Texas’ Republican primaries are once again testing the reach and resilience of Gov. Greg Abbott’s political influence — but this year’s landscape looks more complicated than past cycles.
Two years ago, Abbott reshaped the internal dynamics of the Texas GOP by aggressively backing challengers against fellow Republicans who had resisted his push for school vouchers. That strategy proved effective, helping remove several incumbents and solidifying his standing within the party.
Now, as the March 3 primary approaches, Abbott’s endorsements are facing a different kind of scrutiny.
He is supporting several candidates who are navigating competitive races, including acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock and agriculture commissioner challenger Nate Sheets. Both are attempting to close polling gaps against better-known or entrenched opponents.
At the same time, Abbott’s influence is being tested in congressional races, where some of his preferred candidates are facing opponents endorsed by President Donald Trump.
A governor at the height of his power
Abbott enters this election cycle arguably stronger within the Republican Party than at any previous point in his tenure. After divisions during the COVID-19 pandemic once exposed fractures in his support, his successful intervention in the 2024 primaries helped him rebuild alliances and demonstrate his ability to shape outcomes.
Former Texas GOP chair James Dickey said:
"His influence and relationships and history with folks has certainly grown over time, and his base and operations has also grown over the same period. It’s not surprising to see he is taking a position in more and more races each election and that he has a deeper emotional tie in each one, both for and against different candidates."
With more than $100 million in campaign funds heading into 2026, Abbott remains a formidable political force. But money and momentum do not guarantee smooth sailing — especially in crowded or ideologically complex primaries.
The Comptroller contest: loyalty vs. rivalry
Abbott’s support for Hancock reflects both loyalty and strategic calculation.
The comptroller’s office plays a key role in implementing Texas’ new $1 billion school voucher program — a centerpiece of Abbott’s agenda. Ensuring a trusted ally oversees the rollout is politically important.
Yet Hancock’s path is far from clear.
His chief rival is former state Sen. Don Huffines, who previously challenged Abbott from the right in the 2022 gubernatorial primary. Huffines entered the comptroller race early and secured endorsements from prominent conservatives, including U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz and activist Charlie Kirk.
Another contender, Railroad Commissioner Christi Craddick, is also competing for the GOP nomination.
Polling from the University of Houston indicates Hancock trails in the race for a runoff spot, highlighting the uphill battle even an endorsed candidate may face.
Agriculture showdown: challenging an incumbent
Abbott’s backing of Sheets marks a rare move — supporting a challenger against a sitting statewide Republican officeholder.
That incumbent is Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller.
Sheets, a first-time candidate with experience in agriculture and military service, has leaned on Abbott’s support to boost visibility. Abbott’s campaign team cited concerns about Miller’s “history of corruption,” particularly related to Miller’s hiring of a political consultant who pleaded guilty in a hemp licensing bribery case.
Miller has pushed back, defending his decisions and framing criticism as politically motivated. In a radio interview, he reiterated past disagreements with Abbott, stating:
“When he steps on agriculture, I hold him accountable.”
Despite Abbott’s endorsement, polling shows Sheets trailing Miller by a significant margin, with many voters still undecided.
Congressional races and competing endorsements
Abbott has also invested political capital in congressional primaries shaped by Texas’ newly redrawn U.S. House map.
Abbott endorsed state Reps. Briscoe Cain and John Lujan for newly created districts. However, President Trump has backed their respective opponents — Air Force veteran Carlos De La Cruz and 2022 Harris County judge nominee Alex Mealer.
Abbott downplayed the split, noting:
“Obviously [Trump] has his own decision-making process about the races he gets in.”
Still, the scenario underscores the layered dynamics of GOP politics in Texas, where endorsements from both the governor and the sitting president can influence — but not guarantee — outcomes.
Harris County: local stakes with statewide implications
Abbott is also engaged in the Republican primary for Harris County judge, a key local office with statewide strategic importance.
His preferred candidate, Marty Lancton, faces competition from former county treasurer Orlando Sanchez.
Polling suggests Sanchez holds an early advantage, though a large share of voters remain undecided — leaving room for endorsements and campaign momentum to shift the race.
Changing dynamics from 2024
The current primary cycle differs notably from 2024.
Previously, Abbott poured significant campaign resources into favored candidates, often working alongside national conservative donors and advocacy groups.
This year, some of those same groups have aligned against his preferred contenders. Meanwhile, legal restrictions limit Abbott’s ability to directly support candidates in federal races with state campaign funds.
Still, his endorsement retains substantial weight.
Hancock has highlighted his connection to the governor in campaign advertising, emphasizing that he is “trusted” by Abbott. The governor has also helped connect allies like Hancock and Sheets to donor networks and joined them on a statewide get-out-the-vote tour.
Endorsements still matter — but aren’t decisive
Among Texas GOP voters, Abbott remains broadly popular. A December poll from the University of Texas found his favorability rating at 81% — just one point behind President Trump.
Campaigns are keenly aware of the value such backing can bring.
Sheets consultant Elliott Griffin described the endorsement as:
“a shot of B12 in the final weeks.”
He added:
“It’s brought excitement, it’s brought legitimacy and it’s opened doors for a new group of donors who don’t typically give to the agriculture commissioner race.”
The bigger picture
Ultimately, this primary season may offer one of the clearest tests yet of how much sway a sitting governor can wield within his own party — especially when facing multiple competitive races, cross-endorsements, and shifting alliances.
Abbott’s influence remains strong. But as the primaries unfold, it’s clear that endorsements — even from powerful figures like the governor or the sitting president — are just one factor in a complex political environment shaped by personal rivalries, ideological divides, and voter uncertainty.
.jpg)
