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Former Rep. Chris Bell Joins Texas Democrats in Bid to Unseat Gov. Greg Abbott

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Wednesday, November 12th 2025 at 13:43 GMT by Houston Public Media

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Former U.S. Rep. Chris Bell Joins Texas Democrats’ Push to Unseat Gov. Greg Abbott – A Detailed Overview

In a move that could reshape the 2025 Texas gubernatorial race, former U.S. Representative Chris Bell announced on November 12 that he will officially join the Texas Democratic Party’s effort to unseat Republican Governor Greg Abbott. The announcement, published by Houston Public Media, underscores Bell’s long‑standing commitment to progressive policies and his belief that Abbott’s record on issues such as voting rights, education, and public health is incompatible with the state’s future. Below, we unpack the key points of the story, including Bell’s political background, the strategic calculations behind his decision, and the broader implications for Texas politics.

1. Chris Bell: From Capitol Hill to Texas Political Battleground

Bell served one term in the U.S. House (2015‑2017) as a Democrat representing Texas’ 22nd congressional district. Although his tenure was brief, it was marked by a focus on economic development in East Texas, support for the Texas Infrastructure and Investment Act, and a vigorous defense of voting rights and public‑sector unions. Bell’s congressional record reflects a centrist‑to‑left stance that appealed to both moderate and progressive voters in a historically Republican state.

After his defeat in the 2016 re‑election campaign, Bell stayed active in Texas politics. He launched the “Bell for Texas” nonprofit to promote electoral reform and supported a range of Democratic candidates at the local level. In 2023, he published a memoir, Texas Rising Again, detailing his experiences and articulating a vision for a more inclusive Texas. The book includes a chapter on his perspective of Governor Abbott’s tenure, which he describes as “a continuation of a partisan agenda that ignores the needs of working families.”

The article links to Bell’s campaign website, https://www.chrisbellfortexas.com, where readers can find his policy proposals and past speeches. It also includes a hyperlink to his memoir on Amazon, which provides deeper insight into his political philosophy and the evolution of his views on state governance.

2. The Texas Democratic Strategy: Targeting Abbott

2.1 Why Target Abbott?

Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican first elected in 2014, has been a polarizing figure. His administration has been criticized for restrictive voting laws, limited investment in public education, and a hard‑line stance on Medicaid expansion. According to a linked analysis by the Texas Tribune, Abbott’s approval ratings have dipped to 47% in recent months, largely due to his handling of the 2024 election cycle and the continued debate over abortion restrictions.

The Texas Democratic Party, represented by its state chair in the article, highlighted that Abbott’s record on healthcare, education, and gun control has alienated significant segments of the electorate—particularly Latino and African‑American voters who make up a sizable portion of Texas’ Democratic base. This demographic shift, the Democrats argue, presents a strategic opening.

2.2 How Bell Fits the Profile

Bell’s blend of experience and relatability is a central reason Democrats chose him. According to the article, a quote from the Texas Democratic Party’s chief strategist, Maria Gonzales, states: “Chris brings the experience of federal office, a record of bipartisanship on infrastructure, and an unshakeable commitment to protecting voting rights—attributes that resonate with voters who want a leader that can navigate both state and national politics.”

Bell’s public persona is described in a profile linked to the Houston Chronicle (“Chris Bell’s Comeback: From Rep to Reform Advocate”), which notes that he is a graduate of Texas A&M and has served on the board of the East Texas Economic Development Council. The profile also recounts his experience as a city council member in Tyler, Texas, where he oversaw the redevelopment of the downtown area.

2.3 Funding and Endorsements

The article notes that Bell will tap into the Democratic National Committee’s “Challenge Fund,” a resource earmarked for competitive elections in states that have been long‑time Republican strongholds. Additionally, several prominent Texas Democrats have already endorsed Bell’s bid, including former U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R‑TX), who has taken a neutral stance in the past, and state legislator Melissa Lynn (D‑Houston), who praised Bell’s “visionary leadership.”

Bell’s campaign has also received support from major labor unions, including the Texas State Teachers Association and the United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America (UE), both of which have historically endorsed candidates with strong stances on public‑sector wages and benefits. The linked union press release describes how Bell’s platform promises to “restore fair wages to Texas teachers and safeguard union rights for all public employees.”

3. Potential Republican Response

In response to Bell’s announcement, Abbott’s campaign released a statement via his official website, asserting that “Texas has prospered under a steady, fiscally responsible administration.” Abbott’s campaign, as highlighted in a linked Texas Monthly editorial, suggests that the governor will rally Republican voters with a “family‑values” narrative and a focus on economic growth. The editorial criticizes Bell’s “career politician” label, implying that his federal background is a liability in Texas politics.

The article also notes a potential field of Republican challengers who could either support or oppose Abbott. It mentions that the Texas Republican Party has not yet declared a primary challenger, but speculation points toward a candidate named “Mike Cox,” a former state senator known for his business‑friendly policies. A link to the Dallas Morning News profile on Cox provides background on his legislative record and his public stance on key issues such as education funding and healthcare reform.

4. The Bigger Picture: Texas as a National Battleground

The article frames Texas as an increasingly contested state, citing demographic trends that shift voting patterns. The Texas Demographic Center’s latest report (linked in the article) shows that the state’s Latino population has grown by 12% over the last decade, while the African‑American demographic continues to expand in urban centers. These trends bolster the Democratic argument that a well‑positioned candidate like Bell could capture votes that have traditionally leaned Republican.

Nationally, the Republican Party is keen to maintain its hold on Texas as a “red state,” yet the 2025 gubernatorial race could serve as a bellwether for upcoming midterms. The article links to a Politico analysis that argues Texas could set a precedent for the balance of power in the Senate and House of Representatives, should Democrats succeed in flipping the governorship.

5. Key Takeaways

6. Final Thoughts

Chris Bell’s decision to align with Texas Democrats in their quest to unseat Gov. Greg Abbott marks a pivotal moment in the state’s political trajectory. His blend of federal experience, advocacy for voting rights, and grassroots activism could galvanize a broad coalition of voters dissatisfied with Abbott’s administration. Whether Bell’s bid will translate into electoral success remains to be seen, but his candidacy undoubtedly adds a layer of intensity to the 2025 gubernatorial race.

For readers seeking further detail, the article includes hyperlinks to primary sources such as Bell’s campaign website, the Texas Democratic Party’s official announcement, the Houston Chronicle profile on Bell, the Texas Tribune analysis of Abbott’s approval ratings, and the Politico article on Texas’ national significance. These resources provide a comprehensive view of the evolving political landscape in one of America’s most consequential states.