Texas Governor Defends State Election Practices Against GOP Pushback

Republican Greg Abbott spends millions to fight his own party's efforts to reshape Texas elections.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Texas Governor Greg Abbott, a Republican, has found himself at odds with his own party over core questions of how elections should work and who gets to shape them in the state. While the Texas GOP pushes for greater control over the nomination process and stronger federal safeguards against voter fraud, Abbott has defended long-standing state election practices and questioned expansive national mandates.

Why it matters

This clash between the Republican governor and his party's hardline election reform efforts highlights the ongoing tensions within the GOP over the balance of power between state and federal control of elections. It also reflects the broader national debate around election integrity and access.

The details

Abbott has spent millions of taxpayer dollars to defend Texas' existing election laws and practices against legal challenges from his own party. This includes fighting the Texas GOP's push for an "open primary" system that would allow non-Republicans to vote in GOP primaries, as well as efforts to impose stricter voter ID requirements and limit mail-in voting.

  • The Texas GOP has been pushing aggressively for election reforms since 2025.
  • Governor Abbott has been defending the state's election practices since early 2026.

The players

Greg Abbott

The Republican governor of Texas who has taken a stance against his own party's efforts to reshape the state's election laws.

Texas GOP

The Republican Party organization in Texas that is pushing for greater control over the state's nomination process and stronger federal safeguards against voter fraud.

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What they’re saying

“We must not allow the federal government to dictate how Texans conduct their elections.”

— Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas (dailycaller.com)

“Voter fraud is a serious issue that needs to be addressed through comprehensive election reforms.”

— Texas GOP Representative (dailycaller.com)

What’s next

The legal battles over Texas' election laws are expected to continue as the 2026 election cycle approaches.

The takeaway

This clash between the Republican governor and his own party highlights the ongoing tensions within the GOP over the balance of power between state and federal control of elections, as well as the broader national debate around election integrity and access.