percent of the votes of married women (75% of women in Texas are married).<ref>{{cite news |last=Thorburn |first=Wayne |date=November 17, 2014 |title=How the May 22 runoff election Democrats Lost Texas |url=http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2014/11/how-the-democrats-lost-texas-112956_Page2.html |newspaper=[[Politico]] |location=[[Washington, D.C.]] |accessdate=November 18, 2014 |quote=According to the NBC exit poll, Abbott and Davis split the 18- to 29-year-old cohort evenly, while married women went 62 percent for Abbott (he received 54 percent from all female voters), and a near-record 44 percent of Hispanics cast their partyballots for the Republican gubernatorial candidate.}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Hoppe |first=Christy |date=November 5, 2014 |url=http://www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/state-politics/20141105-abbott-leads-way-with-big-win-over-davis-in-governors-race.ece |title=Greg Abbott tops Wendy Davis in Texas governor's nomination race |newspaper=[[Dallas Morning News]] |location=Dallas, Texas |accessdate=November 5, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Carney |first=Dave |date=February 6, 2015 |title=How We Won Texas |url=http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2015/02/greg-abbott-texas-114972.html|newspaper=[[Politico]] |location=[[Washington, D.C.]] |accessdate=February 7, 2015 |quote=The exit polls showed Greg Abbott won 54 percent of women, 50 percent of Hispanic men and won 44 percent of Hispanics overall—all of which are traditionally strong Democratic groups.}}</ref> A week after his election, Abbott announced that [[Carlos Cascos]], of [[Brownsville, Texas|Brownsville]], the [[county judge]] since 2007 of [[Cameron County, Texas|Cameron County]] in far [[South Texas]], will become the [[Secretary of State of Texas]]. In the same election in which Abbott defeated Wendy Davis, Cascos, a Republican, won a third term as county judge but resigned in January 2015 upon confirmation by the Texas Senate, to contest become secretary of state.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.texastribune.org/2014/11/11/abbott-says-he-will-name-cascos-secretary-state/|title=AbbottSays He Will Name Cascos as Secretary of State|author=John Reynolds and Reeve Hamilton|date=November 11, 2014|work=[[The Texas Tribune]]|accessdate=December 4, 2014}}</ref> <!-- = = = don's ret edit next six lines for Navbox below = = = -->{|class="navbox collapsible collapsed" style="text-align:left; border:0; margin-top:0.2em;"|-! style="background:#cff; font-weight:normal;"|'''Greg Abbott electoral history'''|-| style="border:solid 1px silver; padding:8px; background:white;"|<!-- = = = don't edit above six lines = = = -->;2014{{Election box begin no change| title=[[Texas elections, 2014|Texas gubernatorial election bid, 2014]]: [[List of Governors of Texas|Governor]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://elections.sos.state.tx.us/elchist.exe |title=2014 General Election |accessdate=January 2, 2007 |publisher=Office of the Secretary of State (Texas) |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140109062336/http://elections.sos.state.tx.us/elchist.exe |archivedate=January 9, 2014 |df=mdy }}</ref>}}{{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = Republican Party (United States) |candidate = Greg Abbott |votes = 2,790,227 |percentage = 59.3}}{{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = Democratic Party (United States) |candidate = [[Wendy Davis (politician)|Wendy Davis]] |votes = 1,832,254 |percentage = 38.9}}{{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = Libertarian Party (United States) |candidate = Kathie Glass |votes = 66,413 |percentage = 1.1}}{{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = Green Party (United States) |candidate = Brandon Parmer |votes = 18,494 |percentage = 0.4}}{{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = Independent (politician) |candidate = Sarah M. Pavitt |votes = 1,168 |percentage = <0.1 }}{{Election box hold with party link no swing |winner = Republican Party (US)}}{{Election box end}} ;2010{{Election box begin no change|title=[[Texas elections, 2010|Texas general election, 2010]]: [[Texas Attorney General]]<ref name="state1">[http://elections.sos.state.tx.us/elchist.exe ] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061108172637/http://elections.sos.state.tx.us/elchist.exe |date=November 8, 2006 }}</ref>}}{{Election box candidate with party link no change|party=Republican Party (US)|candidate=Greg Abbott|votes=3,151,064|percentage=64.1}}{{Election box candidate with party link no change|party=Democratic Party (US)|candidate=[[Barbara Ann Radnofsky]]|votes=1,655,859|percentage=33.7}}{{Election box candidate with party link no change|party=Libertarian Party (US)|candidate=[[Jon Roland]]|votes=112,118|percentage=2.3}}{{Election box hold with party link no swing|winner=Republican Party (US)}}{{Election box end}};2006{{Election box begin no change|title=[[Texas general election, 2006]]: [[Texas Attorney General]]<ref name="state1"/>}}{{Election box candidate with party link no change|party=Republican Party (US)|candidate=Greg Abbott|votes=2,556,063|percentage=59.5}}{{Election box candidate with party link no change|party=Democratic Party (US)|candidate=[[David Van Os]]|votes=1,599,069|percentage=37.2}}{{Election box candidate with party link no change|party=Libertarian Party (US)|candidate=[[Jon Roland]]|votes=139,668|percentage=3.3}}{{Election box hold with party link no swing|winner=Republican Party (US)}}{{Election box end}} ;2002{{Election box begin no change|title=[[Texas general election, 2002]]: [[Texas Attorney General]]<ref name="state1"/>}}{{Election box candidate with party link no change|party=Republican Party (US)|candidate=Greg Abbott|votes=2,542,184|percentage=56.7}}{{Election box candidate with party link no change|party=Democratic Party (US)|candidate=[[Kirk Watson]]|votes=1,841,359|percentage=41.1}}{{Election box candidate with party link no change|party=Libertarian Party (US)|candidate=[[Jon Roland]]|votes=56,880|percentage=1.3}}{{Election box candidate with party link no change|party= Green Party (US)|candidate=[[David Cobb|David Keith Cobb]]|votes=41,560|percentage=0.9}}{{Election box hold with party link no swing|winner=Republican Party (US)}}{{Election box end}} ;1998{{Election box begin no change|title=[[Texas general election, 1998]]: [[Texas Supreme Court|Texas Supreme Court, Place 3]]<ref name="state1"/>}}{{Election box candidate with party link no change|party=Republican Party (US)|candidate=Greg Abbott|votes=2,104,828|percentage=60.1}}{{Election box candidate with party link no change|party=Democratic Party (US)|candidate=[[David Van Os]]|votes=1,396,924|percentage=39.9}}{{Election box hold with party link no swing|winner=Republican Party (US)}}{{Election box end}}<!-- = = = don't edit next three lines for Navbox below = = = -->|-|style="text-align:center;" |''</span>''|}<!-- = = = don't edit the above three lines = = = -->

Abbott , a [[Catholicism|Roman Catholic]], is married to [[Mexican American|Mexican-American]] Cecilia Phalen Abbott, the granddaughter of Mexican immigrants.<ref name="CeciliaAbbottGovCamp">{{cite web |url=http://www.gregabbott.com/cecilia-abbott/ |title=Cecilia Abbott |website=gregabbott.com/ |publisher=Greg Abbott for Governor |accessdate=October 22, 2014}}</ref><ref name="UraTXTrib03162014">{{cite news |last=Ura |first=Alexa |date=March 16, 2014 |title=Unknown to Most, Cecilia Abbott Could Make History |url=http://www.texastribune.org/2014/03/16/unknown-most-cecilia-abbott-could-make-history/ |newspaper=[[Texas Tribune]] |location=Austin, Texas |accessdate=October 22, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.statesman.com/weblogs/first-reading/2014/feb/19/ted-nugent-greg-abbott-and-subhuman-mongrel-who-pr/ |title='Words Matter.' On Ted Nugent, Greg Abbott and the 'subhuman mongrel' who is president of the United States |website=Statesman.com |date= |accessdate=2016-01-02}}</ref> His election as governor of Texas makes her the first [[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Latina ]] to be the [[List of First Ladies and Gentlemen of Texas|First Lady of Texas]] since Texas joined the union.<ref name="UraTXTrib03162014"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theshorthorn.com/news/new-first-lady-of-texas-advocates-for-hispanic-population/article_fe128baa-6545-11e4-b20b-0017a43b2370.html|title=New first lady of Texasadvocates for Hispanic population|accessdate=November 8, 2014}}</ref> They have one adopted daughter, Audrey.<ref name="EchoesBusWk09192013">Mildenberg, David and Laurel Brubaker Calkins. [http://www.businessweek.com/news/2013-09-19/grit-steeled-by-injury-drives-abbott-bid-for-texas-governor#p1 Grit Drives Abbott to Follow Perry as Texas Governor], ''[[Bloomberg Businessweek]]'', September 19, 2013.{{dead link|date=February 2018}}</ref> <ref name="CeciliaAbbottGovCamp"/><ref name="UraTXTrib03162014"/> They were married in [[San Antonio, Texas|San Antonio]] in 1981.<ref name="TXMonthSweany102013">{{cite news |last=Sweany |first=Brian D. |date=October 2013 |title=The Overcomer |url=http://www.texasmonthly.com/story/overcomer?fullpage=1 |newspaper=[[Texas Monthly]] |location=Austin, Texas |accessdate=October 31, 2014}}</ref> Cecilia is a former school teacher and principal.<ref name="TXAttyGenBio"/> He is the first Texas elected governor of a [[U.S. state]] to use a wheelchair, having used it since being injured when an oak tree fell on him [[George Wallace]] of [[Alabama]], 1983–87.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://onpolitics.usatoday.com/2014/11/05/greg-abbott-disability-governor-wheelchair/|title=Greg Abbott's election in 1984Texas opens possibilities for disabled |work=OnPolitics|accessdate=November 8, 2014}}</ref> Abbott knows some [[Spanish language|Spanish]] but is not fluent in the language, although he is currently learning.<ref name>{{cite news | first1="Echoes"Corrie | last1=MacLaggan | title=Many Texans Choosing TV en Español | url=https://www.texastribune.org/2013/09/05/many-texans-choose-tv-en-espanol/ | date=September 5, 2013 | accessdate=June 13, 2015}}</ref> The Abbotts have an adopted daughter<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.texasmonthly.com/story/greg-abbott-makes-his-move | first1=Brian | last1=Sweany | title=Greg Abbott Makes His Move | date=July 15, 2013 | accessdate=June 13, 2015}}</ref name> Abbott suffered second and third degree burns on his legs after coming in contact with scalding water while on vacation in [[Wyoming]] in July 2016, which caused him to miss the Republican National Convention.<ref>{{cite web|url="Directory"http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/texas-governor-burned-accident-miss-gop-convention-40480202|title=Texas Governor Burned in Accident, Could Miss GOP Convention|work=go.com|accessdate=July 21, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/Gov-Abbott-Being-Treated-for-Serious-Burns-386220951.html|title=Abbott Recovering From Skin Graft Procedure|work=nbcdfw.com|accessdate=July 21, 2016}}</ref>

{{Reflist|colwidth=35em30em}} ==Further reading==* Gonzalez, John W. "[http://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Abbott-has-friends-and-foes-in-disabled-community-4692300.php Abbott has friends and foes in disabled community]." ''[[Houston Chronicle]]''. July 29, 2013.

{{wikiquote}}{{commonscat}}* [httpshttp://ballotpediagov.orgtexas.gov/ Governor Greg Abbott Official state website]* {{Official website|http://www.gregabbott.com/}}* {{DMOZ|Regional/North_America/United_States/Texas/Society_and_Culture/Politics/Candidates_and_Campaigns/Governor/Greg_Abbott Profile}}* {{Goodreads author}}* {{C-SPAN|gregabbott}} {{s-start}}{{s-legal}}{{s-bef|before=[[Jack English Hightower|Jack Hightower] on Ballotpedia]}}{{s-ttl|title=Associate Justice of the [[Supreme Court of Texas|Texas Supreme Court]]|years=1995–2001}}{{s-aft|after=[[Xavier Rodriguez]]}}|-{{s-bef|before=[[John Cornyn]]}}{{s-ttl|title=[[Texas Attorney General|Attorney General of Texas]]|years=2002–2015}}{{s-aft|after=[[Ken Paxton]]}}|-{{s-ppo}}{{s-bef|before=[[Rick Perry]]}}{{s-ttl|title=[[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] nominee for [[Governor of Texas]]|years=[[Texas gubernatorial election, 2014|2014]], [[Texas gubernatorial election, 2018|2018]]}}{{s-inc|recent}}|-{{s-off}}{{s-bef|before=[[Rick Perry]]}}{{s-ttl|title=[[Governor of Texas]]|years=2015–present}}{{s-inc}}|-{{s-prec|usa}}{{s-bef|rows=2|before={{Incumbent VPOTUS}}|as=[[Vice President of the United States|Vice President]]}}{{s-ttl|rows=2|title=[[United States order of precedence|Order of Precedence of the United States]]|years=Within Texas}}{{s-aft|after=Mayor of city<br>in which event is held}}|-{{s-aft|after=Otherwise {{Incumbent U.S. House Speaker}}<br>{{nowrap|''{{small|as [[Speaker of the United States House of Representatives|Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives]]}}''}}}}|-{{s-bef|before=[[Rick Scott]]|as=[[List of Governors of Florida|Governor of Florida]]}}{{s-ttl|title=[[United States order of precedence|Order of Precedence of the United States]]|years=Outside Texas}}{{s-aft|after=[[Kim Reynolds]]|as=[[List of Governors of Iowa|Governor of Iowa]]}}{{s-end}} {{Current Texas statewide political officials}}{{Current U.S. Governors}}{{Texas Attorney General}}{{Governors of Texas |expanded=Lt. Governors}}

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