Abbott's Right Turn Deflates GOP Rivals But Opens Door for O'Rourke, McConaughey, Poll Finds

Abbott’s far-ranging 2021 agenda includes a legally provocative ban on abortions as early as six weeks and a $1 billion commitment of state funds for border wall construction

By Todd J. Gillman and Emily Caldwell | The Dallas Morning News • Published September 19, 2021 • Updated on September 19, 2021 at 6:58 pm

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has kept conservative primary challengers at bay by tacking hard right on abortion, the border, mask and vaccine mandates, guns and critical race theory.

But the strategy has come at a high price.

His overall support is plunging, potentially leaving him vulnerable to the likes of actor Matthew McConaughey and former congressman Beto O’Rourke, according to a new poll from The Dallas Morning News and University of Texas at Tyler.

A whopping 54% of Texans surveyed think the state is on the wrong track. Just 45% approve of the governor’s job performance.