Texas gubernatorial candidate and former State Sen. Don Huffines blasted Gov. Greg Abbott in a statement on Wednesday, calling on the Governor to oppose local mask mandates being introduced in Texas.

According to the Huffines campaign, after reports of new local mask mandates for Houston ISD, Fort Worth ISD, and Dallas ISD schools, the candidate feels that Texas leaders like Abbott need to step in and oppose the orders. The new orders are being imposed following the lift of the statewide mandate in March.

“While Greg Abbott brags about banning mask mandates in Texas, the largest and most populous counties in the state are imposing them on citizens,” Huffines said. “These mandates are an attack on the rights and liberties of Texans and a glaring example of gross overreach by local governments.”

Huffines is challenging Abbott in the Republican primary for Governor next year, being one of five primary challengers for the incumbent. In addition to Huffines, former Republican Party of Texas Chairman Allen West, comedian Chad Prather, attorney Paul Belew, and veteran Kurt Schwab are also running.

The primary election will likely be held next spring.