ABBOTT'S ACCIDENT
Why is Texas Governor Greg Abbott in a wheelchair?
Abbott has been the governor of Texas for three terms
GREG Abbott's list of political achievements put the spotlight on him and his life.
Although Governor Abbott is a highly-recognized politician, some people are not familiar with the reason why he's confined to a wheelchair and what happened to him.
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Why is Governor Greg Abbott in a wheelchair?
When he was 26, a freak accident resulted in Greg Abbott's paralysis from the waist down.
Back on July 14, 1984, Abbott was jogging before a storm caused an oak tree to fall on him.
Due to the accident, he needed two steel rods implanted into his spine and underwent extensive rehab at the TIRR Memorial Hermann in Houston, Texas.
According to his website, the recovery process reminded him of his life lessons including perseverance.
Abbott revealed in a YouTube video posted to his official account: "I was just jogging along like any other day.
"Then, bam - a huge explosion-type sound occurred right next to me.
The politician further shared: "Next thing I know, I was down because this huge tree had fallen on me.
"The pain was excruciating, it felt like someone had taken a sledgehammer to my back.
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"I was literally at death's door and felt like I had to cling to every single moment.
"When you're lying in bed throttled with pain, you have to apply lessons that you've learned all of your life.
Abbott recalled: "For me, that lesson was perseverance. It was the lesson of never, ever giving up.
"Our lives aren't defined by our challenges. Instead, we get to define our lives based on how we respond to those challenges."
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Did Governor Abbott win re-election?
On January 8, 2022, Texas Governor Abbott announced his decision to run for a third term in office during the year's midterm elections.
He told the attendees at the Hispanic Leadership Summit: "Together, we have put Texas on a remarkable path towards a brighter future.
"A Texas where working families can do more than just get by. They can flourish under the opportunities provided by the ninth largest economy in the world."
Months later on Tuesday, March 1, 2022, he furthered his re-election campaign by winning the Republican Party primary.
Abbott finally secured a third term in office defeating Democratic candidate Beto O'Rourke.
On February 29, 2024, former President Donald Trump said he was considering Abbott as his potential vice president as he's running for the 2024 race.
During a joint interview with the two, Trump spoke with Sean Hannity saying he is "absolutely" considering Abbott.
Trump said: "Certainly, he would be somebody that I would very much consider."
However, Abbott previously mentioned he would help Trump with his re-election while remaining governor.
Speaking with , Abbott said he is planning to run again once his term expires in 2026.
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When did Abbott become governor?
On July 14, 2013, the then-Attorney General of Texas declared his bid for governor.
He announced: "When it comes to our freedom and our future, I will never, I will never, stop fighting.
"That’s why I’m asking you — the people of Texas — to elect me as your next governor.
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"The future of Texas demands better education, safer communities, and smarter government."
Abbott was first elected as governor on November 4, 2014, and began his second term on November 6, 2018.
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