Greg Abbott (born 1957) is a Republican politician who has served as governor of Texas since 2015. He previously was the state’s attorney general (2002–15). A prominent figure in conservative politics, he notably opposes abortion and supports lenient gun laws and tough immigration policies.
Before entering politics, Abbott earned a law degree from Vanderbilt University in 1984. Later that year he joined a law firm in Houston. Shortly thereafter, in July 1984, he was seriously injured by a falling tree while jogging. The accident left him paralyzed below the waist. Abbott eventually returned to work and later left the firm in 1992 to become a state trial judge. Four years later he joined the Texas Supreme Court, appointed to fill a vacant seat. Abbott was subsequently elected to the post twice. In 2002 he was elected attorney general, and in 2014 he won the gubernatorial race. Abbott was reelected two more times but was defeated in his bid for a fourth term in 2026.