Fifteen law enforcement groups across Texas have endorsed Republican Gov. Greg Abbott’s reelection campaign, The Dallas Express has exclusively learned.
Abbott is planning an open press event in Fort Worth on January 6, and another in Houston on January 8 – while fifteen law enforcement groups back his bid for another term in the November election. The governor told The Dallas Express he is “honored” to have the groups’ endorsements.
“Throughout my career, I have always been a strong champion for law enforcement – and I always will,” Abbott said to DX. “Together, we have taken on violent criminals, fixed a broken bail system, and secured our border. I am honored to have the support of the brave men and women who put on the badge every day.”
The endorsements reflect Abbott’s work to back law enforcement, crack down on violent crime, and keep families safe, a campaign spokesperson told The Dallas Express. Under the governor, the spokesperson said, Texas has proven a “national model” for public safety policy.
Abbott is currently serving his third term. He faces several primary challengers, but has won every general election by double digits. Meanwhile, numerous Democrats have also entered the race – with some polls placing state Rep. Gina Hinojosa as the party’s frontrunner.
“As long as I am Governor, Texas will back the blue, uphold law and order, and keep our streets safe,” Abbott said to The Dallas Express.
The Endorsements
The governor’s reelection campaign plans to announce backing from the following groups throughout the week:
January 5: Fort Worth Police Officers Association PAC.
January 6: Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas (CLEAT), Corpus Christi Police Officers Association, Dallas Police Association, Deputy Sheriff’s Association of Bexar County, National Latino Law Enforcement Organization, San Antonio Police Officers’ Association, and Tarrant County Law Enforcement Association.
January 7: Houston Police Officers’ Union.
January 8: Austin Police Association, Department of Public Safety Officers Association Political Action Committee (DPSOA PAC), Organization of Spanish-Speaking Officers, Professional Bondsmen of Texas, and Texas Municipal Police Association.
January 9: Reserve Peace Officers Association.
Last year, Abbott signed a major bail reform package to keep violent offenders from doing more harm after an arrest, as The Dallas Express reported. He also signed laws to do things like establish a Texas Department of Public Safety Homeland Security Division and Hostile Foreign Adversaries Unit, launch the Texas Cyber Command, and ban parole for child traffickers.
