Texas Governor Greg Abbott is dismissing concerns that Republicans could lose ground in the Lone Star State this November, arguing that voters will ultimately choose conservative leadership over Democratic policies. Speaking with ABC News’ Jonathan Karl at the governor’s mansion in Austin, Abbott said the outcome will be determined by the clear contrast between the two parties—not by polling conducted months before Election Day.

His remarks came shortly after the Associated Press projected that Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, backed by President Donald Trump, had defeated longtime Sen. John Cornyn in the Republican primary runoff for the U.S. Senate. With just over two months remaining before the midterm elections, some Republicans have expressed concern that Texas—won by Trump by nearly 14 percentage points in the 2024 presidential election—could become more competitive.

Abbott, however, dismissed those concerns, emphasizing that campaigns are decided in November, not during the summer.

“When voters go to the ballot box, they’ll choose between the common-sense policies offered by Republicans and the agenda promoted by Democrats,” Abbott said.

Throughout the interview, the governor repeatedly framed the election as a choice between the Republican and Democratic visions for Texas. He applied that message to several issues, including the Senate race, President Trump’s performance, fuel prices and the future direction of the Republican Party.

Recent polling has suggested tighter-than-expected races in Texas. A Texas Pulse survey conducted in late July found Democratic state Rep. James Talarico leading Paxton 47% to 43% in the Senate contest. The same poll showed Abbott holding only a one-point advantage over Democratic gubernatorial challenger Gina Hinojosa, 46% to 45%.

Despite those numbers, Abbott projected confidence, rarely mentioning his own opponent while repeatedly criticizing Talarico. He argued that Paxton’s extended three-month primary runoff delayed the attorney general’s ability to fully focus on the general election campaign and predicted the race would shift as voters became more familiar with Talarico’s record.

Talarico has continued attacking Paxton over past controversies, including his 2023 impeachment by the Republican-controlled Texas House. Although Paxton was later acquitted by the Texas Senate, Democrats have made the episode a central issue in the campaign.

Midterms and Trump

Midterm elections are often viewed as a referendum on the sitting president, and Jonathan Karl questioned Abbott about whether President Trump’s approval ratings and persistent concerns over inflation and fuel prices could affect Republican candidates.

Abbott maintained that Texas voters are focused primarily on state issues and the contrast between Republican and Democratic leadership rather than on the president himself.

Asked about gasoline prices, Abbott reiterated his earlier prediction that prices in Texas could fall below $2 per gallon before the end of the summer. He attributed his optimism to easing tensions involving Iran and the potential for improved global energy conditions, although prices have remained above $3.60 per gallon, according to GasBuddy.

“The decision voters make in November is much broader than any single issue like the price of gasoline,” Abbott said.

Data Centers Become a Growing Political Issue

The interview also addressed the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence data centers across Texas. The state already hosts more than 300 data centers, with roughly 200 additional projects proposed.

Growing opposition from local communities has prompted Abbott to advocate stricter oversight. He said future data center developments should secure local community support, generate their own electricity when possible, help reduce strain on the power grid and avoid construction near residential neighborhoods.

Abbott noted that his administration has temporarily paused new data center projects while the state develops additional requirements for future facilities. Although President Trump criticized that pause as a mistake, Abbott defended the decision, arguing that Texas' independent power grid requires a different approach than other states.

“We've created a framework that will do more than any other state to address these challenges,” Abbott said.

As the November elections approach, Abbott remains confident Republicans will retain their strength in Texas, arguing that voters will ultimately prioritize policy differences over polling or short-term political narratives.