Gov. Greg Abbott stated his opposition to “red flag laws,” which allow officials to confiscate firearms from citizens via court orders, during a campaign stop at a gun range in Garland.
Abbott made a campaign stop at the Garland Public Shooting Range the morning of January 29. There, groups including the National Rifle Association, the Texas Deer Association, the Texas Association of Campground Owners, and the Game Wardens Peace Officers Association endorsed Abbott’s bid for reelection to a fourth term.
In a press conference, The Dallas Express asked Abbott his stance on red flag laws.
“I’m against red flag laws,” Abbott told The Dallas Express.
The state legislature passed SB 1362 in 2025 to prevent red flag laws, which let a judge issue an “extreme risk protection order” to restrict gun ownership based on an “assessment of future risk,” according to Texas Policy Research. Texas currently does not allow red flag laws, but 22 states, including California and New York, already have them.
Self-defense advocacy groups like Gun Owners of America generally oppose red flag laws, saying they violate due process and risk law-abiding citizens’ 2nd Amendment right to bear arms. In contrast, gun control advocacy groups like Everytown for Gun Safety generally support the laws, saying they can de-escalate emergencies and avert violence.
The Dallas Express asked Abbott how he plans to advance 2nd Amendment rights if he wins reelection.
“I’ve signed about 30 laws. Texas has the most comprehensive 2nd Amendment protections of any state of the country,” Abbott told The Dallas Express. “
We went from campus carry to open carry to constitutional carry. Every Texan has a right to be able to possess a gun, period,” Abbott explained.
Abbott signed “campus carry” and open carry laws in 2015. Then, he signed a constitutional carry law in 2021, allowing Texans older than age 21 to carry guns without a license.
“I have worked to secure a guarantee of the 2nd Amendment rights of my fellow Texans. Many organizations like those here today work every day to preserve the riches of our land, to protect our constitutional rights,” Abbott said. “I am grateful for what they do every day, and grateful for their endorsement.”
Abbott is facing numerous Republican primary challengers, including “Doc” Pete Chambers, but entered with a significant advantage with a $106 million war chest, according to the Texas Tribune. Meanwhile, Democratic state Rep. Gina Hinojosa is the favored candidate in her party’s primary.
NRA Political Victory Fund Chairman John Commerford said Texas is the group’s largest membership base in America, and he called Abbott’s leadership “impeccable.”
“Governor Abbott, with your leadership, we have nothing to worry about in the state of Texas,” Commerford said. “Freedom is safe here, and has been for years.”
The endorsements extended beyond the 2nd Amendment, including wildlife and outdoor recreation interest groups.
Texas Deer Association President Nash Murray acknowledged the industry’s challenges, but said he feels Abbott is a leader willing to find solutions.
“Some of our own members may feel frustrated, uncertain, or even unheard at times. I hear you,” Murray said. “Our industry is navigating important challenges and opportunities. Dear breeders and high fence operations are working through regulatory changes involving disease management efforts and decisions that affect livelihoods, land values, and family businesses.”
“So I’m gonna be clear, this endorsement doesn’t mean everything is perfect,” he added. “It means that we believe Governor Abbott is the leader who was willing to listen, engage, and help us find practical, workable solutions.”
Nash said Abbott believes in collaboration between landowners and state officials, “science-based policy,” and private property.
“This election is about direction,” Nash said. “It’s about protecting property rights, supporting rural communities, preserving our hunting heritage, and making sure our voices are heard.”
Michael Moore, assistant executive director of the Texas Association of Campground Owners, called Abbott a “champion of the camping industry.” He thanked him for signing legislation to lower taxes and help campgrounds deal with dangerous or non-paying guests, spurious lawsuits, and unfair utility billing.
“Perhaps most significantly, he recently signed SB 1 to enhance the safety of Texas campgrounds through safe evacuations in the wake of the July 4 floods,” Moore said. “The governor’s unwavering support for tourism in our great state has allowed Texas campgrounds to succeed and prosper.”
Abbott concluded his remarks with a call to preserve Texas’ constitution and natural beauty.
“I thank them for their endorsement. I thank them for what they do to preserve this land that we call Texas, and to preserve our constitutional rights,” Abbott said. “Together, we all have one mission, and that is to keep Texas Texas.”
