Abbott announces gubernatorial candidacy

posted on 7.15.2013

Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott made it official on Sunday and announced his campaign for governor.

He will prove to be a formidable candidate with more than $20 million on hand to stage a statewide campaign.

Abbott is the longest serving Texas Attorney General in Texas history.

So far, former GOP state chairman Tom Pauken is Abbott’s only serious challenger in the Republican primary.

Pauken headed the Texas Workforce Commission for several years until stepping down in 2012. He is also former Reagan administration official.

Projecting he’ll raise $2 million for his campaign, Pauken is not considered likely to prevail against Abbott.

Democrats, meanwhile, have not won a statewide office in two decades and none has announced plans to try to break that streak.

Many are encouraging State Sen. Wendy Davis, D-Dallas, to run for Governor in 2014, but she would lose her Senate post to do so.

Davis drew a two-year term in the Texas Senate as a result of redistricting and must decide to run again for her Senate post in 2014 or make the leap for higher office.

Davis’ district leans Republican, so re-election to her Senate post will be a tough battle.

She did beat, however, a well-funded Republican lawmaker seeking to move up to the Senate in the 2012 election.

San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro also has been considered a potential contender for governor and even U.S. Senate, but most think he will wait out a gubernatorial race until 2018.

The state candidate filing window opens on Nov. 9.

Questions?  Contact TAB's Michael Schneider or call (512) 322-9944.

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