For many, Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer. But in the world of politics, it signifies that the campaign trail is just starting to heat up.
As such, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) and his Democratic challenger Lupe Valdez opted not to take the holiday off -- and instead, spent Monday stumping in North Texas.
Valdez started the morning at the AFL-CIO breakfast in Dallas, a pro-union, Democrat-friendly event that attracts national, state, and local leaders.
The former Dallas County Sheriff told the crowd of about 600 she recognizes that she faces an uphill battle between now and November 6, but that "together, we're taking that darn hill."
Most scientific polls show her trailing Abbott by double digits. A recent NBC News / Marist poll gave Abbott a nearly 20 point lead.
Valdez says she's not focusing on poll numbers and is more concerned about the needs of everyday Texans.
"We continue to aggressively go out there and make sure that people hear our message," said Valdez. "When people hear our message, they vote -- because they know that we care about the everyday Texan and the things that are important to them. I think our current governor is out of touch with the everyday Texan."
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Abbott, meanwhile, was in North Texas Monday, as well. He was with U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and other elected republicans and candidates at the Labor Day Rally and Victory Kickoff in McKinney. Abbott told the crowd to be involved this election season.
"We need you engaged, not just today, but every single day for the next eight weeks or so until early voting begins. For the next two months until election day on November the sixth. Your involvement is imperative," said Abbott.
He continues to out raise Valdez by wide margins.
