AUSTIN, Texas — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is among Time Magazine's 100 most influential people in the world for 2024.
Abbott was named in the leaders category of the list. The Time article calls Abbott a "talented room reader."
"During his nine years as the governor of Texas, he has proved adept at simultaneously throwing red meat to his conservative base while tempering pushback from the state’s liberal enclaves. All the while, he has masterfully needled Washington, through both unending legal challenges and agitating stunts, such as sending buses of migrants to Democratic cities," the article reads.
Abbott said it's an honor to be named to the Time100 list of most most influential people. He said state officials have worked tirelessly to make sure Texas stays a beacon of freedom and opportunity for the entire world.
"From building the eighth-largest economy in the world to leading a historic border security mission amidst the most prolific border crisis our nation has ever seen, one thing remains clear: where Texas leads, others follow. I am proud of the work we have accomplished and look forward to building an even bigger, better Texas for generations to come," Abbott said in his statement.
The Time article noted Abbott's response to immigration and the border crisis. The writer called Abbott's response to the 2021 winter storm and initially praising the police response to the 2022 Uvalde school shooting "missteps."
" .. Abbott remains one of his party’s most persuasive pitchmen, especially on immigration, where he’s constantly pushing at the boundaries of what states can do on enforcement. Whether Donald Trump wins or loses this year, Abbott is among the contenders best positioned to eventually pick up the MAGA mantle," the article reads.
The Time100 list recognizes 100 most influential people from across the world who have made impacts in business, entertainment, politics, science and more.
Texas native Patrick Mahomes is among those honored in the titans category of the list and he's on the cover of the magazine.