Gov. Greg Abbott has repudiated a text message campaign that falsely implied his support for State Rep. Dustin Burrows in the race for speaker of the House.
After losing the Republican caucus nomination on Saturday to State Rep. David Cook (R–Mansfield), Burrows has been seeking support from Democrats and a small faction of Republicans to secure the gavel in January.
The controversy stems from a text message sent by the American Opportunity PAC featuring an image of Abbott alongside Burrows with the caption “Support Burrows.”
Abbott quickly distanced himself from the campaign.
State Rep. Steve Toth (R–The Woodlands) flagged the text as false in a post on X, calling it “more deception from Team Burrows.” Abbott replied directly, clarifying his position.
“To be clear, that text with my picture was issued without my authorization or even knowing about it,” Abbott wrote. “My focus is singular: work with both House & Senate leaders to pass the conservative agenda that I campaigned on & that voters expect.”
To be clear, that text with my picture was issued without my authorization or even knowing about it.
My focus is singular: work with both House & Senate leaders to pass the conservative agenda that I campaigned on & that voters expect. https://t.co/bsxcO6HFMi
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) December 11, 2024
The American Opportunity PAC, which surfaced only weeks ago, has yet to disclose its donors. However, filings with the Texas Ethics Commission show its treasurer was appointed by political consultant Mitch Carney.
The son of Abbott’s chief political advisor Dave Carney, Mitch served as a senior advisor to Abbott’s 2022 re-election campaign. His involvement has drawn scrutiny, particularly given his previous criticism of President Donald Trump, whom he called “a joke.”
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