Texas Governor Greg Abbott, a Republican, took to social media on Sunday to announce his endorsement of former President Donald Trump for the 2024 presidential nomination. In a post on the platform formerly known as Twitter, Abbott expressed his pride in endorsing Trump, citing the former president’s commitment to securing the border and prioritizing national security as decisive factors in his endorsement.
The announcement coincided with a joint appearance by Abbott and Trump in Edinburg, Texas, where the governor traditionally serves tamales to Texas Department of Public Safety troopers and Texas National Guardsmen deployed along the southern border. This annual event was intended to draw attention to the contentious issues of illegal immigration and border security, which have been focal points for Republican voters and leaders for an extended period.
During the joint appearance, Trump reiterated his criticisms of the Biden administration’s handling of the border crisis, pledging to launch what he termed the largest mass deportation effort in American history if re-elected. He also indicated his intent to reinstate travel bans and the “Remain in Mexico” program, which required non-Mexican asylum seekers to await the resolution of their cases in Mexico.
In the 2022 gubernatorial race, Trump had previously endorsed Abbott, who went on to secure a third term as governor after winning the renomination and defeating Democratic challenger Beto O’Rourke. This recent endorsement by Abbott is seen as a reciprocal gesture of gratitude.
Trump is currently positioned as the leading candidate for the 2024 Republican nomination, with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley competing for a distant second place in polls. Despite facing legal challenges, including four indictments related to efforts to overturn the 2020 election, Trump’s support among Republican voters reportedly strengthened over the spring and summer months.
Today, I am proud to endorse Donald J. Trump for President.
Now more than ever, America needs a President who will secure the border and prioritize national security.
President Trump is the clear choice to get the job done. pic.twitter.com/gvM7sQH41Q
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) November 19, 2023
Law enforcement agencies from coast to coast have endorsed President Trump! https://t.co/4RpH9xxC82
— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) November 19, 2023
Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee endorsed President Trump a few days ago and now Texas Governor Greg Abbott has done the same
It’s time for every other GOP primary candidate to drop out
It’s all overpic.twitter.com/Q3ybfVUnsY
— DC_Draino (@DC_Draino) November 19, 2023
🚨Speaker Johnson endorses President Trump for 2024
“I’m all in for Trump”
(Kevin McCarthy never endorsed Trump for 2024)
Now all we need is to force Ronna McRomney out at the RNC so we can elect a Congress that will support the Trump agenda in 2025
— DC_Draino (@DC_Draino) November 14, 2023