Greg Abbott Announces Bid for Fourth Term as Texas Governor, Promises Property Tax Reform
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HOUSTON, TX – Texas governor Greg abbott officially launched his campaign for a fourth term on Sunday evening, outlining a vision for the state’s future centered on economic strength and property tax relief. Speaking in Houston, the city where he rebuilt his life after a paralyzing accident, Abbott emphasized Texas’s resilience and his commitment to defending and building upon the state’s successes.
“As Texans, we will defend this state wiht every fiber of our being,” Abbott declared to supporters.”We will protect what we built, we will finish what we started.We will lead Texas into its glorious future!”
Economic Boasts and a Focus on Property Taxes
Abbott highlighted Texas’s economic prowess, noting its position as the 8th largest economy in the world and its leadership in electricity generation. He further claimed the state’s economy is currently growing at twice the rate of the national average.
A cornerstone of his re-election campaign is a sweeping plan for property tax reform. Abbott proposed giving voters the power to eliminate school property taxes altogether and requiring a two-thirds majority voter approval for any future property tax increases.
“It’s time to drive a stake through the heart of local property tax hikes for good,” Abbott stated. “We are going to turn the tables on local taxing authorities, put the power with the people, and put an end to out-of-control property taxes in Texas.”
This proclamation follows recent action by Texas voters who approved constitutional amendments last week aimed at reducing property taxes.
A Look Back at Abbott’s Tenure
If re-elected, Abbott would become the second-longest serving governor in Texas history, trailing only Rick Perry. first elected in 2014, Abbott previously served as the state’s Attorney General for 13 years, from 2002 to 2015.
His time in office has been marked by several key legislative actions, including:
* Gun Rights: signing bills in 2015 allowing licensed individuals to carry concealed handguns on college campuses (“campus carry”) and openly in public (“open carry”).
* abortion Restrictions: Enacting the Texas Heartbeat Act in 2021, wich bans most abortions after the detection of cardiac activity, typically around six weeks.
* Border Security: Launching Operation Lone Star in 2021, a collaborative effort between state agencies to bolster border security through increased law enforcement presence and National Guard deployment.
* School Choice: signing a controversial $1 billion school choice bill into law in May 2023, expanding options for students to attend private schools.
The governor’s announcement sets the stage for a competitive election cycle in texas, where demographic shifts and evolving political priorities are reshaping the state’s political landscape.
Keywords: Greg Abbott, Texas Governor, Re-election, Property Tax Reform, Texas Economy, Operation Lone Star, Texas Politics, Houston, Texas News.
