Gov. Greg Abbott on Thursday announced a state disaster declaration for El Paso County after flooding this week damaged homes and forced evacuations in parts of the county, including Northwest El Paso and the Horizon City area. Abbott said he issued the declaration shortly before speaking at a campaign event.
The state declaration follows a local disaster declaration issued Tuesday by El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego. Abbott also directed state emergency management officials on Wednesday to activate resources in case of more severe weather in El Paso.
Abbott spoke to hundreds of supporters at Rosa's Cantina in West El Paso. He is seeking a fourth term as governor against state Rep. Gina Hinojosa in the Nov. 3 general election. Abbott described Hinojosa as too liberal for Texas and urged supporters to vote in the final days of voting. Hinojosa, who held a rally near Downtown El Paso the day before, criticized Abbott's handling of data center development and pledged financial relief for Texas households.