As the results from the midterm election are revealed, social activists may find themselves with scared, shocked, and sick feelings. The state of Texas has recently suffered a hard loss as democrat Beto O’Rourke comes in short of votes during his campaign for governor. The state re-elected Gregg Abbot, a republican politician who places his citizens in harmful and dangerous situations without any empathy. His re-election will put minority groups at risk and in danger and is something the public must pay attention to.
Abbot is a misogynist who has no respect for reproductive rights, and he has no respect or concern for minority groups such as the black and LGBTQ+ communities. His ideologies also prove him to be a man who believes protecting his right to bear arms is more important than protecting the children of his state. These are all terrifying attributions to have in a governor especially when Roe Vs Wade has been overturned, gay and interracial marriages are up for debate, and public shootings seem to happen nearly every month. Liberal Texans hoped to use the recent midterm elections to replace Gregg Abbott with a governor who was devoted to helping his citizens rather than tearing them down, but the state devastatingly did not succeed.
How will Abbot’s re-election affect the people of Texas?
Texan women, parents, teachers, children, and people apart from minority groups will receive no help from their government when it comes to reproductive rights, equality, and school safety. Texas has banned all abortions except when needed to save a mother’s life. Abbot has done and will do nothing to change that law and make abortions safe and legal for all Texan women. The state of Texas has experienced four public shootings within the last four years. Greg Abbot has taken no action regarding school safety and gun control within his state. With no action, there will be nothing done to help protect these educators and children. The Republican has also spoken out against same-sex marriage. Lucy Stein from Progress Texas states, “Greg Abbott refused to accept over 5,000 Equality Texas petitions asking him to respect every Texan’s freedom to marry and appealed the ruling that struck down as unconstitutional Texas’ law banning same-sex marriage”. (Stein) It is terrifying how unfit Abbot is to have control over a state and the citizens who reside there. He refuses to acknowledge those who need help and support and will continue to leave Texas as un-progressive.
Gregg Abbot is a prime example of why voting matters. The people of Texas are now put in danger and lack the attention and aid they need to establish their human rights. Next year please register to vote and vote as soon as you can. The process is easy and is a way to save lives and families. The people of Texas may be feeling frightened and anxious for their futures, we as outsiders must continue our advocacy to help those whose governments are leading them down a conservative and unsafe path.