Texas Gov. Greg Abbott faced questions over his prediction that gas prices would fall below $2 by summer’s end. During an ABC interview, the host noted Texas gas averaged $3.60 as August moved past its midpoint. Abbott shifted toward taxes, policing, and the November election. The host repeatedly returned to his gas-price prediction.
The exchange aired on ABC’s “This Week.” The host asked whether voters would punish Republicans if gas remained above Abbott’s target.
Abbott said voters would choose between Republican and Democratic candidates based on a broader political contrast. He called the issue “far more complex than just one price point.”
“Yeah, but you said it was going to be below $2,” the host replied.
Abbott acknowledged the point, then turned to public safety and taxes. He said he wanted “safe communities” and accused opponents of supporting police defunding.
He also said Democrats would raise costs beyond what Texans currently pay for gas. Abbott accused them of supporting state income, death, and property tax increases.
The host then asked whether Texans would mind if gas remained above $3 per gallon. Abbott again turned to property taxes.
He called Texans’ property tax costs “outrageously high.” Abbott then blamed Democrats for voting to increase those taxes further.
Abbott did not provide a new gas-price estimate during the interview. He also did not directly say whether he still expected prices below $2.
Greg Abbott Draws Criticism Over Texas $2 Gas Promise
Abbott’s responses drew criticism from users who questioned why he moved away from the gas-price issue.
“Moving the goalposts again once it’s obvious that gas is gonna be high for the foreseeable future,” one user wrote.
Another response questioned the broader political argument: “Follow Up: why would you make the promise if it was so complex?”
A separate user challenged Abbott’s criticism of Democrats, writing, “Texas has been under republican rule for 25 plus years and it’s still somehow Dems fault.”
Another response pointed to the potential political consequence: “It isn’t more complicated than that. Voted for you but never again.”
With summer still underway, whether Texas gas prices reach Abbott’s stated target remains unresolved.
