Former President Donald Trump Endorses Gov. Greg Abbott for Re-Election

*The photo above was taken during a meeting of then-President Donald Trump and Texas Governor Greg Abbott in the Oval Office on May 7, 2020*

Texas Governor Greg Abbott is up for re-election in November of 2022, and he's already secured a major endorsement.

In a letter to supporters, former president Donald Trump threw his support behind Abbott.

"Greg Abbott is a fighter and a Great Governor for the incredible people of Texas," Trump wrote. "No Governor has done more to secure the Border and keep our communities safe than Governor Abbott. Greg is a staunch defender of the Second Amendment and has made Texas a Second Amendment Sanctuary State. Texas has become a job-creating machine, and our partnership helped restore America’s economic power and success. Greg is also very tough on crime, fully supports the brave men and women of Law Enforcement, and is all in on Election Integrity. Governor Greg Abbott will continue to be a great leader for the Lone Star State, and has my Complete and Total Endorsement for re-election. He will never let you down!"

Get our free mobile app

Gov. Abbott issued his own statement thanking Trump for the glowing recommendation.

“President Trump is a great friend of Texas, and I thank him for his endorsement,” the governor wrote. “I am proud of the work we have done together to secure our border, bring more jobs to Texas, and protect the freedoms that make America and Texas great - and we are just getting started. I thank President Trump for his leadership, and I will continue to fight for the values that make Texas the greatest state in America.”

While Gov. Abbott may have Trump's backing, he isn't unopposed in Texas, even among fellow Republicans.

KXAS-TV reports that former Republican state senator Don Huffines of Dallas recently threw his hat into the ring, and has responded to Trump's endorsement of Abbott with the claim that he is the true Trump candidate in Texas.

The Texas Tribune reports that current Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller and Texas GOP Chair Allen West are considering joining the race as well.

Meanwhile, there's been speculation that Democrat Beto O'Rourke may run, though he's denied it, and rumors continue of a possible run by Texas native and actor Matthew McConaughey.

The governor's race will certainly be an interesting spectacle, especially with big names like Sid Miller and Allen West eyeing the office. However, it's safe to say Abbott has an advantage not only as an incumbent, but with the backing of a former president who remains popular with the GOP base despite the January 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol and continued controversy over the November 2020 election.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has also been endorsed by the former president.