Republican Greg Abbott has traded in his title as attorney general, for one that says governor-elect. He’s bringing his negotiating skills to the job though, as Abbott has pledged to work with Democrats over the next four years.
Greg Abbott began his political career in 1996, when he was appointed to the Texas Supreme Court by then Governor George W. Bush. In 2002, he succeeded John Cornyn as the state’s attorney general, a position he has held since. But now, Abbott starts a new political adventure as the 48th governor of Texas.
"Whether you voted for me, against me or didn’t vote at all, I’m going to work every single day to keep Texas the best state in the United States of America,” said Abbott.
And that spirit of unity seemed to be a recurring theme during Abbott’s victory speech.
“As Texans, the bonds that we share transcend our differences. We all want to live in safer communities, have greater opportunities, and give all of our children lives worthy of their promise.”, said Abbott
And specifically on children, providing access to quality public education was also a point the governor-elect touched upon multiple times.
“The opportunity to succeed should not be confined to just one side of town, it should be the birthright of every Texas child.”, said Abbott.
But it wasn’t the mention of public education, or job creation, that got the biggest cheers from the crowd attending his victory party.
“And as your governor, I will do what our federal government has failed to do. I will secure our border and enforce the rule of law in the state of Texas,” said Abbott, unequivocally, Abbott said.
While Abbott defeated Democratic rival Wendy Davis by a double digit-lead, the Republican governor-elect, whose wife will be the state’s first Latina first lady, did not claim a majority of Latino voters.
