Texas Governor Greg Abbott Announces Run for Fourth Term, Unveils Property Tax Reform Plan
Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced on Sunday evening that he is running for a fourth term as governor of the Lone Star State. Earlier in the week, Abbott had indicated he would make a special announcement from Houston on Sunday, outlining his vision for the future of Texas.
Reflecting on his personal journey, Abbott shared, “It was in Houston that I rebuilt my life after the accident that left me paralyzed. I learned that our lives don’t have to be determined or defined by how we’re challenged. We get to define our lives by how we respond to those challenges.”
Abbott emphasized the resilient spirit of Texans, saying, “It is a trademark resilience that we Texans have. As Texans, we will defend this state with every fiber of our being. We will protect what we built, we will finish what we started. We will lead Texas into its glorious future!”
He then officially announced, “That’s why tonight, I’m here to announce I am running for reelection as your governor for the great state of Texas.”
Highlighting the state’s economic achievements, Abbott touted Texas as having the 8th largest economy in the world and noted that Texas is “number one” in electricity generation. He also claimed that the Texas economy is “growing twice as fast as the United States’ economy.”
### Abbott Unveils Sweeping Property Tax Reform Plan
As part of his announcement, Abbott outlined a comprehensive property tax reform plan aimed at “reining in skyrocketing appraisals.” He stated that voters should have the power to decide on eliminating school property taxes and proposed that any future property tax hikes require two-thirds voter approval.
“It’s time to drive a stake through the heart of local property tax hikes for good,” Abbott declared. “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 announcement comes less than a week after Texas voters approved constitutional amendments designed to reduce property taxes.
### Gov. Abbott’s Time in Office
Greg Abbott is currently the second-longest-serving governor in Texas history, behind former Governor Rick Perry, who served for 14 years. Abbott was first elected governor in 2014 and was sworn into office on January 20, 2015. Prior to serving as governor, he was the state’s Attorney General from 2002 to 2015.
During his tenure, Abbott has signed several significant laws, including the “campus carry” and “open carry” bills in 2015, allowing licensed individuals to carry concealed handguns on public college campuses and openly in public areas.
In May 2021, he signed the Texas Heartbeat Act (SB 8), which bans most abortions once cardiac activity is detected—around six weeks of pregnancy.
That same year, Abbott launched Operation Lone Star: a multi-agency border security initiative involving the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Texas Military Department, state troopers, National Guard personnel, and other resources.
In May 2025, Abbott signed a $1 billion controversial school choice bill into law. This legislation allows taxpayer money to assist qualifying students in paying private school tuition. He promoted this initiative during his Sunday speech in Houston.
Additionally, Abbott highlighted Senate Bill 8, often referred to as the “bathroom bill,” which requires individuals in government buildings and schools to use restroom facilities corresponding to the sex assigned to them at birth.
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Governor Greg Abbott’s announcement sets the stage for a competitive gubernatorial race as he seeks to build on his record and guide Texas into its next chapter.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/texas-gov-greg-abbott-announces-run-for-fourth-term/