US midterms 2026 LIVE updates: Polls begin to open across America with key states threatening President Trump, Republican majority; ‘Blue wave’ predicted for Democrats in House and Senate

Greg Abbott, a Republican governor currently in his fourth term, is seeking re-election in the 2026 midterms, positioning himself with a conservative economic and cultural platform. Born in Wichita Falls and educated at the University of Texas at Austin, Abbott graduated from Vanderbilt Law School and served as a justice on the Texas Supreme Court, the state's Attorney General, and eventually as Governor.

After a paralyzing accident from a jogging accident, Abbott is married to Cecilia, the first Hispanic first lady of Texas, and they have one daughter. Abbott's administration emphasizes a business-friendly environment, advocating for property-tax reductions, workforce development, and high-demand career training. Energy production and domestic infrastructure are key to his economic strategy, although recent policy shifts have curtailed his previous support for data centers.

Iran remains a contentious issue, with Abbott supporting former President Trump's military actions and bolstering security along energy facilities, ports, and the southern border. The 2026 election faces increased competition from Democrat Gina Hinojosa, and Abbott's campaign emphasizes parental rights, education restrictions, and resisting progressive cultural policies.