The Gubernatorial Elections are approaching quickly, with early voting just right around the corner on October 24th. The two candidates include Greg Abbott, who has been governor since 2015, and Beto O’ Rourke. We have seen lots of differing opinions concerning the two candidates, but due to recent events there has been lots of support for Beto. Many Texans aren’t aware of the current issues we are facing and who promises to fix said issues. We need to get out and vote so that we can change the fate of our state.
Since the pandemic we’ve seen gun purchases sky rocket. More guns are purchased in Texas than in any other state due to our lax laws. In 2021 Abbott signed a bill that allowed for citizens to legally carry a handgun without a license to carry. He also signed a bill that would protect Texans from any federal gun control regulations. Governor Abbott has continually showed his support for the 2nd amendment and has openly voiced his support towards loose gun laws. He has outraged Texans by not introducing such laws after the Uvalde shooting. Abbott has instead claimed the cause of mental health issues, but has not passed laws in support of this claim. Abbotts opponent Beto O’Rourke is in full support of placing a ban on assault rifles. He also plans to push for background checks for all gun purchases. Beto also shows support for a “red flag” law which will strip those who have shown history of mental illness and seen as a risk of access to firearms.
In May, Abbott also put in place a law that banned abortions as early as 6 weeks. This is before some women even realize they are pregnant. This law also does not exclude cases of rape and incest. Abbott stated that they had “reinstated the right of states to protect innocent, unborn children.” Beto has stated that, if elected Governor, he will repeal the abortion ban put into place by Abbott. Beto has claimed that he will allow for Texas women to make their own decisions about their body. He has also stated he will block any legislation that tries to continue to control women.
When Greg Abbott was elected governor he made many promises to the state of Texas. He stated that he would fund treatment for postpartum depression for low-income mothers, which he has not taken action on. But he has allowed schools to opt out of mandates, which was put in place during a pandemic when school children were the most vulnerable. He also promised to cut down on the amount of standardized test teachers are required to give, but did not follow through. O’Rourke has claimed that he will rid of standardized tests. He has also promised to expand Medicaid if elected, which has been proven to greatly benefit minority groups and those in poverty. He also plans to legalize marijuana, and cut property taxes.
Ultimately both candidates have promised change in Texas. We’ve seen that our current Governor has set us back, while Beto promises to undo what’s been done. Before voting in the Gubernatorial Elections this year, consider what has taken place in our state so far and consider how keeping Greg Abbott in office will affect you and those around you. We have to keep pushing for change.