Republican President Donald Trump released a public statement after incumbent Republican Greg Abbott conceded the Texas governor’s race to Democrat Gina Hinojosa.
Abbott announced the concession in a speech Tuesday night, following an election centered on the direction of state government.
“Leading this state has been the greatest honor I’ve ever had. Thank you for your support. Thank you for your love. Thank you for making Texas, Texas. And God bless you all, and God bless the great state of Texas,” Abbott said in his speech.
Abbott entered the election seeking a fourth term as governor, while Hinojosa sought to become the state’s first Democratic governor since Ann Richards.
President Trump posted on Truth Social about the loss.
“If Greg Abbott, the Governor of Texas, hadn’t become a RINO in the last six months of his Political Life, he wouldn’t have lost. He went back to his original formula, and it wasn’t pretty! President Donald J. Trump.”
What is a RINO?
RINO stands for “Republican in Name Only.” It is a derogatory political label used by Republicans to criticize fellow party members they believe do not align with the party’s core conservative values, positions or political priorities. The term is often used for Republicans viewed as too moderate, disloyal to party leadership or too willing to compromise and work with Democrats.
The next governor’s term begins in January 2027.
