Democrat Farmer Wants to Unseat Governor Abbott

Bobby Cole, an East Texas farmer and retired firefighter, has officially launched his campaign for governor. He is the first Democrat to challenge Governor Greg Abbott (R).

A political newcomer, Cole says his decades of experience working the land and serving the community have prepared him to lead the Lone Star state. “Every day, I clawed and scratched for 35 years to survive farming and ranching,” Cole said. “All those things will be pertinent in the job I may face as governor.”

In an advertisement announcing his campaign, Cole criticized Governor Abbott, accusing him of harming everyday Texans. “You’ve heard about bulls in a China shop? Well, that’s what Greg Abbott’s been doing to the people of the state of Texas,” he said. “Tearing up everything we’ve built, kissing up to bullies and billionaires who are taking every last dime out of our pockets.”

Simply put, Cole’s campaign calls on voters to “take Texas back,” noting that his platform seeks to “fund the schools, fix the grid, legalize marijuana, protect Medicare and rural healthcare, cut taxes.”

Calling himself a “traditional Democrat,” Cole cites Presidents Lyndon B. Johnson (D) and Franklin D. Roosevelt (D). He said being an outsider could resonate with voters who are tired of politics as usual. “It’s sort of like when you used to go to the city pool, and you're on the high dive… there’s a little bit of excitement and a little bit of worry,” he shared.

Cole assures that he is fighting “for the folks who’ve been squeezed out and written off,” and he has vowed to fight back against President Donald Trump (R) and the influence of Elon Musk.

Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick (R) is also facing competition from state Rep. Vikki Goodwin (D).