{"id":169568,"date":"2026-02-18T10:49:31","date_gmt":"2026-02-18T10:49:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/169568\/"},"modified":"2026-02-18T10:49:31","modified_gmt":"2026-02-18T10:49:31","slug":"greg-abbott-embraces-governor-hot-wheels-nickname-in-new-campaign-strategy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/169568\/","title":{"rendered":"Greg Abbott embraces ‘Governor Hot Wheels’ nickname in new campaign strategy"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"Controversial former NFL wide receiver Antonio Brown tweeted out this AI-generated image of Gov. Greg Abbott in a superhero costume after U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett used the insult \u201cGovernor Hot Wheels.\u201d Credit: X \/ @AB84<\/p>\n

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott this week moved to reclaim an insulting nickname by officially changing his reelection campaign\u2019s handle on social media platform X to \u201c@GovHotWheels_TX.\u201d<\/p>\n

The nickname stems from Abbott\u2019s use of wheelchair. While some of the Republican governor\u2019s detractors have used the insult online for years, it got widespread media attention last spring after U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Dallas, drew criticism<\/a> for using it to mock him during one of her public appearances.<\/p>\n

Abbott lost his ability to walk after a tree fell on him while on a jog in 1984. Although the governor\u2019s said he\u2019d do anything to be able to walk again<\/a>, he\u2019s faced criticism using his time a Texas Supreme Court justice and state attorney general to make it harder for Texans to win lawsuits similar to the one he filed after his injury. <\/p>\n

Abbott reportedly received<\/a> a half-million-dollar legal settlement after his injury that guarantees him a six-figure yearly income for the rest of his life.<\/p>\n

Abbott\u2019s embrace of the \u201cGovernor Hot Wheels\u201d nickname has been brewing for a while. The governor joked about the insult online mere days after Crockett publicly made it. And, on Valentine\u2019s Day, his campaign account posted a virtual card signed \u201cGovernor Hot Wheels.\u201d<\/p>\n

The rebranding comes as Abbott seeks an unprecedented fourth term in office. If he wins in November\u2019s general election, he\u2019ll go down as the longest-serving governor in Texas\u2019 history.<\/p>\n

State Rep. Gina Hinojosa, D-Austin, is the heavy favorite to emerge from the crowded Democratic primary and challenge Abbott on the ballot.<\/p>\n

Early voting runs now until Feb. 27. After that, polls will open again for Election Day, March 3. Bexar County residents can visit the Elections Department\u2019s website<\/a> to find polling locations and their operating hours.<\/p>\n

Sign Up for SA Current newsletters.<\/a><\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\t\t\tAbbott\u2019s reelection campaign account on X has changed its username to \u2018@GovHotWheels.\u2019\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

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