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Greg Abbott
50.9%
#18 of 50

Greg Abbott

Texas R | 3rd term
2015-01-20Took Office 11 yrs, 5 moIn Office 263Metrics Scored 842 / 1653Total Points

Section A: Governance

183/300
61%

Section B: State Outcomes

516/975
53%

Section C: Oath Fidelity

+143 (-378 to +378)

Section A — Governance 183/300

9 subsections evaluating executive performance: budget execution, legislative relations, appointments, emergency management, transparency, ethics, program management, federal relations, and constituent service.

On-time budget submission
Texas operates on biennial budget cycle. Abbott submitted budget proposals on time for each legislative session (2015, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2023, 2025).
TX Legislative Budget Board; TX Constitution Art. VIII
3
Budget accuracy — revenue forecast vs actual
TX Comptroller revenue estimates generally within range, though oil/gas volatility creates swings. FY2022-23 had significant surplus due to energy boom. Some forecast misses in pandemic year.
TX Comptroller Biennial Revenue Estimate 2022-2025; TX LBB Fiscal Size-Up
2
Rainy day fund management
TX Economic Stabilization Fund (Rainy Day Fund) grew to $27.2B by FY2025 — largest state rainy day fund in the nation. Constitutionally funded from oil/gas severance taxes. Well managed.
TX Comptroller Economic Stabilization Fund Reports; TX Constitution Art. III §49-g
3
State credit rating trajectory
Texas maintains AAA credit rating from all three major agencies (S&P, Moody's, Fitch). Rating maintained throughout tenure.
S&P Global Ratings — State of Texas; Moody's Aaa; Fitch AAA
3
Pension funding ratio trajectory
TX Teacher Retirement System (TRS) funded ratio improved from ~76% to ~79% (FY2024). ERS improved to ~72%. SB 12 (2019) reformed TRS with increased contributions. Progress but still below 80% threshold.
TRS CAFR FY2024; ERS Actuarial Valuation 2024; SB 12 (86th Legislature)
2
Debt per capita trajectory
TX total debt ~$62B. Debt per capita ~$2,050 — moderate. Slight increase due to population growth and infrastructure bonds but kept reasonable.
TX Bond Review Board Annual Report 2024; Census Population Estimates
2
CAFR/ACFR published on time
TX Comptroller publishes ACFR within statutory deadlines. FY2024 ACFR (ending Aug 31, 2024) released Feb 28, 2025. Includes Independent Auditor's Report, Management Discussion & Analysis, and Statistical Section. FY2025 ACFR also published on schedule. Earned unmodified (clean) audit opinion consistently throughout Abbott's tenure. Reports accessible via comptroller.texas.gov transparency portal.
TX Comptroller ACFR Publication Records; comptroller.texas.gov/transparency/reports/comprehensive-annual-financial/
3
Audit findings — material weaknesses
TX State Auditor found some findings related to HHSC Medicaid program controls and ERCOT oversight gaps. No adverse opinions but repeated findings on specific agencies.
TX State Auditor Office Reports 2020-2025
2
Federal grant fund accounting
Federal grants generally managed within compliance. Some FEMA PA accounting issues post-Hurricane Harvey but resolved. No suspended grants.
TX Comptroller Federal Funds Reports; FEMA PA Records — Texas
2
Anti-fraud controls — federal programs
TX Workforce Commission had pandemic UI fraud issues (~$8B in estimated fraud) but less severe than largest states. Implemented identity verification faster than some states. OIG investigations ongoing.
TX Workforce Commission OIG Reports; DOL OIG Pandemic UI Fraud Data — Texas
2
Tax revenue vs expenditure alignment
Texas has run consistent surpluses driven by oil/gas severance taxes and sales tax growth. $32.7B surplus in 2023 biennium. No state income tax. Revenue consistently exceeded expenditures.
TX Comptroller Revenue Reports; TX LBB Fiscal Size-Up 2024-25
3
Capital budget execution rate
TxDOT awarded $13.6B+ in highway improvement projects in FY2023. I-35 expansion in Austin and Dallas proceeding. FY2026-27 capital budget: $982.4M for IT, building construction, and equipment. Some delays on state psychiatric hospital construction (Austin State Hospital rebuild behind schedule). Water infrastructure: $1.5B IIJA allocation for clean water deployed. Supply chain inflation increased costs 15-20%.
TxDOT Financial Publications; TxDOT UTP 2024; TX HHSC Capital Budget Status; IIJA Water Allocation Data
2
Vendor/contractor oversight
Operation Lone Star border spending lacked normal procurement oversight — $11B+ spent with limited competitive bidding for some contracts. State Auditor flagged contractor oversight gaps in border operations.
TX State Auditor Report; TX LBB Operation Lone Star Spending Reports
1
Federal funding maximization
TX captured substantial federal funds including IIJA infrastructure dollars. However, refused Medicaid expansion — leaving an estimated $100B+ in federal funds unclaimed over the decade. Mixed record.
USASpending.gov — Texas; CMS Medicaid Expansion Estimates; Census Federal Aid to States
2
Program eligibility verification systems
TWC implemented identity verification for UI claims. HHSC eligibility systems functional. Some backlogs in SNAP/Medicaid processing.
TX HHSC Eligibility Operations Reports; TX Workforce Commission UI Data
2
Signature legislation enacted
Major legislation: SB 8 (heartbeat abortion ban 2021), permitless carry (HB 1927, 2021), property tax reform (SB 2, 2019), school choice (HB 1, 2023). Significant legislative wins but highly partisan.
TX Legislature Online — Bill History
2
Veto override rate
Zero vetoes overridden during tenure. Abbott has used veto power effectively including full-article vetoes.
TX Legislature Journal; Governor's Veto Records
3
Bipartisan bills signed
Most major legislation passed on party-line votes with R supermajority. Limited bipartisan work. Even popular measures like property tax reform had partisan divides.
TX Legislature Vote Records 2015-2025
1
Special sessions called
Called SEVEN special sessions in 2021 alone (most since 1990s). Democrats fled state to break quorum on voting bill, requiring repeated sessions. Additional special sessions for redistricting and border. Excessive special session usage.
TX Governor's Office Proclamations; TX Legislature Special Session Records 2021
1
Executive orders — legal challenges
Multiple EOs challenged in court. Border buoy/razor wire EOs challenged by DOJ — went to SCOTUS (US v. Texas). COVID reopening EOs challenged. Mask mandate ban for schools challenged by multiple districts. Mixed legal record.
US v. Texas (border barrier); TX court dockets; SCOTUS 23-726
1
Line-item veto usage
Used line-item veto to DEFUND the entire legislative branch budget in 2021 after Democrats walked out. Unprecedented — used veto as political weapon rather than fiscal tool. Funding restored in special session.
TX Governor's Line-Item Veto — Article X (2021 Session); TX Legislature Budget Records
1
Regulatory burden change
Texas maintains low regulatory burden — ranked among top 5 business-friendly states. Signed HB 20 (2021) regulating social media platforms with 50M+ monthly users, prohibiting viewpoint-based content removal. Law blocked by federal court, partially upheld by 5th Circuit, reached SCOTUS (Moody v. NetChoice). Signed ERCOT reform regulations (SB 3, 2021). No new major regulatory agencies created. Maintained no state income tax framework.
TX HB 20 (87th Leg.); Moody v. NetChoice (SCOTUS); TX Secretary of State Administrative Code; Chief Executive Magazine Best/Worst States Survey
2
Budget negotiation success
Biennial budgets passed on time every session (2015-2025). $321.7B budget for 2024-25 biennium (21.5% increase over prior). No government shutdowns. Negotiated $32.7B surplus deployment for property tax relief and $18B Prop 4 package (2023). Effective R-majority negotiations though school voucher push required special sessions and primary threats to dissenting R members.
TX LBB Fiscal Size-Up 2024-25; TX Legislature Session Records; TX Comptroller Surplus Data
3
Bill signing rate on popular legislation
Signed $18B property tax relief (Prop 4, 2023) — supported by 83% of voters. Signed $85B TxDOT transportation plan. Signed HB 1 (2023) school choice vouchers after years of battles. Also signed highly polarizing SB 8 heartbeat bill (2021), permitless carry (HB 1927), social media regulation (HB 20). UT/TX Tribune polls show property tax relief popular across parties; social legislation deeply divisive.
TX Secretary of State Prop 4 Results (Nov 2023); TX Legislature Records; UT/TX Tribune Poll 2023
2
Legislative relationship
Generally productive with R supermajority. Some intra-party tensions over school vouchers — Abbott actively primaried Republican opponents. Contentious approach to legislative independence.
TX Legislature Bill Counts; Campaign Finance Records
2
Implementation of voter-approved measures
Implemented Prop 4 (2023) property tax relief ($18B package). Implemented voter-approved constitutional amendments. Generally compliant.
TX Secretary of State Proposition Results; TX Comptroller Implementation Reports
2
Task force follow-through
Post-Uvalde school safety task force recommendations partially implemented. ERCOT reform task force led to some changes but grid still vulnerable (2023 winter showed continued risk). Border task force ongoing but costs spiraling.
TX School Safety Center Reports; ERCOT Reform Implementation; TX LBB Border Spending
1
Policy reversals under pressure
Generally consistent policy positions once adopted. Key reversal: issued statewide mask mandate (GA-29, Jul 2020), then banned mask mandates entirely (GA-38, May 2021) as political winds shifted. Initially supported some COVID restrictions, then pivoted to 'fully open' stance. Briefly supported raising age to buy AR-15s after Uvalde, then dropped it under NRA pressure. Border policy stance has only escalated over time, never retreated.
Governor's Executive Orders GA-29, GA-38; Governor's statements post-Uvalde May 2022; NRA-ILA response records
2
Appointee criminal/ethics issues
AG Ken Paxton (Abbott ally) was impeached by TX House in 2023 on corruption charges (acquitted by Senate). ERCOT board members resigned in disgrace after Winter Storm Uri. PUC chair resigned. Multiple appointee controversies.
TX House Impeachment Records 2023; ERCOT Board Resignations Feb 2021; PUC Records
1
Agency head vacancy rate
Agency head positions generally filled across ~800 appointed positions. Post-Winter Storm Uri: ERCOT CEO Bill Magness fired, entire ERCOT board reconstituted. PUC Chair DeAnn Walker resigned under pressure. Abbott replaced PUC with Peter Lake, then Will McAdams. HHSC leadership stable under Cecile Young (2016-2024). TX Business Court appointments made on schedule (Sep 2024). Some vacancies on smaller boards.
Governor's Appointment Records; ERCOT Board Reconstitution 2021; PUC Leadership Changes 2021
2
State employee turnover
TX state employee turnover ~18-20% annually statewide. TDCJ crisis: 31% annual guard turnover, 97% attrition among first-year COs, 28% overall vacancy rate with 40+ units exceeding 40% vacancy. TDCJ spent $277M on CO overtime in FY2023 and $14M relocating staff. Sunset Commission (2024) found 'serious and systemic deficiencies in human resources functions.' Clements Unit reached 55% vacancy. CPS/DFPS also critically understaffed.
TX State Auditor Workforce Report; TX Sunset Commission TDCJ Review 2024; TDCJ Staffing Reports FY2023
2
Diversity of appointments
Appointments criticized as lacking diversity. Judicial appointments skew heavily white and male compared to state demographics. TX is majority-minority state.
TX Governor's Appointment Records; TX Tribune Appointment Analysis
1
Judicial appointment quality
Made 400+ judicial appointments over 11 years. Appointed inaugural TX Business Court judges (Sep 2024, effective Sep 1). Most appointees rated qualified by State Bar evaluation committees. Appointed 3 to Harris County district courts (2024). Former TX Supreme Court justice himself (1996-2001). Criticized for ideological screening — appointees overwhelmingly conservative, few minority judges relative to TX demographics (majority-minority state). Ballotpedia tracks 100+ judicial appointments.
TX State Bar Judicial Evaluation; Ballotpedia Judges Appointed by Greg Abbott; TX Business Court Appointments Sep 2024
2
State workforce pay competitiveness
TX state employee pay among lowest nationally. 5% across-the-board raise in 2023 budget after years of flat pay. TDCJ starting corrections officer pay uncompetitive — contributing to 40%+ vacancy rates.
TX State Auditor Compensation Report; TX TDCJ Staffing Reports; BLS OES TX Data
1
Whistleblower protection
TX Whistleblower Act (Government Code Ch. 554) protects public employees reporting law violations. Provides reinstatement, lost wages, attorney fees. 90-day presumption of retaliation if adverse action follows report. Covers all state/local government employees. State Auditor fraud hotline operational. No high-profile gubernatorial retaliation cases documented. However, HB 3893 (2025) proposed to strengthen protections, suggesting gaps in current framework. Private sector workers not covered.
TX Government Code Ch. 554; TX State Auditor Hotline Reports; HB 3893 (89th Legislature)
2
Inspector General independence
TX State Auditor appointed by Legislative Audit Committee (not the governor) since 1943 — structurally independent from executive branch. Six-member LAC co-chaired by Lt. Governor and Speaker. Published critical reports on ERCOT grid failures, Operation Lone Star spending, TDCJ staffing crisis, and HHSC program controls. Governor cannot remove or influence State Auditor. Published Reports 22-320, 23-315, 24-318, 25-555 covering key agency audits.
TX Government Code Ch. 321; TX State Auditor Office Reports 2021-2025; sao.texas.gov
2
State employee morale
Low pay and high workloads contributing to morale issues. TDCJ and CPS staffing crises indicate systemic morale problems. Employee surveys show below-average satisfaction.
TX HRD Employee Survey; TX TDCJ Staffing Crisis Reports
1
Nepotism/cronyism
No documented nepotism (family hiring) in state government. However, TX Tribune analysis found 71+ of ~800 Abbott appointees donated $2,500+ totaling $8.6M combined. Oil tycoon Paul Foster (ERCOT chair post-Uri) donated $2.1M+. Syed Javaid Anwar (Higher Ed Board) donated $1M+. Kelcy Warren (Parks & Wildlife) donated $700K+. Pay-to-play reform bill (2017) to disqualify major donors from appointments died in TX Senate. No formal nepotism violations.
TX Ethics Commission Records; TX Tribune Appointment/Donor Analysis 2022; HB 'Pay-to-Play' Bill (2017)
3
Senior staff criminal charges
No senior gubernatorial staff charged with crimes during 11+ years in office. Chief of Staff Daniel Hodge (resigned 2017) left without legal issues. Subsequent chiefs of staff served without criminal charges. DC Attorney General investigated migrant busing program (2022) for potential fraud against migrants but no charges filed against Abbott or staff. No federal, state, or local criminal charges against any senior governor's office personnel.
Court Records; TX AG Records; DC AG Investigation 2022 (ProPublica)
3
Agency performance accountability
ERCOT performance was catastrophic during Winter Storm Uri but Abbott initially deflected blame. CPS/DFPS caseworker shortage led to child safety failures — children died in state care. TDCJ staffing crisis ongoing.
ERCOT After-Action Reports; DFPS Fatality Data; TDCJ Staffing Reports
1
Disaster declaration timeliness
Timely declarations for Hurricane Harvey (2017), Winter Storm Uri (2021), subsequent hurricanes and wildfires. Emergency declarations issued promptly.
TX Governor's Office Disaster Declarations; FEMA Disaster Records — Texas
3
FEMA Public Assistance secured
Secured massive FEMA assistance: $25B+ for Hurricane Harvey alone. FEMA PA for Winter Storm Uri, subsequent storms. Effective federal coordination for disaster declarations.
FEMA PA Records — Texas 2015-2025; FEMA-4332-DR (Harvey)
3
Emergency reserve adequacy
Economic Stabilization Fund (Rainy Day Fund) at $27.2B — largest in nation. Adequate reserves for emergencies.
TX Comptroller ESF Reports
3
Lives lost — preventable from state failure
WINTER STORM URI (February 2021): 246+ Texans died. ERCOT grid collapsed — 4.5 million homes lost power for days in sub-freezing temperatures. People froze to death in their homes. Carbon monoxide poisoning from desperate indoor heating attempts. Water systems failed statewide. ERCOT board and PUC (Abbott appointees) had failed to require winterization despite 2011 warning after similar but smaller event. Federal investigators found ERCOT was 4 minutes 37 seconds from TOTAL grid collapse that would have taken months to restore. CATASTROPHIC, PREVENTABLE state failure.
TX DSHS Winter Storm Uri Death Count (revised 2022: 246); FERC/NERC Joint Inquiry Report (Nov 2021); ERCOT Emergency Operations Data Feb 13-20, 2021; BLS/Census excess mortality data
0
Post-disaster recovery
Hurricane Harvey recovery ongoing but progressing. GLO administered $4.3B in HUD CDBG-DR funds. Some delays and controversies over distribution. Winter Storm Uri recovery relatively fast once power restored.
TX GLO CDBG-DR Reports; HUD Harvey Recovery Data; FEMA IA Records
2
Public health emergency response
COVID: TX lifted mask mandate March 2021 (among first states). Reopened early. TX had among highest COVID death rates per capita in summer 2021 Delta wave. Limited public health infrastructure in rural areas. DSHS contact tracing overwhelmed.
CDC COVID Data Tracker — Texas; TX DSHS COVID Dashboard; TX DSHS Epidemiology Reports
1
Infrastructure failure prevention
ERCOT GRID FAILURE: Texas power grid (uniquely isolated from national grid) collapsed during Winter Storm Uri. 4.5M homes without power, some for 4+ days in sub-zero temperatures. Water treatment plants failed statewide. THIS WAS PREVENTABLE: After 2011 winter storm (smaller but similar), FERC/NERC recommended mandatory winterization. TX made it VOLUNTARY. ERCOT board (Abbott appointees) did not require generators to winterize. Grid was 4m37s from total collapse. SB 3 (2021 reform) still criticized as insufficient — 2023 winter storm again strained grid.
FERC/NERC Joint Inquiry Nov 2021; ERCOT Feb 2021 Operations Report; SB 3 (87th Legislature); PUCT Weatherization Rules
0
National Guard deployment appropriateness
Guard deployed for Harvey, border operations (Operation Lone Star), Winter Storm Uri. Border deployment largest peacetime Guard deployment in TX history — some Guard members complained of extended deployments and suicide concerns.
TX Military Department Records; Operation Lone Star Deployment Data
2
Emergency communication
During Winter Storm Uri, communication was poor — ERCOT initially downplayed severity. Abbott initially blamed wind turbines (false — gas plant failures were primary cause). Misleading public statements early in crisis.
ERCOT Public Statements Feb 2021; FERC/NERC findings on generation failures; Governor's statements Feb 15-17, 2021
1
Interagency coordination
Uri exposed coordination failures between ERCOT, PUC, Railroad Commission (gas regulation), and TDEM. No agency had clear authority over the gas-electric nexus. Post-storm reforms attempted to address but gaps remain.
FERC/NERC Joint Inquiry; TX Sunset Advisory Commission Reviews — ERCOT/PUC/RRC
1
Pandemic response metrics
TX COVID death rate among higher nationally during Delta/Omicron waves. Per capita deaths exceeded national average. Early reopening correlated with higher wave peaks. But: economy recovered faster than heavily locked-down states.
CDC COVID Data Tracker — Texas; BLS Employment Recovery Data — Texas
1
Disaster preparedness & emergency infrastructure
Post-2021 winter storm reforms (SB 3) required grid winterization but enforcement questioned. TX Energy Fund ($5B) created for dispatchable generation. Grid remains isolated from national interconnects. Hurricane preparedness standard for Gulf state.
ERCOT; TX PUC; TX Division of Emergency Management
2
FOIA/open records compliance
TX Public Information Act compliance criticized. Governor's office slow on requests related to border operations and Winter Storm Uri communications. AG Paxton's office (handling PIA rulings) had massive backlog — 11,000+ ruling requests pending.
TX AG Open Records Division Backlog Data; Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas Reports
1
Governor's schedule availability
Governor's public schedule available through gov.texas.gov. Formal PIA requests handled by General Counsel Division at 1100 San Jacinto, Austin. Online PIA request form available. However, schedule detail limited compared to some states — no real-time daily calendar publication. Private meetings and donor events not always disclosed. Media access to schedule controlled through press office, not independently published.
gov.texas.gov/pir-info; TX Governor's Office Website; TX Public Information Act
2
Campaign finance compliance
Campaign finance reports filed with TX Ethics Commission — 13,400+ pages for Texans for Greg Abbott PAC alone. Raised $130M+ since 2018 reelection, $69.5M in 2022 cycle. $32M+ cash on hand as of Dec 2023. Top donor: S. Javaid Anwar (oil). 2022 race vs Beto O'Rourke was among most expensive gubernatorial races in US history ($200M+ combined). No TEC violations. All filings within legal limits — TX has no contribution caps for individuals.
TX Ethics Commission Campaign Finance Reports; Ballotpedia TX Gov 2022 Fundraising; TransparencyUSA.org
2
Financial disclosure
Personal Financial Statements filed with TX Ethics Commission as required by Gov Code. However, in 2015 Abbott signed a bill (SB 19) that WEAKENED disclosure requirements — exempting details of blind trusts and certain holdings. American Oversight filed records requests for Abbott's financial statements. TX Ethics Commission provides PFS copies only upon specific request, not proactively published online. Abbott receives $8.9M settlement income (structured payments from 1984 injury lawsuit). Disclosure form covers income sources, real property, and board memberships.
TX Ethics Commission PFS Forms; SB 19 (84th Legislature 2015); American Oversight records request; TX Tribune PFS analysis
2
Open meetings compliance
No TX Open Meetings Act (Gov Code Ch. 551) violations attributed to governor's office. During COVID, Abbott suspended certain TOMA provisions (Mar 2020) allowing telephonic/video meetings — restored after pandemic. OMA violations occurred at local level (Angelina County officials indicted 2022, Carroll ISD trustees indicted 2021, Fort Worth City Council violations 2021-22) but none tied to governor's office. AG publishes OMA Handbook (2026 edition) and operates hotline (1-877-673-6839).
TX AG Open Meetings Decisions; Governor's COVID Suspension Orders 2020; AG OMA Handbook 2026
3
Open data portal
Texas Open Data Portal (data.texas.gov) maintained by DIR. SB 819 (2019) mandated all state agencies use portal for transparency. Sections: business/economy, public safety, education, transportation, energy/environment, permits/licensing. TX Comptroller transparency portal recognized by Harvard Innovations in American Government award. Comptroller search tool covers datasets back to 1993. However, Operation Lone Star spending data and border contract details poorly represented on portal.
data.texas.gov; SB 819 (86th Legislature); TX Comptroller Open Data; TX DIR Open Data Portal
2
Budget transparency
LBB publishes Fiscal Size-Up biennially — 2024-25 edition details $321.7B budget (21.5% increase). Document available free online as PDF. LBB also publishes Federal Funds Watch, Issue Briefs, and comparative state data. Comptroller publishes Biennial Revenue Estimate and transparency reports. Legislative budget hearings open to public. However, 2024-25 Fiscal Size-Up had unexplained publication delay. Operation Lone Star spending not fully detailed in standard LBB publications.
TX LBB Fiscal Size-Up 2024-25; TX Comptroller Budget Data; lbb.texas.gov
2
Lobbying disclosure
TX Ethics Commission maintains lobbyist registration and activity reports. 2025 registration threshold: $1,930 compensation/$970 expenditure. Annual and monthly activity reports required. Expenditure data searchable back to 1993. Registration lists published by year (2021-2025 cycle online). New foreign adversary lobbying ban enacted — prohibits lobbyist compensation from Chinese/Russian-linked entities. However, ethics reform bills to strengthen revolving door and pay-to-play rules repeatedly failed (2015, 2017).
TX Ethics Commission Lobbyist Reports; ethics.state.tx.us; 2025 Lobby Registration Schedule
3
IG report publication
State Auditor reports published at sao.texas.gov (searchable database). Reports include agency-specific audits, statewide compliance, and workforce reports. HHSC OIG published fraud reports: FY2023 PFI team opened 2,118 preliminary investigations, 866 referred to AG Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. OIG Fraud Hotline received 7,223 contacts in Q2 FY2024, generating 1,288 referrals. Joint Annual Interagency Coordination Report published covering OIG/AG collaboration. Reports freely accessible online.
sao.texas.gov; oig.hhs.texas.gov/reports; TX HHSC OIG FY2023-24 Data
2
Legislative audit cooperation
Generally cooperated with State Auditor and Sunset Advisory Commission reviews. Sunset Commission reviewed 21 agencies in 2023 cycle; 88th Legislature adopted 95% of statutory recommendations. 2024-25 cycle reviewed 12 entities, identified $135.4M in savings over five years. 89th Legislature adopted 78% of statutory recommendations. Sunset reviews covered TDCJ, state lottery, technology/cybersecurity, and ethics system. Governor's agencies participated in required Sunset reviews without obstruction.
TX Sunset Advisory Commission 2022-23 and 2024-25 Cycle Reports; sunset.texas.gov
2
Press conference accessibility
Abbott held press conferences but criticized for limited Q&A during Winter Storm Uri crisis and for border operation opacity. Selective media access to border areas.
Governor's Office Media Schedule; TX Press Association
1
State contract transparency
Operation Lone Star contracts had limited transparency. Border wall construction contracts with reduced oversight. Emergency procurement for border operations bypassed normal processes.
TX Comptroller Contract Records; TX LBB Operation Lone Star Reports
1
Court order compliance
Defied federal court orders on border barriers. Supreme Court ruled against TX buoy barrier in Rio Grande (US v. Texas) but Abbott continued deploying barriers. Aggressive posture toward federal court authority on immigration.
US v. Texas (5th Circuit/SCOTUS); Biden v. Texas court orders
1
Personal criminal charges
No criminal charges against Abbott personally in 11+ years as governor. DC AG Karl Racine opened investigation (Oct 2022) into migrant busing program for potential fraud against transported migrants, but no charges resulted. Public Citizen watchdog reported $1B+ in no-bid contracts to donors, but no criminal referrals. Abbott served as AG (2002-2015) and TX Supreme Court Justice (1996-2001) without charges. No federal, state, or DOJ investigations targeting Abbott personally.
Court Records; DOJ; DC AG Investigation 2022 (ProPublica/TX Tribune); Public Citizen Reports
3
Ethics complaints — substantiated
No substantiated ethics complaints against Abbott personally at TX Ethics Commission across 11+ years. TEC complaints process allows citizens to file — none sustained against governor. Partisan critics have alleged donor-favoritism in appointments (71+ appointees donated $8.6M combined per TX Tribune analysis) and border contract conflicts, but TEC found no formal violations. Abbott's personal ethics record clean at the commission level despite intense political scrutiny.
TX Ethics Commission Records; TX Tribune Donor-Appointee Analysis 2022
3
Gift/travel disclosure
Gift and travel disclosures filed per TX Ethics Commission requirements. Abbott receives structured settlement income ($8.9M total from 1984 injury) reported on PFS. Travel for official business and political events disclosed. However, Abbott signed SB 19 (2015) weakening overall PFS disclosure requirements. American Oversight filed formal records requests for Abbott financial statements. TX requires disclosure of gifts over $250 from registered lobbyists.
TX Ethics Commission Records; SB 19 (84th Legislature); American Oversight FOIA Request
2
Conflict of interest
No documented conflicts of interest. Prior settlement from tree-falling lawsuit ($14.3M, 1984) — Abbott later signed tort reform limiting similar suits (ethical concern raised but not legally a conflict).
TX Ethics Commission; Court Records
3
State resources for political purposes
Operation Lone Star ($11B+) criticized as politically motivated — migrant busing program to Democratic cities used state funds for political messaging. Busing migrants to DC, NYC, Chicago cost TX taxpayers millions.
TX LBB Operation Lone Star Cost Reports; TX TDEM Migrant Transport Records
1
Truthfulness in official statements
Falsely blamed wind turbines for Winter Storm Uri grid failure — FERC/NERC found 87% of outages were from gas, coal, and nuclear plants failing. Misleading statements about border crime statistics (used incomplete data). Claimed grid was fixed after reforms — 2023 winter showed continued vulnerability.
FERC/NERC Joint Inquiry (gas/coal/nuclear = 87% of outages); Governor's statements Feb 16, 2021; DPS Crime Statistics
1
Protection of ethics infrastructure
TX Ethics Commission maintained and funded throughout tenure. TEC administers campaign finance, lobbyist registration, PFS filing, and advisory opinions. Abbott declared ethics reform an emergency issue in 2015 and 2017 sessions, but major reform bills died both times — revolving door bill stripped of cooling-off period. TEC staffing and budget adequate but not expanded. 2024-25 Sunset review covered TX ethics disclosure system. No direct efforts to undermine TEC authority or independence.
TX Ethics Commission Budget Records; SB 19/HB Ethics Bills (84th-85th Legislature); TX Sunset Commission 2024-25
2
Emoluments/self-dealing
No documented self-dealing or personal enrichment from office. Abbott's primary income is structured settlement from 1984 injury ($8.9M total, monthly + lump payments adjusted for inflation). Ethical concern raised: Abbott received large personal injury settlement, then as AG and governor supported tort reform capping similar awards for others (HB 4, 2003 med-mal cap of $250K). However, this is policy hypocrisy, not self-dealing from office. No business interests conflicting with official duties found.
TX Ethics Commission Financial Disclosures; TX Tribune Settlement Analysis 2013; HB 4 (78th Legislature)
3
Campaign donor to state contract pipeline
Multiple reports documented connections between major Abbott donors and state contracts, particularly in border operations and energy sector. Kelcy Warren (Energy Transfer Partners CEO, major donor) — energy company benefited from regulatory environment. Pattern of donor-to-contract relationships documented.
TX Ethics Commission Campaign Finance; TX Comptroller Contract Database
1
Foreign influence
No foreign influence concerns regarding Abbott personally. No FARA registrations connected to governor's office. Abbott has been PROACTIVE against foreign influence: issued 3 executive orders (Nov 2024) targeting Chinese government operations in Texas (Operation Fox Hunt interdiction), hardening state government IT systems, and protecting critical infrastructure. Signed legislation (2025) banning lobbyist compensation from foreign adversary clients. Banned TikTok on state devices. No foreign government financial ties.
DOJ FARA Database; Governor's Executive Orders Nov 2024; TX Foreign Adversary Legislation 2025
3
Sexual harassment claims
No sexual harassment claims filed against the governor or governor's office staff during 11+ years in office. TX Workforce Commission handles state employee complaints; no sustained findings involving governor's office personnel. Governor's office has standard workplace policies. No settlements, no allegations in media or court filings. Clean record in this category across all three terms.
TX Workforce Commission Records; Court Records; Governor's Office HR Records
3
Records preservation
No documented records destruction issues. TX State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) enforces Government Code Ch. 441 requiring agencies to maintain records management programs. State Records Retention Schedule (5th Edition, effective May 2020) sets minimum retention periods. Governor's office records subject to TX Public Information Act. American Oversight filed litigation against Abbott and AG Paxton over communications records access, but issue was delay/withholding, not destruction.
TX State Library and Archives Commission; TSLAC Records Retention Schedule 5th Ed.; American Oversight v. Abbott/Paxton litigation
3
Revolving door
Revolving door patterns documented but legal. Chief of Staff Daniel Hodge (resigned 2017) became one of TX's highest-paid lobbyists shortly after. Abbott appointed Mike Toomey (Rick Perry's former CoS, major lobbyist) as COO of COVID Strike Force reopening task force. Abbott declared revolving door reform an emergency in 2015 and 2017, but cooling-off period provision stripped from ethics reform bills both sessions. TX has no mandatory cooling-off period for senior officials becoming lobbyists. No formal violations but notable patterns.
TX Ethics Commission Records; Sunlight Foundation TX Revolving Door 2015; TX Tribune Ethics Reform 2017; TX Observer Strike Force Analysis
3
Fraud losses in state programs
~$8B estimated pandemic UI fraud losses through TX Workforce Commission. Less than worst states but still significant. HHSC Medicaid fraud also ongoing concern.
DOL OIG Pandemic UI Fraud — Texas; TX HHSC OIG Fraud Reports
1
Program integrity — eligibility verification
TWC implemented ID.me verification for UI. HHSC eligibility systems functional. TX has stricter eligibility requirements than many states.
TWC UI Program Integrity Reports; TX HHSC Eligibility Data
2
IT system modernization
ERCOT IT systems failed to model cascading grid failure during Uri. HHSC eligibility system (TIERS) had chronic issues. TWC UI system overwhelmed during pandemic. DIR oversight improved but IT infrastructure lagging.
TX DIR IT Assessment Reports; ERCOT Technology Review; TWC System Performance Data
1
Permit processing timeliness
TX Railroad Commission processes oil/gas drilling permits in 2-4 business days (expedited: 2 days, standard: 4 days). Issued 709 original drilling permits in Mar 2024 alone (644 new wells, 22 re-entries). Injection/disposal permits: 30-day initial review, 15-day final review. Business-friendly permitting environment ranked among fastest nationally. Construction permits relatively quick — TX added more building permits than any state in 2023. Oil/gas regulatory efficiency helps maintain TX as top energy producer.
TX RRC Permit Data 2024; TX RRC Drilling Statistics; Census Building Permits — TX 2023
2
Child welfare system
DFPS CRISIS: Federal judge found TX foster care system violates children's constitutional rights (M.D. ex rel. Stukenberg v. Abbott). Children sleeping in CPS offices. Chronic caseworker vacancies (30%+). Children died in state care. Federal court monitor found 'pervasive' failures. System has been under federal oversight since 2015.
M.D. ex rel. Stukenberg v. Abbott (S.D. Tex.); DFPS Data Book 2024; Federal Court Monitor Reports
0
Medicaid program management
TX has NOT expanded Medicaid — highest uninsured rate in nation (16.6%). 5.6M Texans uninsured. Among those covered, managed care issues documented. CMS flagged TX for Medicaid eligibility processing delays.
Census ACS TX Uninsured Rate; CMS Medicaid Reviews — Texas; TX HHSC Medicaid Data
1
Environmental program
TCEQ enforcement actions declined during tenure. EPA found TX not meeting some Clean Air Act implementation targets. Permian Basin methane emissions among highest nationally. Air quality in Houston corridor remains problematic.
EPA State Program Evaluations — Texas; TCEQ Enforcement Data; EPA AQI Data — Houston/DFW
1
Transportation project delivery
TxDOT delivered major highway projects on schedule. I-35 expansion in Austin proceeding. $85B 10-year transportation plan. Among better-performing state DOTs.
TxDOT Unified Transportation Program; FHWA Project Delivery Data — Texas
2
Unemployment insurance system
TWC overwhelmed during pandemic — 1M+ claim backlog. System crashed. Call centers unreachable. Some improvement post-pandemic but UI benefit levels among lowest nationally ($577/week max).
TWC UI Performance Data; DOL UI Weekly Claims — Texas
1
Veterans services
TX Veterans Commission services adequate. Large veteran population (1.7M). Hazlewood Act provides education benefits. VA federal facilities in TX have had quality issues but state programs functional.
TX Veterans Commission Annual Reports; VA State Data — Texas
2
Housing program effectiveness
TX housing costs rising rapidly — median home price up 40%+ since 2019. Austin, Dallas, Houston all seeing affordability crisis. Homelessness increasing. HB 2127 (2023) preempted local housing regulations. Limited state housing programs.
Census ACS TX Housing Data; HUD PIT Count — Texas; TX TDHCA Reports
1
Corrections system
TDCJ CRISIS: Chronic understaffing — 40%+ correctional officer vacancy rate. Multiple inmate deaths from heat (no air conditioning in most TX prisons — temperatures exceed 110F). Federal investigations into conditions. Officer suicides elevated. State failed to implement air conditioning despite legislative funding.
TDCJ Staffing Reports; TX State Auditor TDCJ Review; BJS NPS — Texas; TDCJ Mortality Data
0
Federal funding captured
TX received $28B in IIJA funding (2nd highest after CA's $32.7B): $12.6B for transportation, $3.3B for BEAD broadband (largest state allocation), $1.5B for water infrastructure including $368M for lead pipe replacement, $108.5M for orphaned well capping. ARPA funds also captured. BUT: refused Medicaid expansion — leaving estimated $100B+ in federal funds unclaimed over decade. 5.6M uninsured. Largest single voluntary federal funding refusal by any state. Mixed record overall.
USASpending.gov — Texas; IIJA State Allocation Data; GAO-25-107243; Census Federal Aid to States
2
Federal corrective action plans
Federal court oversight of foster care system. DOL corrective actions on UI fraud. EPA enforcement actions on environmental compliance. Multiple federal interventions.
M.D. ex rel. Stukenberg v. Abbott; DOL OIG; EPA Enforcement — Texas
1
Interstate cooperation
TX belongs to 34 interstate compacts — including Nurse Licensure Compact (1999), EMS Compact (2015), Physical Therapy Compact (2017), Psychology Compact (2019), Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (2022). Red River Compact with AR/LA/OK. Multi-state border cooperation on security. BUT: migrant busing program ($221.7M, 102,000+ migrants to NYC/Chicago/Denver/DC/LA) created severe tensions with receiving cities. Sent buses without coordination — NYC/Chicago declared emergencies. Left ERIC voter compact Jul 2023.
CSG National Center for Interstate Compacts — Texas; TDEM Migrant Transport Records; TX Tribune Busing Cost Data Feb 2024
2
Local government relations
Significant preemption of local authority. HB 2127 (2023 'Death Star Bill') broadly preempted local ordinances on labor, environment, finance. Banned local mask mandates. Overrode Austin's homeless camping ban decisions. Pattern of state override of local governance.
HB 2127 (88th Legislature); TX Legislature Local Preemption Bills
1
Federal litigation costs
MASSIVE federal litigation spending. TX AG filed 100+ lawsuits against federal government. Border barrier litigation (US v. Texas) went to SCOTUS. Immigration litigation ongoing. Operation Lone Star constitutional challenges. Estimated $100M+ in litigation costs. Most litigious state-federal posture in nation.
TX AG Litigation Records; TX Comptroller Legal Expenditures; US v. Texas docket
0
Constituent inquiry response
Governor's Constituent Communication Division handles inquiries via: toll-free hotline (800-843-5789 for TX callers), Austin line (512-463-1782), main switchboard (512-463-2000, 8am-5pm CST), online contact form at gov.texas.gov/contact, and P.O. Box 12428 Austin TX 78711. Offers opinion submission, assistance requests, and PIA filing. Response times not publicly benchmarked. For a state of 30M+ residents, constituent services staffing adequate but no published performance metrics or response time standards.
gov.texas.gov/contact; Governor's Office Constituent Communication Division
3
Town halls held
Limited direct town halls. More press conferences and media appearances than constituent events. Accessibility limited by security protocols.
Governor's Office Schedule
1
Constituent satisfaction
Won reelection 2022 with 54.8% (down from 55.8% in 2018). Approval ratings moderate — Morning Consult mid-40s to low 50s. Polarized — high R approval, low D approval.
TX Secretary of State 2022 Election Results; Morning Consult Governor Approval Raw Data
2
ADA compliance
Abbott, who uses a wheelchair, has been strong on ADA compliance. Personal advocacy for disability access. State facilities generally compliant.
TX Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities; DOJ ADA Reviews
3
Electoral accountability
Won 3 elections: 2014 (59.3%), 2018 (55.8%), 2022 (54.8%). Declining margins suggest increasing competitiveness but still comfortable wins.
TX Secretary of State Election Results 2014, 2018, 2022
2

Section B — State Outcomes 516/975

13 categories measuring real-world outcomes: economic performance, population trends, fiscal health, public safety, education, healthcare, infrastructure, cost of living, transparency, controversy, historical context, constituent satisfaction, and immigration compliance.

BEA SAGDP: TX GDP $2.4T — 2nd largest state economy. GDP growth rate exceeded national average. BLS LAUS: unemployment 4.0% (2024, near national avg). BLS CES: TX added more jobs than any state 2020-2024 (~1.6M). Major corporate relocations TO Texas: Tesla, Oracle, HP Enterprise, Caterpillar, Charles Schwab. BUT: wages lag cost-of-living increases in major metros. Income inequality high. UPDATE (Apr 2026): Abbott opened applications for $350M Texas Advanced Nuclear Development Fund (HB 14) and attended groundbreaking at Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute — major economic development and energy infrastructure investments.
Census 2025: TX population 31.7M after adding 391,243 residents in 2025 (most of any state, 1.2% growth). TX gained ~2.1M residents 2020-2024 — fastest growing large state. IRS SOI: TX gained $30B+ in AGI from inmigration. Net domestic inmigration peaked at 222,154 (2022) but dropped to 67,299 (2025) as growth slowed to lowest clip since 2021. International migration also dropped 48% in 2025. Demographically, 65+ is fastest-growing age group; Hispanics remain largest racial/ethnic group. Projected 42.6M by 2060 (mid-migration scenario, UT San Antonio/TX Demographic Center). Austin, DFW, Houston among fastest growing metros nationally.
AAA credit rating maintained. $27.2B Rainy Day Fund (largest nationally). $32.7B surplus (2023 biennium). No state income tax. Pension improvement (TRS ~79%). BUT: Operation Lone Star cost $11B+. No Medicaid expansion leaves federal dollars unclaimed. Property tax burden rising despite reform efforts.
FBI UCR/DPS 2024: TX violent crime rate 389/100K (8.4% above national avg), down 4.4% from 2023. Property crime rate 2,041/100K (15.9% above national). TX crime declining but remains above US average. Dallas violent crime fell 14.9% and San Antonio fell 15.5% in 2024. Uvalde school shooting (May 2022): 21 killed — 77-minute breach delay, DPS director fired. El Paso Walmart (2019): 23 killed. HB 1 constitutional carry (2021). Fentanyl seizures via OLS among highest nationally. Border crime claims disputed — border counties have LOWER crime rates per FBI data. Multiple mass casualty events during tenure — more than any TX governor in modern history.
NAEP 2022: TX 4th grade math 233 (near national 235), 8th grade math 272 (near 274). Performance roughly at national average — notable given demographics. HS graduation 90.0% (above national 87%). HB 1 (2023) school choice vouchers — too early to assess impact. Teacher pay below national average. Teacher shortages in rural areas.
Census ACS: 16.6% uninsured — HIGHEST in nation. 5.6M Texans lack insurance. No Medicaid expansion. Maternal mortality rate among highest nationally (CDC). Rural hospital closures — 26 rural hospitals closed 2010-2023 (most of any state). Mental health provider shortage acute. Infant mortality 5.5/1K (above national 5.4).
ERCOT grid failure (Uri): 4.5M without power, 246+ deaths. Grid still isolated from national system. ASCE TX Infrastructure Grade: C. TxDOT highway system extensive but urban congestion severe. Broadband: 90% coverage (gaps in rural/border). Water: growing crisis — aquifer depletion, population growth straining supply.
BEA RPP: 97-100 (near national average). Housing: median home ~$290K (2024) — below national but up 40%+ since 2019. No state income tax offsets costs. Austin RPP much higher (~110). Property taxes among highest nationally (no income tax offset). Energy costs volatile — Uri price spikes bankrupted some ratepayers.
TX Public Information Act compliance weak. AG open records backlog exceeded 11K+ requests. Abbott vetoed HB 3418 (2017) that would have required courts to award attorney fees in successful PIA lawsuits. Abbott claimed status as 'member of the public' to shield records (2015). American Oversight sued governor's office (Jun 2022) for PIA non-compliance. TX Tribune investigation (Sep 2023): PIA 'routinely bypassed, ignored or violated' at 50-year mark. HB 4219 (2025) requires written responses even when no responsive docs exist. OLS $11B+ spending lacked normal transparency — border contracts opaque. BUT: LBB budget transparency strong, Comptroller data portal functional, Ethics Commission operational, HB 4214 (2025) requires AG to maintain public PIA address database.
Winter Storm Uri: 246+ dead from grid failure. Uvalde: 21 dead, botched police response. El Paso Walmart massacre (23 dead). Operation Lone Star: $11B+, migrant drowning allegations, buoy/razor wire controversy (SCOTUS case). DFPS foster care federal takeover. TDCJ prison heat deaths. Abortion ban controversies. HB 2127 local preemption backlash. Legislative branch budget veto.
Abbott is one of only two TX governors elected to three consecutive 4-year terms (with Rick Perry). Corporate relocations (Tesla, Oracle, HP Enterprise, Caterpillar, Charles Schwab) and population growth (30M+ crossed) exceptional by any historical standard. AAA credit, $27.2B rainy day fund (largest nationally), no income tax — fiscal management among strongest in TX history. Abbott consolidated power unlike any predecessor per TX Tribune analysis (Oct 2022). BUT: Winter Storm Uri (Feb 2021) was worst infrastructure failure in modern TX history — 246+ dead, 4.5M without power, ERCOT 4 min 37 sec from total collapse. Foster care under federal court oversight (M.D. v. Abbott). Mass shootings: El Paso (23), Uvalde (21), Santa Fe (10) — more mass casualty events than any TX governor. Record-setting 4th GOP nomination won (Mar 2026). Perry served 14 years but never faced comparable crises.
Won 3 elections but margins declining (59.3% — 55.8% — 54.8%). Morning Consult approval mid-40s to low-50s. Polarized reviews — strong R approval, very low D approval. TX increasingly competitive. Won reelection but against relatively weak opponents. Population growth could reflect state economic appeal more than gubernatorial approval.
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Section C — Oath Fidelity +143 (-378 to +378)

126 items scored -3 to +3 measuring fidelity to constitutional oath. Grounded in Supreme Court precedent and constitutional text.

+3Exemplary +2Strong +1Adequate 0Neutral -1Concerning -2Failing -3Hostile

Protection of Life

Declaration of Independence; 5th/14th Amendments
Score: 14 Range: -93 to 93 Items: 31
Violent crime rate trend
TX violent crime rate approximately 400-420 per 100K, near national average. Large state variation (El Paso very safe, Houston elevated). Some recent decline. Abbott signed multiple tough-on-crime bills.
FBI UCR 2023; TX DPS
+1
Homicide rate relative to national average
TX homicide rate approximately 5.5-6.5 per 100K, near national average. Houston, Dallas, San Antonio drive urban crime. Border region crime stable.
FBI UCR 2023; CDC WONDER
0
Homicide clearance rate
TX homicide clearance rate approximately 45-50%, near national average. Large state with huge variation by department. Houston PD improving.
FBI UCR; TX DPS
0
Law enforcement staffing adequacy
TX law enforcement staffing adequate in most areas. Border counties enhanced through Operation Lone Star deployments. DPS significantly expanded.
FBI LEOKA; TX DPS; Operation Lone Star
+1
Drug overdose death rate trend
TX drug overdose death rate approximately 18-22 per 100K, below worst states but increasing. Fentanyl trafficking along border. Rate increased significantly during tenure.
CDC WONDER; TX DSHS
-1
Emergency management preparedness (FEMA rating)
TX Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) generally adequate. Extensive hurricane and severe weather experience.
FEMA SPR; TX TDEM
+1
Preventable mass-casualty event response
Winter Storm Uri (Feb 2021) was catastrophic — 246+ deaths, massive power grid failure, statewide infrastructure collapse. Abbott faced severe criticism for ERCOT oversight failures. Some reforms enacted but grid concerns persist. Response to subsequent hurricanes (Harvey 2017) was more effective.
FEMA; ERCOT; TX TDEM; Uri death toll
-2
Infrastructure safety — bridge and road conditions
TX infrastructure mixed. Massive road network (largest in nation). Some bridge deficiencies but heavy investment. ASCE grade C. Power grid reliability a concern.
FHWA NBI; ASCE TX; ERCOT
0
Water and dam safety compliance
TX water systems face drought challenges. Some compliance issues in rural systems. Expanding desalination. No Flint-level crisis but water scarcity growing.
EPA SDWIS; TX CEQ
0
Healthcare access — uninsured rate
TX uninsured rate approximately 16-18% — highest or near-highest nationally. Abbott rejected Medicaid expansion despite 1.4M+ in coverage gap. Significant healthcare access failure.
Census ACS; KFF; TX Medicaid
-2
Maternal mortality rate
TX maternal mortality rate approximately 30-35 per 100K, above national average. Rural access challenges. Some maternal health investments.
CDC WONDER; TX DSHS
-1
Infant mortality rate
TX infant mortality rate approximately 5.5-6.5 per 1,000, near national average but some populations significantly higher.
CDC WONDER; TX DSHS
-1
Self-defense rights — Castle Doctrine / Stand Your Ground
TX has Castle Doctrine, Stand Your Ground, and constitutional carry (HB 1927, 2021 signed by Abbott). Civil immunity. Among strongest self-defense states.
TX Penal Code §9.31-9.32; HB 1927
+3
Death penalty procedural safeguards
TX maintains death penalty with comprehensive appellate review. DNA access available. Clemency process functional. Active use with procedural safeguards.
DPIC; TX Board of Pardons
+1
Suicide prevention program funding and outcomes
TX suicide rate approximately 13-14 per 100K, near national average. Funded prevention programs. 988 integration.
CDC WISQARS; AFSP TX
0
911/emergency response time adequacy
TX emergency response times average for large state. Urban areas adequate. Rural border areas face long distances.
NFPA; TX EMS
0
Opioid/fentanyl interdiction and treatment funding
TX has opioid response programs. Border interdiction active. Fentanyl seizures massive through Operation Lone Star. Treatment funding moderate.
SAMHSA; TX DPS; Operation Lone Star
0
Veteran suicide and healthcare access
TX has large veteran population and multiple military installations (Fort Cavazos, JBSA, etc.). Texas Veterans Commission provides services. State supplements VA.
VA SAIL; TX TVC
+1
Food safety and foodborne illness enforcement
TX Department of State Health Services food safety adequate. No major outbreaks linked to state inspection failures.
FDA; TX DSHS
+1
Workplace fatality rate
TX workplace fatality rate approximately 4.5-5.5 per 100K FTE. Oil/gas, construction, and agriculture contribute. Above average for large state.
BLS CFOI; OSHA TX
-1
Domestic violence fatality rate and funding
TX has standard domestic violence programs. Rate near national average. Basic services funded.
NNEDV; TX DV data
0
Correctional facility death rate and conditions
TX prison system is largest state system nationally. TDCJ faces overcrowding, staffing shortages, and heat-related deaths (no universal AC). Some DOJ scrutiny. Conditions below standard in older facilities.
BJS mortality; TX TDCJ; DOJ
-1
Pollution-related mortality and environmental health
TX has some EPA nonattainment areas (Houston ozone). Standard EPA delegation to TCEQ. Oil/gas emissions monitoring. Mixed environmental record.
EPA Green Book; TX CEQ
0
Pedestrian and traffic fatality rate
TX traffic fatality rate approximately 1.5-1.7 per 100M VMT, above national average. High-speed rural highways and distracted driving contribute.
NHTSA FARS; TX DOT
-1
Sanctity of life legislative framework
TX enacted comprehensive abortion ban post-Dobbs with trigger law. SB 8 (2021) heartbeat bill preceded Dobbs. Among strongest pro-life frameworks. Clinic regulations maintained.
Guttmacher; TX HB 1280; SB 8
+3
Homeless mortality — exposure deaths, overdoses in encampments, violence
Texas enacted HB 1925 banning public camping statewide. In Oct 2025, Abbott ordered clearing of 48 homeless encampments in Austin. Homelessness count declined in TX in 2024.
HB 1925 (2021); Governor's Oct 2025 Austin operation
+2
Population loss impact on services — EMS/hospital closures, tax base erosion
Texas leads the nation in net domestic migration with 133,000+ net new residents. Population grew by 562,941 in 2023-2024.
Census Bureau population estimates 2024
+2
Police staffing/funding — governor's direct actions on law enforcement
Abbott announced $500M+ in public safety grants. Deployed Texas National Guard to border under Operation Lone Star — $11B total investment.
Governor's public safety grants Dec 2024; Operation Lone Star
+3
Criminal recidivism from early release — parole/clemency, no-cash-bail
Abbott signed 'the strongest bail reform in Texas history' — SB 9, SB 40, HB 75 package restricting cashless bail for violent felonies.
SB 9, SB 40, HB 75 (2025 bail reform)
+2
Prison/shelter housing — biological males in women's facilities
Texas maintains policy of housing inmates based on biological sex. SB 15 signed banning transgender athletes from competing against biological sex in college sports.
SB 15 (2023); TDCJ housing policies
+2
Mental health crisis system — involuntary commitment reform, crisis intervention
Texas has expanded mental health funding through public safety grants. However, Texas ranks near bottom nationally for mental health care access and spending per capita.
Texas HHS mental health data; Mental Health America
+1

Constitutional Rights

Bill of Rights (Amendments I-X); 14th Amendment incorporation
Score: 49 Range: -87 to 87 Items: 29
Second Amendment — right to carry status
TX has constitutional carry (HB 1927, 2021 signed by Abbott). Permitless carry for 21+.
TX HB 1927; USCCA
+3
Second Amendment — semi-automatic rifle restrictions
No restrictions on semi-automatic rifles beyond federal law. TX has Second Amendment sanctuary provisions.
TX statutes; ATF
+2
Second Amendment — magazine capacity restrictions
No magazine capacity restrictions in TX.
TX statutes; NRA-ILA
+2
Second Amendment — Red Flag / ERPO due process
TX has no ERPO/red flag law. Abbott opposed red flag proposals after Uvalde. Strong due process emphasis.
TX statutes; ERPO tracker
+3
First Amendment — campus free speech protections
TX enacted SB 17 (2023) banning DEI offices at public universities. Some campus free speech protections. FIRE mixed ratings.
SB 17; FIRE rankings
+2
First Amendment — anti-SLAPP protections
TX has moderate anti-SLAPP protections (TX CPRC Chapter 27). Fee-shifting and expedited dismissal available.
TX CPRC Ch. 27; Public Participation Project
+1
First Amendment — religious liberty protections
TX has strong religious liberty protections. No formal RFRA but legislative protections for religious exercise. Clergy protection. Church attendance protected during COVID.
Becket Fund; TX legislation
+2
Fourth Amendment — warrant requirements for digital surveillance
TX relies primarily on federal Carpenter standard. No comprehensive state electronic privacy statute.
EFF; TX statutes
0
Fourth Amendment — civil asset forfeiture reform
TX has weak civil asset forfeiture protections. Preponderance standard. Significant equitable sharing. Limited transparency. Among worst states per IJ.
Institute for Justice; TX forfeiture law
-1
Fifth Amendment — eminent domain protections post-Kelo
TX has some post-Kelo reform. Proposition 11 (2009) restricting takings for private benefit.
Castle Coalition; TX Prop 11
+1
Due process — regulatory takings and permitting timelines
TX permitting generally efficient for business. Some construction delays in high-growth areas but overall pro-development.
TX permitting data
+1
Tenth Amendment — federal overreach resistance
Abbott led nation on immigration enforcement with Operation Lone Star ($11B+), border wall construction, busing migrants to sanctuary cities. Filed multiple federal lawsuits. Model 10th Amendment assertion.
Operation Lone Star; multistate litigation
+3
Equal Protection — state contracting nondiscrimination
TX SB 17 banned DEI in university hiring/admissions. Race-neutral contracting emphasized. SFFA compliance.
SB 17; TX procurement; SFFA
+2
Second Amendment — state preemption of local firearms laws
TX has state preemption of local firearms laws. Effective preemption preventing local gun control.
TX Local Gov Code §229.001; NRA-ILA
+2
First Amendment — government transparency and FOIA compliance
TX Public Information Act provides FOIA access. Standard compliance. Some delays documented.
RCFP; TX PIA
+1
Sixth Amendment — public defender funding adequacy
TX public defender system varies significantly by county. Many counties use court-appointed attorneys. Resource constraints in smaller counties.
Sixth Amendment Center; TX Indigent Defense Commission
0
Eighth Amendment — bail reform and pretrial detention
TX bail system reformed with SB 6 (Damon Allen Act, 2021) requiring risk assessment for violent offenders. Improved pretrial safety.
SB 6; Pretrial Justice Institute
+1
Property rights — regulatory burden and economic freedom
TX has no income tax. Low regulatory burden. Strong economic freedom environment. Among most business-friendly states.
Mercatus; CATO; TX tax structure
+2
Second Amendment — governor's litigation posture on firearms cases
TX AG Paxton strongly pro-2A. Files pro-2A amicus briefs. Challenges federal firearms regulations. Supportive litigation posture.
TX AG litigation; amicus filings
+2
First Amendment — compelled speech protections
TX signed anti-compelled speech measures. SB 17 bans mandatory DEI statements. No mandatory pronoun policies.
SB 17; TX legislation
+2
Commerce Clause compliance — interstate trade barriers
TX has reasonable interstate commerce environment. Large trade state. Some licensing barriers.
IJ; TX reciprocity
+1
Privileges and Immunities — occupational licensing reform
TX has moderate licensing reform. Some universal recognition. Military spouse expedited licensing.
IJ License to Work; NCSL
+1
Contract Clause — state compliance with contractual obligations
TX TRS ~79% funded, ERS ~72%. Making ARC payments. Below 80% threshold but improving trajectory. AAA credit rating.
TRS/ERS CAFR; S&P/Moody's/Fitch
+1
Jury trial rights — civil and criminal jury access
Standard jury trial access in TX. Large court system handles high volume.
TX court reports; NCSC
+1
Immigration law compliance — Supremacy Clause adherence
Abbott is national model on immigration enforcement. Operation Lone Star ($11B+). Anti-sanctuary (SB 4, 2017). E-Verify for state agencies. Border wall construction. Busing migrants. Razor wire. Full ICE cooperation.
8 USC §1373; SB 4; Operation Lone Star; FAIR
+3
Qualified immunity / due process for officers
Texas maintains qualified immunity protections for police officers. Signed anti-defund-the-police legislation.
HB 1900 (anti-defund); Texas Civil Practice Code
+2
Voter ID and ballot chain-of-custody
Texas requires photo ID for voting (SB 1). Added ID requirements for mail-in ballots. Over 1 million ineligible voters removed from rolls.
SB 1 (2021); Governor's 1M ineligible voter removal Aug 2024
+3
Non-citizen voting prevention
Abbott signed constitutional amendment resolution making it explicit that only US citizens can vote in Texas elections. 581 confirmed non-citizens identified and removed.
SB 1 (2021); Constitutional amendment resolution 2025
+3
Women's sports / Title IX — biological sex protections in state-funded athletics
Abbott signed SB 15 banning transgender athletes from competing on teams not matching biological sex at college level. Publicly declared Texas would not comply with Biden Title IX revisions.
SB 15 (2023); HB 25 (2021)
+3

Child Welfare & Parental Rights

Meyer v. Nebraska (1923); Pierce v. Society of Sisters (1925); Troxel v. Granville (2000)
Score: 18 Range: -75 to 75 Items: 25
Parental rights legislation — statutory recognition
TX has parental rights protections in education code. Parents' Bill of Rights (HB 900, 2023) regulates library book content. Parental notification requirements.
HB 900; TX education code
+2
Education choice — school choice programs
TX has robust school choice expanding under Abbott. HB 1 (2023 special session attempt) for ESA. Charter schools robust (900+). Tax credit scholarships. Not yet universal ESA but strong effort.
EdChoice TX; NAPCS
+2
Parental notification/consent for medical procedures on minors
TX requires parental consent for abortion and medical procedures on minors. Standard framework.
Guttmacher; TX Family Code
+2
Gender-transition procedures for minors — restrictions
TX enacted SB 14 (2023) banning puberty blockers, hormones, and surgery for gender-transition in minors. Criminal penalties. Among strongest restrictions.
TX SB 14; Reuters tracker
+3
Child abuse and neglect — substantiated case rate trend
TX child abuse rate near national average given large population. DFPS faces staffing challenges. Standard system with some improvement.
ACF NCANDS; TX DFPS
0
Foster care — CFSR conformity assessment
TX CFSR performance mixed. Large state with county variation. Standard improvement plans.
ACF CFSR; TX DFPS
0
Foster care — permanency outcomes
TX foster care system under federal court oversight (M.D. v. Abbott). Some improvements made but consent decree continues. Below standard.
ACF AFCARS; M.D. v. Abbott
0
Child trafficking prevention and prosecution
TX has trafficking statute and funded task force. AG enforcement active. Border proximity creates significant trafficking risk. Prosecution active.
Polaris; Shared Hope; TX AG
+1
Education outcomes — 4th grade NAEP reading proficiency
TX NAEP 4th grade reading approximately 30-32% proficient, near national average. Improvement from prior years.
NCES NAEP 2024
0
Education outcomes — 8th grade NAEP math proficiency
TX NAEP 8th grade math approximately 26-28% proficient, near national average.
NCES NAEP 2024
0
Parental curriculum transparency
TX HB 900 (2023) created library book rating system and enhanced parental access to curriculum. Strong transparency push.
HB 900; TX education code
+2
Social media — minor protections
TX enacted some social media protections (HB 18, 2023) requiring parental consent for minor social media accounts. Age verification.
HB 18; NCSL tracker
+1
Juvenile justice — age-appropriate treatment
TX juvenile jurisdiction standard. Transfer provisions exist for serious offenses. Texas Juvenile Justice Department reformed.
OJJDP TX; TX TJJD
+1
Child poverty rate and state response
TX child poverty rate approximately 18-20%, near to slightly above national average. Large Hispanic population in poverty. Some TANF programs.
Census ACS SAIPE; KIDS COUNT
0
Adoption and permanency — adoptive family support
TX has standard adoption framework. Faith-based agency protections (HB 3859, 2017). Subsidized adoption.
HB 3859; ACF AFCARS
+1
Homeschool rights and protections
TX has low-regulation homeschool environment. No state approval, no mandatory testing, no mandatory curriculum. Strong homeschool rights.
HSLDA TX; TX Education Code
+2
Child sexual abuse material (CSAM) enforcement
TX ICAC task force active — among largest in nation. AG prosecution robust. Large state requires significant enforcement.
ICAC; TX AG; NCMEC
+1
School safety — violence prevention and incident response
TX has school safety programs. Abbott created School Safety Commission after Santa Fe shooting (2018) and Uvalde (2022). Some hardening grants.
TX School Safety Center; Abbott commissions
+1
Children's mental health services access
TX school counselor ratio poor — among worst nationally. Significant underinvestment in children's mental health despite Uvalde highlighting needs.
ASCA; SAMHSA TX
-1
Childhood vaccination — parental choice protections
TX allows religious and medical exemptions for vaccination. Conscience exemption available. Strong parental choice.
NCSL; TX Health & Safety Code §161.004
+2
Child care affordability and access
TX child care affordability poor. Large unsubsidized population. Waitlists significant in urban areas.
ACF CCDF; CAP TX
-1
Education — teacher quality and retention
TX teacher salaries below national average. Significant vacancies. No statewide salary schedule. Districts competing for teachers.
NCES; NEA; TX DOE
-1
Child nutrition — food insecurity rate
TX child food insecurity near national average. Large school meal program. Some summer coverage gaps.
USDA ERS; Feeding America
0
Custody and family court — due process in child removal
TX has standard due process in family court. M.D. v. Abbott foster care case raises some CPS due process questions.
TX Family Code; M.D. v. Abbott
0
Children with disabilities — IDEA compliance
TX IDEA compliance varies. Large state. Some districts strong, some need improvement. Standard OSEP oversight.
OSEP; TX DOE
0

Faithful Discharge of Duties

Gubernatorial oath; Art. IV Sec. 4; state constitutional requirements
Score: 62 Range: -123 to 123 Items: 41
Budget balance — structural surplus/deficit
TX has consistent structural surpluses driven by oil/gas severance taxes. $32.7B surplus in 2023 biennium. No income tax. Model fiscal management.
TX Comptroller; NASBO
+3
State credit rating stability
TX maintains AAA/Aaa/AAA from all three agencies. Strong fiscal position.
S&P; Moody's; Fitch
+3
Rainy day / budget stabilization fund adequacy
TX Economic Stabilization Fund (Rainy Day Fund) $27.2B — largest in the nation. Constitutionally funded. Model reserve management.
TX Comptroller; Pew
+3
Pension system funding responsibility
TX TRS ~79%, ERS ~72%. Making ARC. SB 12 (2019) improved contributions. Improving but below 80% target.
TRS/ERS CAFR; NASRA
+1
State debt burden
TX debt per capita ~$2,050, moderate. Slight increase from population growth and infrastructure bonds. Below median.
TX Bond Review Board; Census
+1
Government efficiency — state employee headcount per capita
TX state employee headcount large in absolute terms but below average per capita for state size. Standard efficiency.
Census Public Employment
+1
Inspector General / state auditor independence
TX State Auditor operates independently. Standard cooperation. Some recurring agency findings. Inspector General functional.
TX SAO; ALGA
+1
Ethics violations and personal scandals
Abbott generally clean ethics record. Some AG Paxton impeachment controversy (acquitted) reflected on administration indirectly. No personal ethics violations.
TX Ethics Commission
+1
Executive order restraint
Abbott used numerous EOs during COVID and border crisis. Some challenged but most upheld. High volume but largely within executive function.
TX EO records; court records
+1
Emergency powers — adherence to statutory limits
Extended COVID emergency orders drew criticism. Border emergency declaration maintained continuously since 2021. Some argue overextension of emergency powers for ongoing policy.
TX emergency statutes; border declaration
-1
Legislative cooperation — veto override rate
Some veto friction. Legislature has overridden on occasion. General working relationship with Republican majority. Budget negotiations productive.
TX Legislature records
+1
Judicial appointments — qualifications and process integrity
Standard judicial appointments. TX has mixed appointment/election system. No major appointment scandals.
TX judicial records
+1
Timely execution of laws — implementation of enacted legislation
Strong law implementation: constitutional carry, heartbeat bill, border security, DEI ban, bail reform all implemented. Active implementation record.
TX agency reports
+2
Federal fund utilization — grant management
Federal grants generally managed within compliance. Harvey FEMA PA managed. ARPA deployed. Some questioned ERCOT-related expenditures.
Federal Audit; USASpending
+2
Public approval as competence indicator
Abbott approval approximately 50-55%. Won 2022 reelection with 55%. Divisive nationally but popular in TX. Uvalde and grid failures dented approval temporarily.
Morning Consult; TX polls
+1
State IT security and data protection
TX IT security had some concerns. SolarWinds hack affected state agencies. ERCOT cybersecurity questions. Some modernization.
NASCIO; TX DIR
0
Infrastructure spending — capital budget execution
Capital budget execution moderate. Massive state infrastructure needs. IIJA funding flowing. Power grid investment increasing post-Uri.
ASCE TX; TX DOT
+1
Disaster fund readiness
TX has massive Rainy Day Fund ($27.2B) for disasters. Hurricane response well-funded. FEMA cost-share met. Strong disaster financial capacity.
FEMA; TX Comptroller
+2
Workforce development — unemployment system integrity
TX UI system had ~$8B in pandemic fraud (estimated). Large state exposure. Identity verification implemented. System recovered but pandemic exposed weaknesses.
DOL OIG; TX TWC
0
Medicaid program integrity
TX Medicaid not expanded — leaving 1.4M+ in coverage gap. Program managed within constraints but coverage failure. Standard PERM for enrolled population.
CMS; TX Medicaid
0
Election administration — constitutional compliance
TX has voter ID requirement (SB 1, 2021). Paper ballots. Post-election audits. Strong election security measures.
SB 1; TX SOS; EAC EAVS
+2
Transparency — state budget accessibility
TX Comptroller transparency portal publishes spending data. Budget documents accessible. Standard-to-good transparency.
U.S. PIRG; TX Comptroller
+2
Intergovernmental cooperation — federal compliance balanced with sovereignty
TX is national model on federal immigration compliance. Operation Lone Star, SB 4, border wall, E-Verify, busing. Full compliance with 8 USC §1373.
Federal compliance; Operation Lone Star; SB 4
+3
Gubernatorial succession and continuity planning
TX has Lt. Governor (Dan Patrick). Clear succession. COOP plan exists. Strong emergency infrastructure.
TX Constitution; succession
+2
Anti-corruption — state procurement integrity
TX procurement generally controlled. Competitive bidding for large contracts. Some concerns about border security contract oversight. Standard controls.
TX procurement; Auditor
+1
Gas price burden — state gas taxes, refinery regulations, cap-and-trade
Texas gas tax is 20 cents/gallon — well below national average. No cap-and-trade or low carbon fuel standard.
TX Comptroller motor fuel tax data; EIA state gas price data
+2
Energy affordability — residential electricity costs from state policy
Texas residential electricity rates are near the national average. However, the 2021 Winter Storm Uri exposed massive grid vulnerability.
EIA Texas electricity profile; ERCOT grid data
+1
Energy policy competence — forced mandates without infrastructure readiness
Texas is the #1 state for electric power generation. Added 35% more power capacity. However, Winter Storm Uri killed 246+ people.
ERCOT generation data; Winter Storm Uri death toll data
+1
Property tax burden — effective rate vs national median
Abbott delivered $18B+ in property tax relief. Homeowners under 65 saw nearly 50% of school taxes cut.
HB 1 (2023); Governor's 2025 State of the State
+2
Regulatory cost burden — permits, compliance costs per household/business
Texas is generally considered business-friendly with lower regulatory burden than coastal states.
El Paso County budget testimony; Texas Tribune
+1
Unfunded mandates on municipalities
Mixed record on unfunded mandates. Abbott has pushed local preemption. Some local mandate relief but school districts still face significant unfunded requirements.
Texas Municipal League; Texas Tribune
0
Cost of living trajectory — policy-driven affordability trend
Texas cost of living remains below national average, though it has been rising. No income tax helps affordability.
BLS CPI; Texas Real Estate Research Center
+1
Immigration fiscal burden — taxpayer cost of sanctuary/benefits policies
Texas is strongly anti-sanctuary. SB 4 signed. Spent $11B+ on Operation Lone Star border security. Bused migrants to sanctuary cities.
SB 4; Operation Lone Star spending data
+2
Homelessness spending accountability — spending vs measurable outcomes
Texas homelessness spending is lower than California's. HB 1925 statewide camping ban provides enforcement framework.
HB 1925; Austin encampment data
+1
Encampment enforcement — response to SCOTUS Grants Pass ruling
Texas enacted statewide camping ban (HB 1925) in 2021 — three years BEFORE Grants Pass ruling. Abbott ordered active encampment clearing operations.
HB 1925 (2021); Governor's Austin operation Oct 2025
+3
Net domestic migration trend — people leaving vs arriving
Texas leads the nation in net domestic migration — gained 133,000+ net domestic migrants. Strongest 'governance verdict' — Americans choosing Texas at record rates.
Census Bureau population estimates; IRS SOI migration data
+3
Business exodus — corporate HQ and jobs relocating due to policy
Texas is the #1 destination for corporate relocations. Companies that moved include Tesla, Oracle, Caterpillar, Charles Schwab.
Texas Economic Development Corporation; Hoover Institution
+3
DA accountability — governor's power to remove rogue prosecutors
Texas governor has limited formal power to remove DAs. Abbott signed bail reform that constrains progressive DA discretion.
Texas Constitution; Bail reform legislation 2025
+1
Election infrastructure — ballot harvesting, drop box security, audit transparency
Texas enacted comprehensive election integrity legislation (SB 1) including photo voter ID, ballot harvesting restrictions, drop box limitations.
SB 1 (2021); TX Elections Code
+3
Weaponization of state agencies — using AG/regulatory bodies against political opponents
No documented pattern of weaponizing state agencies against political opponents.
Governor's executive orders; AG independence analysis
+1
Foreign adversary protections — Chinese land, TikTok bans, Confucius Institutes
Abbott signed SB 17 (2025) — 'toughest ban in the US' prohibiting land purchases by citizens/entities from China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.
SB 17 (2025); TikTok state device ban
+3
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