Texas’ exceptionalism was born 190 years ago. When a group of Texian and Tejano freedom fighters decided to build a better future — one defined by strong individual rights, limited government, and unrivaled opportunity.
In 1836, a newly formed Texas not only declared its independence from Mexico, but it also made a bold promise to never settle. To instead set the standard that others should follow, and to do so without apology.
Today, Texas remains a beacon of freedom and opportunity. A safe haven from the chaotic lawlessness that plagues blue states like California, New York, and Illinois. Time and again, Democratic leaders have revealed where their priorities lie. When it comes to public safety, such favor resides with the victimizer — not the victim. Take, for example, the horrific story of Sheridan Gorman. An 18-year-old freshman at Loyola University Chicago with her whole life ahead of her, a life that was tragically cut short when undocumented immigrant Jose Medina-Medina murdered her. Medina-Medina, a Venezuelan native who entered the United States illegally under President Joe Biden’s watch, had previously been taken into custody before being released back onto Chicago’s streets.
In Texas, it’s simple: we choose America’s children over criminal illegal immigrants. In March, Texas celebrated the five-year anniversary of Operation Lone Star (OLS), the most robust border security initiative led by any state in history. OLS began as a multi-agency effort to fill the dangerous gaps created by the Biden Administration’s total refusal to defend the border. It has swiftly evolved into the gold-standard blueprint for President Trump’s whole-of-government mission to keep criminals, drugs, and weapons out of our country. As of June 2026, OLS has led to nearly 550,000 illegal immigrant apprehensions.
But the chaos doesn’t stop there. Progressive leaders seek to indoctrinate a new generation of Americans to undermine the common-sense values that power our great state — and guide our nation. Democrats waste their time preaching reckless, socialist rhetoric that turns law enforcement into political targets, justifies men competing in women’s sports, and strips parental rights in the classroom. They should instead offer solutions to the tangible issues keeping hardworking Americans up at night. That’s what we are doing here in Texas.
Texas obliterates the competition when it comes to job-creating business investments, a business-friendly environment, and prosperity per resident — which surged by an impressive 10.1% between 2021 and 2024. With no corporate or personal income tax, easy access to global markets, robust infrastructure, and a reasonable regulatory environment, Texas leads. Newsom’s California, and Commie Mamdani’s New York, pale in comparison.
Texas is exceptional because we believe that the Texas of tomorrow can be even bigger and even brighter. That’s why I have made it my priority for the 2027 Texas Legislative Session to overhaul the state’s property tax system and ensure Texas remains the most affordable large state in the nation. No longer will out-of-control local government spending erase meaningful relief previously provided by the state. Working alongside state leaders and a coalition of local elected officials, we will restore the power to the Texas taxpayer, and keep the American dream of homeownership on the table.
Nearly 200 years ago, the fearless defenders of the Alamo drew a line in the sand, and fought to the death to protect the idea of a new republic, free of Santa Anna’s tyrannical rule. Just six weeks later, the Texian army went on to declare victory at the Battle of San Jacinto.
Now, in 2026, I urge the Republican voters who call Texas home to be the defenders. Republicans from every corner of Texas convened in Houston last week for the Texas Republican Party Convention. Next up: the fast-approaching midterm elections. We must come together to ensure that Texans get the representation they deserve this fall. United, we will defend the common-sense ideals that make Texas, Texas. And we will keep Texas a place of infinite opportunities that cannot be found anywhere else.