Governor Greg Abbott addressed a gathering in Longview on Wednesday, calling on East Texans to back state Representative Jay Dean in his upcoming Republican primary. Abbott emphasized that Dean would support his agenda aimed at reducing property taxes and insurance costs in the forthcoming legislative session. “We’ve got to have real solutions,” Abbott stated, reinforcing his commitment to collaborate with Dean.
The event, held at Leon’s Steakhouse Saloon, was part of Abbott’s campaign to encourage voter turnout ahead of the March 3, 2024 primary. The governor highlighted recent conservative legislative victories while urging support for Dean, Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock, and Agriculture Commissioner candidate Nate Sheets. Early voting has already commenced, with over 7,000 ballots cast in Gregg County as of Tuesday night.
Dean, who faces a challenge from Melissa Beckett, warned attendees about attempts to “divide and conquer the Republican Party,” urging them to vote with unity in mind. Abbott echoed this sentiment, stating that the values of East Texas—such as faith, freedom, and pride in being a Texan—are under threat from urban centers like Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. “They don’t care about Longview,” Abbott remarked, recalling his childhood in the area. He affirmed his commitment to East Texas, declaring, “I’m running for reelection because I care about East Texas values.”
Abbott also criticized the influence of urban Democrats, whom he described as “socialists,” and praised Dean for his support of significant bail reform that aims to keep violent offenders off Texas streets. “This is not Minnesota,” Abbott asserted. “In Texas, we support our law enforcement.” He noted Dean’s contributions to legislation that penalizes cities defunding their police departments, reinforcing the state’s commitment to law enforcement.
Further, Abbott addressed recent controversies surrounding Islamic compounds near Dallas-Fort Worth, asserting that state actions have effectively halted plans for these projects. “When we get back into Austin for the next session, Jay’s going to join with me, and we’re going to sign the strongest ban in America banning Sharia law,” he stated. The governor also highlighted his focus on border security, election integrity, and school choice legislation in the upcoming session.
One of the key issues Abbott plans to tackle is the surging cost of insurance, which he described as exceeding inflation and adversely affecting small businesses—98% of Texas businesses. “The cost of insurance is going up 100%,” Abbott said. “That has to stop. With my solutions and Jay Dean’s support, we are going to slash the cost of your insurance by half.”
In terms of property tax reform, Abbott aims to implement measures including spending limits for local governments, requiring two-thirds voter approval for tax increases, capping property appraisal rates, and eliminating school property taxes for homeowners. “Your home should not be the piggybank that’s raided to fund our public schools,” Abbott argued. He insisted that the state should bear the responsibility for funding public education, advocating for a shift that could make Texas “the most affordable state in the United States.”
The governor concluded by urging voters to participate in the upcoming elections. “We’re only going to achieve these goals if we elect Republicans this November,” he asserted. “If the socialists win, Texas gets destroyed, and we cannot be part of that process. We have to fight back against it.”
