Politics

Greg Abbott downplays Trump running mate interest: ‘I’m staying in Texas’

By
Social Links for Victor Nava
Published March 1, 2024, 5:26 p.m. ET

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott isn’t considering trading Austin for Washington.

The Republican said Friday that his focus “is entirely on the state of Texas,” one day after former President Donald Trump floated him as a potential 2024 running mate. 

Trump, 77, told Fox News’ Sean Hannity Thursday that Abbott, 66, is “absolutely” on his vice presidential shortlist, along with several other current and former lawmakers. 

“Obviously, that’s very nice of him to say,” the governor told reporters in response to a question about his name being floated by the 45th president.

Gov. Greg Abbott
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott isn’t considering trading Austin for Washington. Michael Adkison/X

“As you know, I’m working right now on the midterm election process,” Abbott added. “I’ve already talked about that. I’ve announced that I’m running for re-election two years from now, and so, my commitment is to Texas and I’m staying in Texas.”

Abbott was re-elected to a third gubernatorial term in 2022, defeating Democrat Beto O’Rourke.

Texas governors are not subject to term limits.

Trump described Abbott as a “spectacular man” Thursday, after the governor led the former president on a tour of the US-Mexico border region near Eagle Pass, Texas. 

The GOP presidential front-runner also praised Abbott for the “great job” he’s done in the state and declared, “He would be somebody that I would very much consider” for the No. 2 spot on the Republican ticket.

Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Trump walks with Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Fox News Channel host Sean Hannity at the U.S.-Mexico border at Eagle Pass.
The Republican said Friday that his focus “is entirely on the state of Texas,” one day after former President Donald Trump floated him as a potential 2024 running mate. REUTERS

Trump has previously acknowledged that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii), Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.), biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem are all on his shortlist of potential running mates.

DeSantis quickly came out the day after that revelation and told supporters of his aborted presidential campaign that he has no interest in the running mate position. 

In January, Trump teased that he had already decided on a running mate, but refused to name names when asked during a town hall in Des Moines, Iowa. 

The former president has not said when he might announce his pick.