The new group Mothers Against Greg Abbott has made clear that they aim to unseat Texas Republican Governor Greg Abbott and undo many of his policies that have been criticized as extremist and draconian but that have nonetheless been applauded by the right-wing.
The PAC—whose name can be acronymized to MAGA—is a play on former Republican President Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign slogan “Make America Great Again."
Speaking to Newsweek, Mothers Against Greg Abbott founder Nancy Thompson said mothers across the state "are so mad at Greg Abbott and the GOP’s policies, that every single time he opens up his mouth, he alienates a new group of parents."
Thompson added Republicans in Texas are "trying to totally gain control over our personal rights and freedoms and the safety that we need in Texas for our families to be able to thrive."
A video clip posted by the PAC has been viewed more than 2.4 million times as of this writing and references some of Abbott and Republicans' recent policy decisions.
You can watch it below.
The ad notes Abbott's administration has taken several steps to limit the rights and freedoms of Texans.
For instance, the ad points out Abbott loosened gun restrictions, which he did in 2021 when he signed a law allowing individuals who are 18 years or older to legally purchase long guns, which include shotguns and rifles and has come under further scrutiny since a mass shooter killed 19 children and two teachers in Uvalde, Texas.
The ad also accuses Abbott of attacking parents who love and support their children regardless of their gender identity, mentioning Abbott's decision to sign off on legislation, though ultimately struck down by a federal judge, would have empowered the state to open child abuse investigations into families whose children receive gender affirming healthcare.
At another point, the ad notes it has become more difficult for Texas teachers to teach lessons that are historically accurate, such as a recent proposal to the Texas State Board of Education that would require public schools to describe slavery to second-graders as "involuntary relocation."
Abbott has also targeted those in his state who can get pregnant, last year signing legislation that prohibits virtually all abortions after a "heartbeat" is detected, which is typically after six weeks of pregnancy. The law deputizes citizens by enabling them to file lawsuits against abortion providers suspected of violating the new policy.
The ad went viral and many applauded the group for speaking out.
Mothers Against Greg Abbott has endorsed former Democratic Representative Beto O'Rourke in his bid to unseat Abbott.
Last week, The Texas Tribune reported that O'Rourke received a $2 million donation from an Austin couple who in a statement said they "believe good governance requires some checks and balances on the system."
O'Rourke announced he'd raised $27.6 million from February through June, beating Abbott's $24.9 million fundraising. Democrats are "gaining steam" in Texas, according to a Houston Chronicle report that said O’Rourke is within six percentage points of Abbott in the polls.
