GRAPEVINE – Gov. Greg Abbott on Friday said Texas would continue to lead the fight against the “radical left,” which he said is trying to change the Texas way of life in the state’s blue cities.
“Texas is well known for cowboys and capitalism,” Abbott said during a speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference, known as CPAC, in Grapevine. “What we’re seeing seeping into our state, here in our large blue cities, is the encroachment of socialism on our policies.”
CPAC, which is taking place at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center through Saturday, brings together thousands of grassroots activists, Republican lawmakers and conservative influencers.
Abbott singled out state Rep. James Talarico, D-Austin, and the Democratic nominee for Senate, as a threat to Texas values. Talarico, who beat U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett in March, will face the winner of the runoff between Republican incumbent Sen. John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton.
Attendees cheer as White House Border Czar Tom Homan exits the stage during Conservative Political Action Committee at Gaylord Texan Resort and Conference Center, Thursday, March 26, 2026, in Grapevine, Texas. (Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News via AP) (Shafkat Anowar/AP)
“However crazy he is, I can tell you his votes are even worse,” Abbott said, accusing Talarico of voting to “defund the police,” allow gender modification surgeries, let boys play in girls’ sports and promote open borders.
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“We are going to ensure that we secure our state from such a takeover,” Abbott said. “We’re going to keep Texas red. We’re gonna safeguard the values that keep Texas Texas.”
Talarico’s campaign did not comment on Abbott’s remarks. In the past, he’s predicted Republicans would try to distort his record. “They’re hoping Americans care more about culture wars than actual wars. More about pronouns than prices,” Talarico said on X. “We’re not falling for it.”
James Talarico, Texas Democratic Senate candidate, talks to supporters during a Texas Together rally at Ridglea Theater on Friday, March 20, 2026, in Fort Worth. (Elías Valverde II/Staff Photographer)
Abbott is seeking a historic fourth term as governor against state Rep. Gina Hinojosa, the Democratic nominee that he does not mention during most of his public appearances. He’s instead been a frequent critic of Talarico, who has gotten significant buzz at the top of the Democratic ticket.
State Sen. Bryan Hughes, R-Mineola, joined Abbott on stage and led a question-and-answer session in front of CPAC convention-goers.
Abbott said his fight against the radical left has included:
“It’s one thing for these radical leftists to say these socialistic things,” Abbott said as he used elected judges in urban areas as an example of being too far left. “It’s another thing when they get into office and actually implement them.”
Abbott also touted the state’s efforts to secure the southern border with Mexico, including construction of a Texas border wall and the deployment of 10,000 National Guard troops at the border.
Incoming U.S. Border Czar Tom Homan, second from right, and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, right, help serve meals to state troopers and national guardsmen taking part in Operation Lone Star at a facility on the U.S.-Mexico border, Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Eagle Pass, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) (Eric Gay/AP)
“People forget it was just over a year ago when we were seeing [5,000] or 6,000 illegal immigrants crossing into Texas a day,” he said. “Texas bore the brunt of that.”
Abbott said the mobilization against illegal immigration has worked, especially with President Donald Trump in the White House.
“There are now zero illegal immigrants allowed to cross the border illegally and remain in the United States of America,” Abbott said.
The CPAC convention continues Saturday, when U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz is expected to speak.