Greg Abbott Eyes Fourth Term as Texas Governor
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has officially announced his bid for a record fourth term, launching his campaign in Houston on November 10, 2025. During his launch party, the Republican incumbent framed his candidacy as essential to maintain Texas as a “bastion of common sense” in a nation he believes is “reeling from far-left, progressive insanity.”
Abbott’s Campaign Launch and Core Message
Speaking in Houston, Governor Abbott emphasized his commitment to defending Texas’s heritage and leading the state into a “glorious future.” His platform highlights what he considers key achievements during his decade in office, including efforts to increase affordability, significant investments in education, and bolstered border security measures.
Examining the Governor’s Stated Accomplishments
Housing Affordability: A Growing Concern
While Governor Abbott touts increasing affordability as a success, reports suggest a different reality for many Texans, including those in Houston. The Texas Tribune indicates that the state is currently facing a significant housing-affordability crisis, making home ownership increasingly out of reach. According to Up For Growth, a housing policy organization, Texas needs approximately 320,000 more homes to address this issue effectively. Even then-Texas Comptroller Glen Hagar, an ally of Abbott, warned in 2023 that the housing shortage posed “Texas’ looming economic threat.”
Education Funding and the Voucher Debate
Abbott celebrated the $8.5 billion school-funding plan he signed into law in June, marking the state’s most substantial investment in education in recent memory. However, critics, including Texas Rep. James Talarico, point out that this boost partly resulted from Abbott’s strategic maneuvering. The governor previously stated he would not sign any school funding bill without the passage of his proposed $1 billion voucher program. Opponents, such as the Texas State Teachers Association, argue that such voucher programs undermine public schools, particularly in rural areas, by diverting essential state funds to private institutions, which they believe is contrary to the state’s constitutional responsibility to public education.
Targeting Property Taxes
During his campaign launch, Governor Abbott also signaled his intent to continue slashing sources of public school funding by taking aim at local government taxes. He proposed that voters should have the opportunity to vote on abolishing school property taxes, asserting that “Local governments are hiking your property taxes incessantly. It’s time to drive a stake through the heart of local property tax hikes for good.” This move would have significant implications for how local services and public schools are funded across Texas communities, including Houston.
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Historical Context
If re-elected and he serves out his entire fourth term, Governor Abbott would surpass Rick Perry, who served 14 years from 2000 to 2014, to become the longest-serving governor in Texas history by January 21, 2031. Current polling from the Texas Politics Project shows Abbott’s job approval at 39%, its lowest point since he took office. Despite this, he begins his re-election campaign with a substantial $90 million in his campaign war chest, dwarfing many of his potential challengers.
| Candidate/Official | Reported War Chest (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Gov. Greg Abbott | $90 million |
| U.S. Sen. John Cornyn | $6 million |
On the Democratic side, State Rep. Gina Hinojosa, representing the Austin area, and Andrew White, an entrepreneur and son of former Democratic Texas Gov. Mark White, have announced their candidacies, joining the primary race to challenge Abbott.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Greg Abbott officially running for a fourth term?
Yes, Governor Greg Abbott announced his re-election campaign for a fourth term in Houston on November 10, 2025. - What are Governor Abbott’s main policy focuses for his campaign?
His campaign focuses include maintaining Texas as a “bastion of common sense,” increasing affordability, investing in education, and strengthening border security. - How does Abbott’s education plan address public school funding?
Abbott highlights an $8.5 billion school-funding plan he signed, but critics argue his push for a $1 billion school voucher program could detract from public school resources. - Could Governor Abbott become the longest-serving Texas Governor?
Yes, if re-elected and he completes his full fourth term, he would surpass Rick Perry’s record on January 21, 2031. - Who are the known Democratic challengers to Abbott so far?
State Rep. Gina Hinojosa and entrepreneur Andrew White have announced their bids in the Democratic primary.
As the election cycle unfolds, Houston residents and all Texans should closely follow how these state-level issues, from housing affordability and education funding to property tax reforms, will directly impact their communities and daily lives.
Greg Abbott announces fourth Texas term bid
