Texas GOP Embraces Extremism, Targets Democrats and Immigration
WHO:
The Washington Post - Hundreds of attendees at the Texas GOP convention.
The Texas Tribune - Gov. Greg Abbott, Rep. James Talarico, Rep. Gina Hinojosa, Secretary of State Jane Nelson, Luke Macias.
WHAT:
The Washington Post - A panel titled “Don’t sharia my Texas” was one of the most popular at the Texas GOP convention, with attendees sitting on the floor and standing at the back.
The Texas Tribune - Abbott's campaign for the midterm elections is supported by nearly $100 million in campaign funds.
The Texas Tribune - Abbott called for the Legislature to codify his executive order that froze new H-1B visa applications from state agencies and public universities, extending the freeze to “all state and local governments.”
The Texas Tribune - Abbott stated, “Texas jobs should only go to Texans,” during his speech at the convention.
The Texas Tribune - Gov. Greg Abbott vowed to “demolish” Democrats in the upcoming midterm elections.
The Texas Tribune - Abbott suggested closing Texas primaries to only Republicans.
The Texas Tribune - Abbott called for a freeze on new H-1B visa applications from state agencies and public universities.
The Texas Tribune - Abbott proposed requiring two-thirds voter approval for property tax increases.
The Texas Tribune - Abbott called for completely outlawing Sharia law in Texas.
WHERE:
The Texas Tribune - George R. Brown Convention Center, downtown Houston, Texas.
The Texas Tribune - Harris County, Texas.
WHEN:
The Texas Tribune - Abbott's speech occurred during the Texas GOP convention.
The Texas Tribune - Secretary of State Jane Nelson announced she would step down in July.
WHY:
The Texas Tribune - Abbott's remarks aimed to tie Democrats to “Bernie Sanders socialism” and address concerns about Democratic infiltration in GOP contests.
The Texas Tribune - Abbott's proposals were motivated by a desire to strengthen the Republican Party's position in Texas.
HOW:
The Texas Tribune - Abbott plans to campaign “block by block, door to door” in Harris County with a $25 million investment.
The Texas Tribune - Abbott plans to campaign “block by block, door to door” in Harris County with a $25 million investment.
The Texas Tribune - Abbott's proposals for legislative priorities were set to be instructed by party activists at the convention.
(UPDATED June 14, 2026 04:19 UTC)
At the Texas GOP convention, a panel titled “Don’t sharia my Texas” drew significant crowds, with attendees filling the floor and standing at the back. Governor Abbott's campaign for the upcoming midterm elections is backed by nearly $100 million in funds, and he has called for the Legislature to codify his executive order that freezes new H-1B visa applications across all state and local governments, emphasizing that “Texas jobs should only go to Texans.” To further his campaign, Abbott plans to engage with voters in Harris County through a “block by block, door to door” strategy, supported by a $25 million investment.
--
(UPDATED June 13, 2026 19:23 UTC)
At the Texas GOP convention held at the George R. Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston, Governor Greg Abbott made headlines by vowing to “demolish” Democrats in the upcoming midterm elections and suggested closing Texas primaries to only Republicans. He also proposed a freeze on new H-1B visa applications from state agencies and public universities, along with requiring two-thirds voter approval for property tax increases and completely outlawing Sharia law in Texas. Abbott plans to campaign “block by block, door to door” in Harris County with a substantial $25 million investment, as he aims to strengthen the Republican Party's position in the state.