Story perspectives

Abbott Leads Texas GOP; Voucher, Anti-Muslim Pledges, Elephant Urination

6/13/2026

Left

Greg Abbott's Controversial Convention

The convention agenda includes candidates who have publicly pledged to ban Muslims from Texas, raising civil-rights concerns.
Governor Greg Abbott will deliver his first full-time keynote at the Texas GOP convention in Houston on June 12.
Elephant named Paige urinated on the convention floor, sparking viral videos and public ridicule.
Other nominees push stricter voting laws while Abbott champions a $1 billion school voucher program.

Right

Paige Urinates

Elephant Paige urinated on the aisle between press and delegates at the Texas GOP convention in Houston.
D’rinda Randall defeated Abraham George for Texas Republican Party chair at the June 12 convention, selecting David Covey as running mate.
Governor Greg Abbott gave keynote before elephant entered, displaying a banner reading “Unity Drives Victory.”
Texas Speaker Dustin Burrows congratulated Randall and Covey, saying they are energized for work ahead.

History

Historical Context

After the 1994 Republican wave that elected George W. Bush governor and ended decades of Democratic control, the Texas GOP secured a lasting majority, holding every statewide office by the late 1990s. At the 2022 Houston convention, over 5,000 delegates adopted a platform calling for a state-level Electoral College and a repeal of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, positions echoed in today’s Greg Abbott agenda.

1 of 3

Greg Abbott's Controversial Convention

The convention agenda includes candidates who have publicly pledged to ban Muslims from Texas, raising civil-rights concerns.
Governor Greg Abbott will deliver his first full-time keynote at the Texas GOP convention in Houston on June 12.
Elephant named Paige urinated on the convention floor, sparking viral videos and public ridicule.
Other nominees push stricter voting laws while Abbott champions a $1 billion school voucher program.

1 / 3