Abbott/Screenshot from Campaign Ad
Despite facing a short period in which to fundraise during the first six months of 2021, Gov. Greg Abbott’s campaign is reporting a campaign war chest that could be the largest for a single statewide candidate in Texas history.
According to the Texas Tribune, Abbott’s campaign announced on Thursday that the Governor $18.7 million for his re-election campaign in the final 10 days of June, which were the only days he could fundraise during the first six months of the year, due to the legislative session. The haul sets up what his campaign says is a $55 million campaign account already raised for his re-election bid, which his campaign says is the largest for a statewide candidate in Texas history.
Abbott has drawn five primary challengers so far for his 2022 re-election campaign: Texas Republican Party chairman Allen West, former State Sen. Don Huffines, comedian Chad Prather, attorney Paul Belew, and veteran Kurt Schwab. Democrat Michael Cooper, who sought his party’s nomination for Lt. Governor in 2018 and U.S. Senate in 2020, is also running.
Thus far, campaign financials are not yet available for Abbott’s challengers.
The primary election for Governor will likely be held sometime after March of next year, due to redistricting.