HOUSTON — Houston businessman Andrew White, son of former Texas Gov. Mark White, has launched a Democratic campaign for governor, positioning himself as a centrist alternative in a state long dominated by Republicans.
White formally announced his candidacy Sept. 24, pledging to focus on issues such as education, health care and infrastructure while criticizing Gov. Greg Abbott for what he described as an overemphasis on cultural battles. He has also faulted Abbott for rejecting Medicaid expansion, saying the decision has cost Texas billions in federal funds.
“Texans are tired of the culture wars,” White said in an interview.
“They want a governor who will focus on the things that matter: Schools, hospitals and infrastructure.”
White, who previously ran unsuccessfully in the 2018 Democratic primary, said he plans to self-fund part of his campaign, covering overhead costs himself. He faces a difficult challenge against Abbott, who is seeking a fourth term and has amassed a campaign war chest nearing $90 million.
Other Democrats in the race include Bobby Cole, a retired firefighter and rancher, and Bay City Councilman Benjamin Flores. White said he believes the political climate has shifted since his last run and that voters may now be more receptive to a pragmatic candidate.
Abbott, who was first elected in 2014, is expected to campaign heavily on his record of conservative governance as Texas prepares for the 2026 election.