On Thursday, Gov. Greg Abbott announced his campaign had a record-setting $43.3 million in cash on hand, more than any other statewide candidate in Texas has ever reported in history.
According to a press release from Abbott’s campaign, over 53% of contributions made during the reporting period came from first-time donors, 85% of donors are Texas residents, and donations were made from all 254 counties in the state, a reflection on Abbott’s large statewide support.
Abbott commented on his groundbreaking cash haul:
I am honored and grateful for the continued support of so many throughout this great state. 2017 was a banner year for Texas as we added more jobs than any other state, reached the lowest unemployment rate in 40 years and ranked as the state with the best economic climate. There is more work to be done, and with the upcoming campaign in full swing, I will continue to promote ideas that will continue to elevate the Lone Star State to new heights.
Official campaign finance reports will be released early next week and while Abbott faces no serious opposition in the Republican primary, the Democrats have a clown car of candidates vying for their nomination, from sanctuary city Sheriff Lupe Valdez to “International Man of Leather” Jeffrey Payne.
Between the poor quality of their candidates and the record amount of money raised by Abbott, Democrats who seek to turn the Lone Star State blue should find themselves discouraged. And so should liberal Republican legislators like State Reps. Sarah Davis (West University Place) and Wayne Faircloth (Galveston) whose failure to support Abbott’s agenda has placed them in the governor’s crosshairs.
