Gov. Greg Abbott announced endorsements from a dozen Democratic Texas sheriffs on Monday, a notable promotion of cross-partisan support on the first day of early voting.
In recent years, Abbott has broadly embraced his right flank and worked to maintain his standing among the hard-right base. His touting of Democratic support was noteworthy as he enters the early voting period of his most competitive re-election bid yet, according to public polling of the race.
“Texas sheriffs are on the front lines every day, upholding the rule of law and keeping our communities safe,” Abbott said in a statement. “When they take the oath to serve, they make a commitment to protect every Texan, regardless of political party. I am honored to have the support of these 12 Democrat sheriffs. Together, we will continue to keep Texans safe, support our law enforcement officers, and keep violent criminals behind bars.”
The Democratic sheriffs endorsements unveiled Monday came from counties in south and west Texas border regions, most of which are largely Hispanic. Latino voters swung to the right in the 2024 election, and Democrats have sought to win them back this cycle.
The Democratic sheriffs on Abbott’s list Monday represent Brewster, Brooks, Culberson, Dimmit, Duval, Jim Hogg, Kenedy, Presidio, Val Verde, Webb, Zapata and Zavala counties. Webb County Sheriff Martin Cuellar, the brother of Democratic U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar of Laredo, was among Monday’s endorsements.
Abbott has repeatedly touted his support from law enforcement throughout his campaign and highlighted his efforts to tighten the state’s bail laws, increase state funding for law enforcement and crack down on the southern border. Meanwhile, he has cast his Democratic opponent Gina Hinojosa as “soft on crime” with a “dangerous public safety record” out of the Texas House.
Hinojosa responded to the attack last month with an ad featuring law enforcement officers arguing, “Abbott loves law enforcement on camera — off camera, we are on our own.” The ad also cites Abbott’s threat in April to cut nearly $200 million in public safety funding from Texas cities over their policies on cooperating with federal immigration officers.
Numerous law enforcement officers and organizations have maintained their support for the governor.
“During the border crisis, Governor Abbott supported Texas sheriffs and provided the resources needed to protect our communities,” Democratic Brooks County Sheriff Benny Martinez said in a statement. “He worked alongside local law enforcement as we faced unprecedented challenges along the border. Governor Abbott had our backs when we needed him, and I am proud to support his re-election.”
