At a GOTV event in Cypress, a suburb north of Houston, he vowed to turn Harris County “dark red.”
“I have two priorities in this election,” Abbott told a crowd of several hundred people at Cypress BBQ. “Number one is to win reelection. Number two is to win Harris County. I’ve got $90 million in my bank account and I’m going to spend most of it in Harris County.”
He said he was supporting efforts “precinct by precinct” to “turn out voters who voted in the presidential election, turn out voters who never voted before. We’ve got to win Harris County and make Harris County dark red after this election.”
Under Democratic leadership, the county, and its largest city, Houston, have been plagued with corruption, lack of accountability over billions of mismanaged or missing taxpayer dollars, increased taxes, high crime, and dilapidated water and road infrastructure, many residents argue. Newly elected Houston Mayor John Whitmire, a Democrat, has launched an effort to combat public corruption, reduce crime and improve infrastructure, crediting the governor and state legislature for providing assistance, The Center Square reported.
Earlier this month, Abbott launched a new task force targeting violent repeat offenders in Houston. Both he and Whitmire also launched additional efforts targeting homelessness and crime, The Center Square reported.
In recent elections, crime has been a top concern among Houston and Harris County voters after judges continued to release repeat offenders on low or no bond who are later arrested for committing another violent crime. The state legislature has attempted to address the issue by passing legislation, which Abbott has signed into law. This year, he signed another bail reform bill into law, which restricts judges from releasing violent repeat offenders. The legislature also passed resolutions adding 17 constitutional amendments to the ballot, including bail reform and sanctioning judges.
Proposition 3 authorizes magistrates to deny bail to individuals accused of committing a range of felony offenses, including sex crimes, violent crimes and human trafficking. It also requires a judge or magistrate to provide clear and convincing evidence that denying bail was necessary for the safety of the community, law enforcement, or the victim of the alleged offense.
Proposition 12 makes it easier to effectively sanction judges and justices for judicial misconduct.
“Early voting has already begun,” Abbott said, flanked by residents holding signs of family members who were killed by criminals after judges released them. “We need your participation because some of these things truly are life and death matters.”
“Harris County was the worst of the worst, but not the only county in the state that had this problem. You’ve had leftist judges let people arrested for murder back out on the street. The time has come to end that,” Abbott said.
Former Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg, a Democrat, also urged voters to pass Proposition 3.
“This is a club you don’t want to be a member of, but we need your help,” she said, pointing to families holding signs of their lost loved ones. “Proposition 3 is not just something on paper. It’s people’s families. These are children, husbands, wives, mothers, fathers of people.”
If Proposition 3 passes, it will “eliminate the excuses for rogue judges who insist that the law makes them let people lose on bond,” she said.
Ogg, who has long called for bail reform, broke with her party last year and endorsed Abbott, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Houston, and other Republicans who were tough on crime, The Center Square reported.
While she was DA, 350 attorneys in her office filed nearly 900,000 criminal cases in eight years. “That is way too many cases for a few lawyers,” she previously argued, adding that her office was “kept understaffed because there’s a real push by my party not to incarcerate violent people.” Ogg often found herself at odds with Democratic Harris County commissioners who refused to fully fund law enforcement, prompting the state to get involved. She lost her reelection bid last year in a tight race.
Although Kamala Harris won Harris County with 52% in the November 2024 election, Republicans won nine county-based judicial seats. Republicans also won majorities in regional appellate courts statewide, flipping two courts to Republican majorities in historically Democratic strongholds. Six Republicans also won their Texas Supreme Court races, including justices from Houston, The Center Square reported.
Many credit the Judicial Fairness PAC and Stop Houston Murders, a nonpartisan citizen-based movement, for helping oust incumbent Democratic judges.
Abbott argues more can be done, which is why he is urging voters to pass all 17 constitutional amendments, including Proposition 3 and 12 to improve public safety.
Safeguarding Your American Dream: Discover the Power of America First Healthcare
In today’s economy, healthcare costs remain one of the biggest threats to financial stability and family security. Americans work hard to build a better life, yet rising medical expenses can quickly erode savings, force tough trade-offs, and even push families toward debt or bankruptcy. Medical bills continue to rank as the leading cause of personal bankruptcy in the United States, with millions facing underinsurance or unexpected out-of-pocket burdens that no one plans for. Many turn to government-run marketplace plans under the Affordable Care Act, hoping for relief, only to discover that what appears affordable on paper often delivers higher long-term costs, limited real protection, and coverage that may not align with personal values or family needs.
America First Healthcare stands out as a private insurance agency dedicated to helping conservatives and families secure better coverage and better rates through customized, values-aligned options. By conducting free insurance reviews, the agency uncovers hidden gaps in existing policies and connects clients with private alternatives that emphasize personal responsibility, small-government principles, and genuine affordability—often delivering up to 20% savings while providing stronger protection for the American Dream.
The allure of marketplace plans is easy to understand: open enrollment periods, premium tax credits for many households, and the promise of “comprehensive” benefits mandated by law. Yet recent data reveals a different reality, especially after the expiration of enhanced premium subsidies at the end of 2025. Enrollment for 2026 dropped by more than one million people compared to the prior year, with many shifting to lower-tier bronze plans to keep monthly premiums manageable.
These plans feature significantly higher deductibles—averaging around $7,500 nationally—and greater cost-sharing requirements. Families who once paid modest amounts after subsidies now face average premium increases of $65 or more per month, even as they accept plans that leave them responsible for thousands in upfront costs before meaningful coverage kicks in.
High deductibles create a dangerous barrier to care. Studies show that people in such plans are less likely to seek timely treatment for chronic conditions, attend preventive screenings, or fill necessary prescriptions. A seemingly minor illness or injury can balloon into major expenses when patients delay care until problems worsen. For a family of four, a single hospitalization, cancer diagnosis, or unexpected surgery can easily exceed the deductible, triggering coinsurance and out-of-pocket maximums that still leave substantial bills. One recent analysis noted that some proposed changes could push family deductibles toward $31,000 in future years, further exposing households to financial risk.
Beyond the numbers, marketplace plans often carry structural limitations. Coverage for certain critical services may include waiting periods or narrower networks that restrict access to preferred doctors and specialists. Preventive care is required to be covered without cost-sharing, but everything else—lab work, imaging, specialist visits, or ongoing treatment—typically waits until the deductible is met. This reactive model contrasts sharply with the proactive, holistic approach many families prefer, especially those focused on wellness, early intervention, and maintaining health to enjoy life rather than merely reacting to illness.
Values alignment represents another growing concern. Government-influenced plans operate within a framework shaped by federal mandates and political priorities that may not reflect conservative principles of limited government, personal freedom, and ethical stewardship. Families who want to direct their healthcare dollars toward providers and benefits that honor traditional values sometimes find marketplace options feel misaligned, forcing a compromise between affordability and conviction.
Private alternatives, by contrast, offer year-round flexibility without the restrictions of open enrollment windows. Independent agents can shop across a wider range of carriers to design plans tailored to specific family needs—whether that means lower deductibles for frequent medical users, broader provider networks, or add-ons that support wellness and preventive services from day one. Clients frequently report more stable premiums that do not automatically escalate each year, along with genuine cost savings once the full picture of deductibles, copays, and coverage depth is considered.
Take the experience of real families who made the switch. Amanda C. shared that her new plan felt “way better” than what she had through the marketplace. Johnny Y. noted his previous coverage kept increasing annually until he found a more stable private option. Sofia S. expressed delight with her plan and began recommending it to others. These stories echo a common theme: when families move beyond one-size-fits-all government marketplaces, they often discover customized protection that better safeguards both health and finances.
Founder Jordan Sarmiento’s own journey underscores the stakes. In 2021, a six-day hospitalization generated a $95,000 bill. Under a well-structured private “Conservative Care Coverage” plan, his out-of-pocket responsibility would have been just $500. That stark difference illustrates how thoughtful planning and private options can prevent a medical event from becoming a financial catastrophe.
Practical steps exist for anyone questioning their current coverage. Start with a no-obligation review of your existing policy to identify gaps—high deductibles, limited critical-care benefits, or escalating premiums. Compare total projected costs (premiums plus potential out-of-pocket expenses) rather than monthly premiums alone. Consider family health history, anticipated needs, and lifestyle priorities. Private agencies can present side-by-side options that include stronger wellness incentives, broader access, and plans built on shared values of self-reliance and freedom.
In an era when healthcare inflation continues to outpace general cost-of-living increases, relying solely on marketplace solutions carries growing risk. Families who proactively explore private alternatives frequently achieve meaningful savings while gaining peace of mind that their coverage truly works when needed most.
America First Healthcare makes this exploration straightforward through its free review process. Families and individuals receive personalized guidance to close coverage holes, reduce unnecessary expenses, and secure plans that align with conservative principles—protecting wallets, health, and the American Dream without government overreach. Many who complete a review discover they can enjoy better benefits for less, often saving up to 20% while gaining the customization and stability that marketplace plans struggle to deliver.
Ultimately, protecting your family’s future requires looking beyond the marketing of “affordable” government options. By understanding the long-term costs hidden in high deductibles, shifting coverage tiers, and values mismatches, Americans can make empowered choices. Private, values-driven insurance offers a smarter path—one that rewards diligence, supports wellness, and delivers real security. For those ready to move beyond the limitations of traditional marketplace plans, a simple review can reveal options designed to serve families, not bureaucracies. The American Dream thrives when individuals and families retain control over their healthcare decisions, and thoughtful private coverage plays a vital role in making that possible.