Texas Gov. Greg Abbott Struggles in CPAC Straw Poll

The Republican governor received just 1% of the vote at the conservative conference in Dallas.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 11:03pm

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A solitary Texas state flag hanging on a flagpole, its fabric illuminated by warm, angled sunlight and surrounded by deep shadows, conveying a sense of political isolation and uncertainty.The Texas governor's weak performance in a key conservative straw poll casts doubt on his potential 2024 presidential ambitions.Abbott Today

Texas Governor Greg Abbott received only 1% of the vote in a presidential straw poll conducted at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) event in Dallas. The low showing suggests Abbott is struggling to gain traction with the Republican base as a potential 2024 presidential candidate.

Why it matters

Abbott's poor performance in the CPAC straw poll indicates he may face an uphill battle gaining support from the conservative grassroots if he decides to run for president. The results highlight the challenges he could face in a crowded Republican primary field dominated by figures like former President Trump.

The details

The straw poll was conducted at the CPAC conference in Dallas, a major annual gathering of conservative activists and leaders. Out of the 2,000 attendees who participated, only 1% selected Abbott as their preferred 2024 Republican presidential nominee.

  • The CPAC event in Dallas took place on April 1-2, 2026.

The players

Greg Abbott

The current Republican Governor of Texas.

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The takeaway

Abbott's poor showing in the CPAC straw poll suggests he may struggle to gain traction with the conservative base if he decides to run for president in 2024. The results highlight the challenges he could face in a crowded Republican primary field.