Greg Abbott

State Rep. Richard Raymond, a Democrat from Laredo, said he designed the legislation with Operation Lone Star in mind.

After defeating O’Rourke — Texas’ most promising Democrat in recent history — Abbott begins his third term in a strong position, with a rising national profile and a governing mandate in the eyes of fellow Republicans.

The offices of governor, attorney general and lieutenant governor will remain in conservative hands as Texas Democrats continue their near-three-decade losing streak in statewide contests.

Abbott's victory was expected — the Republican led in poll after poll and raised more money than O'Rourke. The last Democrat to win a Texas gubernatorial race was Ann Richards in 1990.

He vowed that he would ensure the will of the voters was honored, and, if elected, he would reunite a deeply divided state.

The latest infusion was among $874.6 million in “emergency” budget transfers requested by the Texas Legislative Budget Board, which is composed of GOP state leaders and budget writers.

Days after a former warden was arrested in connection with a migrant’s murder in Hudspeth County in West Texas, the Democratic challenger blamed “hateful rhetoric” for an increase in violence in the state.

If handled well, storms like Hurricane Ian can cement politicians' images as community leaders — competent and trusted to help constituents get what they need. If mishandled, they can mar legacies.

The debate from the Rio Grande Valley took place as O’Rourke continues to trail in the polls.

Edinburg sits about 20 miles from the Mexico border and is home to around 100,000 people. On Friday night, Edinburg will become the only town to host a gubernatorial debate between Republican Gov. Greg Abbott and his challenger, Beto O’Rourke.