Texas Gov. Greg Abbott framed the upcoming November elections as a stark ideological battle during the Republican midterm convention in Dallas on Thursday, telling supporters the contest represents “a choice between common sense and crazy.” Speaking at the American Airlines Center on September 10, 2026, the three-term governor seeking an unprecedented fourth term declared that Republicans will prevail because voters prioritize safety and border security.
Abbott Frames Election as Choice Between ‘Common Sense and Crazy’
“I’m here to tell you that Republicans are going to win this year because Americans want safe communities and secure borders, and Republicans will deliver on that need,” Abbott said during his eight-minute address. The governor, who has become a national conservative figure largely due to the billions Texas has spent securing the border with Mexico, faced a receptive crowd that repeatedly rose to cheer.
With images of Big Bend and the Texas flag displayed behind him, Abbott praised President Donald Trump and repeatedly criticized “the Democrats running on the statewide ticket.” His Democratic opponent, state Rep. Gina Hinojosa of Austin, and state Rep. James Talarico, who is challenging Attorney General Ken Paxton, were not mentioned by name.
“Common sense always wins. It will win this year, too,” Abbott said. “Together we are going to demolish the Democrats. We are going to keep Texas red.”
Attacks on Democratic Opponents Without Naming Them
The governor’s rhetoric marked a departure from his campaign’s earlier direct attacks on Hinojosa. This week, his staff labeled her a “gender bender” for supporting transgender children and “Job Killer Gina” for opposing certain tax cuts for the wealthy. In his speech, Abbott instead targeted their policy positions in spirit, criticizing their defense of transgender rights, efforts to stop a border wall, opposition to voting restrictions, and resistance to private school vouchers.
“They’re gaslighting the public on affordability,” Abbott said.
Legislative Achievements Highlighted
Abbott ticked off recent legislative wins, including state funding for 100 miles of border wall, the creation of the largest private school voucher program in the nation, and a constitutional amendment banning a state income tax that garnered bipartisan legislative support and voter approval last year.
“I stopped the craziness,” he said.
California Used as Foil
The governor also took a familiar swipe at California, drawing a contrast between Texas and its western neighbor.
“Democrats are not safe,” he told the crowd. “They voted to defund police. That’s not Texas. That’s California Crazy.”
Noticing a section of attendees seated under a California sign, Abbott added, “With all due respect to the California delegation here.”
Democratic Response: ‘A Snoozefest’
State Democrats dismissed the speech. “At a time when working people are struggling under Abbott’s agenda of giving data centers the biggest tax breaks in the country, shuttering neighborhood public schools, and enabling Flock cameras to surveil Texans without cause, he’s patting himself on the back at an event where the cheapest ticket is $20,000,” Hinojosa said in a statement.
Party officials characterized the address as “a snoozefest.”
