Texas Governor Abbott Rallies Voters in Beaumont Ahead of Primary Elections

Abbott urges supporters to defend 'Texas values' as he faces a crowded Republican primary and a likely matchup against Democrat Gina Hinojosa in November

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Texas Governor Greg Abbott made a campaign stop in Beaumont on Tuesday, joining several Republican candidates seeking statewide and local offices for a 'Get Out the Vote' event. Abbott urged supporters to turn out and defend what he described as 'Texas values' as early voting is underway for the March primary elections.

Why it matters

The Texas gubernatorial race is expected to be a closely watched contest, with Abbott facing a crowded Republican primary field and a likely general election matchup against Democrat Gina Hinojosa. Voter turnout will be critical, especially in the primary elections, as candidates vie to advance to the November ballot.

The details

At the event, Abbott was joined by several Republican candidates, including agriculture commissioner candidate Nate Sheets and state House candidate Ray Callas. Callas focused on the region's economic strength, particularly in the petrochemical, port, and trade school industries. Sheets addressed the financial pressures facing farmers across the state due to rising input costs and declining revenues. Abbott emphasized the need to 'keep Texas Texas' and stop the 'invasion of foreign ideas'.

  • Early voting is underway for the March primary elections.
  • The Texas gubernatorial election is scheduled for November 2026.

The players

Greg Abbott

The current Republican Governor of Texas, who is facing a crowded primary field and a likely general election matchup against Democrat Gina Hinojosa.

Nate Sheets

The Republican candidate for Texas Agriculture Commissioner.

Ray Callas

The Republican candidate for Texas State House District 21, who is expected to face Democrat Jacky Hernandez in the November general election.

Gina Hinojosa

The likely Democratic nominee for Texas Governor, who is expected to face the winner of the Republican primary in the November general election.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“All the issues that Governor Abbott spoke of is right on point.”

— Linda Shackelford Mitchell, Beaumont resident (12newsnow.com)

“We are the engine that drives not only Texas but the world. We, we are big in petrochemical. We're big in the ports. We're big in the railways. We're also very big in, in taking care of the trade schools. We have so much growth and development.”

— Ray Callas, Republican candidate for Texas State House District 21 (12newsnow.com)

“Whether you're in cotton or whether you're in cattle, whether you're in corn or rice, everybody's really in the same state, you know, when your input costs have gone up 300%, when your revenues come down so significantly, they're desperate, they've lost options.”

— Nate Sheets, Republican candidate for Texas Agriculture Commissioner (12newsnow.com)

“Especially this election and the primaries and the general election we have to keep Texas Texas and stop the invasion of of all these foreign ideas.”

— Greg Abbott (12newsnow.com)

What’s next

The March primary elections will determine which candidates advance to the November general election, where Abbott is expected to face off against Democrat Gina Hinojosa for the Texas governorship.

The takeaway

The Texas gubernatorial race is shaping up to be a closely watched contest, with voter turnout in the primary elections being critical for both the Republican and Democratic candidates as they vie to secure their party's nomination and advance to the November ballot.