During a recent appearance on KFYO’s Steve Evans Show, Governor Greg Abbott used the platform to draw a clear contrast between his record and the positions of his Democratic challenger, State Rep. Gina Hinojosa. The governor emphasized that the upcoming election will be decided by West Texas voters, a region he says holds decisive power in the statewide race.

CAIR endorsement framed as a security concern

Abbott reminded listeners that Rep. Hinojosa has received an endorsement from the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). The governor noted that he designated CAIR last year as a foreign terrorist organization, arguing that the group’s ties to extremist elements make the endorsement a “lightning rod” for the campaign. Hinojosa publicly disagreed with the governor’s designation, but Abbott maintained that her support for CAIR signals an openness to Sharia‑related influences, which he described as “dangerous” for Texas.

Tax policy showdown

The interview also turned to fiscal policy. Abbott highlighted his successful effort to secure a constitutional amendment that bans a state income tax, a cornerstone of Texas’s economic success. He accused Hinojosa of advocating for an income tax, quoting her alleged statement that it should be the “third leg of the taxing stool” to fund state government. Abbott warned that introducing an income tax would undermine the state’s growth and burden families, contrasting his low‑tax approach with what he called a “dangerous” proposal.

West Texas as the decisive voice

Closing the segment, Abbott appealed directly to West Texas residents, stating, “They will make the difference about whether or not I win or lose.” He urged voters to turn out early, pointing to the ongoing early‑voting period and listing Lubbock polling locations for those who have not yet cast a ballot.

Context for voters

Governor Abbott’s interview underscores two central themes of his campaign: protecting Texas from what he characterizes as extremist influences and preserving the state’s tax‑free status. By highlighting Hinojosa’s CAIR endorsement and tax proposals, Abbott seeks to frame the election as a choice between continued prosperity and a shift toward policies he argues would erode Texas’s values.

Voters in West Texas, a region that has historically leaned Republican, are being asked to consider how these issues align with their priorities for religious liberty, economic freedom, and family stability. The governor’s message reinforces his broader statewide narrative that the Republican platform safeguards the Constitution, traditional families, and individual liberty.

Original reporting: News/Talk 790 KFYO (Lubbock) — read the source article.