(The Center Square) – Gov. Greg Abbott, who is not running for any office this year but whose campaign is continuing to raise money for Republicans, broke a fundraising record in the last reporting period.
Abbott’s campaign raised more than $29.6 million in the last reporting period “from every corner of Texas,” his campaign said in a statement on Tuesday.
Texans for Greg Abbott cash on hand is now over $51 million – nearly double the cash on hand it had during the same quarter in 2016.
In previous comparable fundraising periods, Texans for Greg Abbott’s cash on hand was over $37 million in 2020 and over $28 million in 2016.
“This record-breaking fundraising period is a testament to the overwhelming support of Governor Abbott’s bold, conservative agenda for Texans and Americans,” Texans for Greg Abbott Campaign Manager Kim Snyder said. “Our campaign’s success reflects the Governor’s strong leadership and unwavering commitment to the values that make our state great.
“With this robust financial backing and the most cash on hand the Governor’s ever had during previous comparable fundraising periods, we are well-positioned to continue our fight for freedom, economic growth, and opportunity for all Texans. Together, we will ensure Governor Abbott continues to build a bigger, better Texas for generations to come.”
More than $24 million raised came from donations from over 55,200 contributors, including more than 26,600 new contributors, according to the campaign. The majority of the donations, 85%, came from Texans.
The Greg Abbott Campaign (the candidate/officeholder account) raised over $5.6 million in the same fundraising period, according to the campaign.
This campaign fund spent over $12 million to support pro-school choice candidates running for the Texas House or Senate, which paid off.
The majority of candidates Abbott endorsed who support school choice won their primary elections in March and runoff elections in May, The Center Square reported.
After the May runoff election, Abbott said, “The Texas Legislature now has enough votes to pass school choice. This is a victory for every Texas family across our great state.
“While we did not win every race we fought in, the overall message from this year’s primaries is clear: Texans want school choice,” Abbott said. “Opponents of school choice can no longer ignore the will of the people. As we look ahead to the November general election, we will continue to work tirelessly to elect strong, conservative candidates who will ensure every child in Texas has access to the best education possible – regardless of their zip code or economic background. Working together, we will create an even brighter future for generations to come.”
Last year, 21 House Republicans opposed a school choice bill the Texas Senate repeatedly passed. After the legislative session ended last year, five announced they were retiring and 16 ran for reelection.
Throughout the primary season, Abbott endorsed and campaigned for candidates who he says support school choice, including those who challenged incumbent Republicans that Abbott previously endorsed who were among the 21.
When the legislative session convenes next year, Texas lawmakers are likely to pass a school choice bill for the first time in state history.