Gov. Greg Abbott visited McAllen yesterday for a “Get Out the Vote” rally at the Hidalgo County GOP HQ.
He began his speech before a crowd of supporters with a play on the weather. “There is a very strong wind out there today,” he stated, “But you know what that wind is? Those are winds of change that will bring in Republican voters right here in Hidalgo County.”
In his promise to “Keep Texas Red”, he highlighted his multiple visits to the RGV, “I’m going to keep coming because it means so much to the future of Texas.”
Abbott publicly announced his support for his endorsees for 13th Court of Appeals, Judge Ernie Aliseda (Chief Justice) and Jaime Tijerina (Place 4).
“I know the important role that judges play in the state of Texas. We are a nation of laws, where the rule of law matters, and we have candidates who will ensure the rule of law and the constitution of the state of Texas and the United States of America will be upheld.”
He also recognized Texas House District 41 candidate Hilda Garza DeShazo.
Within his speech, he praised both veterans and teachers, acknowledging their sacrifices and needs. To illustrate his support, Abbott pointed to his platform consisting of better employment opportunities for veterans, veteran administration reform, fully funded healthcare for teachers, as well increasing teacher salaries.
He also provided statistics ranking Texas’ economy as 10th largest in the world, joking this makes him “more powerful than Putin.”
“We must stand together and let them know Texas values are not up for grabs,” Abbott said, criticizing efforts of the left to “turn the entire state of Texas a liberal shade of blue.”
He reiterated that to continuing this economic growth and fulfillment of his promises begins at the ballot box.
Texas Scorecard had the opportunity to sit down with Gov. Abbott. When asked if believes the overall problem of the GOP is less one of philosophy or even messaging, and just the act in showing up, Abbott responded:

“It’s both presence and substance, showing up (and coming to the Rio Grande Valley) is important, it shows care, but it’s also substance. I know that every person in this room, and everyone in the Rio Grande Valley cares about economic opportunity. The Republican party offers that economic opportunity. People in this room and across Hidalgo county care about educational opportunity and that’s exactly what the Republican party provides. I know people, like my wife’s family, first Latina, First Lady of Texas, care about family and faith and that’s exactly what the Republican party offers. We just need to build the connections that are very natural. And when we do that, we will be electing people like Hilda to the Texas House of Representatives.”

Regarding the recent endorsement from President Donald J. Trump, Abbott smiled and gave a thumbs up, saying, “Of course, it’s great!”
First Lady Cecilia Abbott will visit the area next week for a block walking event in Cameron County.

Miriam Cepeda

Miriam Cepeda is the Rio Grande Valley Bureau Chief for Texas Scorecard. A second-generation Mexican American, she is both fluent in English and Spanish and has been influential in grassroots organizing and conservative engagement within Hispanic communities. If you don’t find her “Trumping”, you can find her saving animals, running her dog, hiking the Andes, or volunteering with the U.S. National Park Service.

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