Gov. Abbott reacts after Trump says he is on a shortlist for his running mate
During his border visit Thursday, former President Donald Trump told Fox News he was consider Gov. Greg Abbott as his running mate.
AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Gov. Greg Abbott said he plans to stay in Texas after his name was floated as a possible vice presidential candidate.
During his border visit Thursday, former President Donald Trump told Fox News he was considering Abbott as his running mate.
Trump said Abbott was on his shortlist of vice presidential candidates.
However, Abbott told Nexstar Friday that doesn't align with his plans.
"Listen, obviously, it's very nice of him to say, but I think you all know that my focus is entirely on the state of Texas. As you know, I'm working right now on the midterm election process. I've already talked about that I've announced that I'm running for reelection two years from now. And so my commitment to Texas is to Texas and I'm staying in Texas," Abbott said.
In the same interview with Fox News, Trump said another person he's considering as a running mate is South Carolina Republican Sen. Tim Scott.
Trump and Abbott's relationship
The former president and Abbott's relationship was somewhat rocky last May throughout the Texas House's impeachment trial of Attorney General Ken Paxton.
During the trial, Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, asking Abbott why he didn't speak out on the impeachment of Paxton, who was a top Texas ally for Trump.
However, in November Abbott announced he endorsed Trump for president. And this week, they were together at the border in Eagle Pass.