Gov. Greg Abbott took the battle directly to his opponents Friday afternoon, citing the controversial bill banning 'Sanctuary Cities' as one of his key accomplishments in announcing his bid for a second term in a rally at San Antonio's Sunset Station.
Several cities, counties, and liberal groups are fighting the anti Sanctuary bill in federal court, and many have vowed that it will be 'hung around his neck' in the upcoming election season.
By proudly mentioning it as a key accomplishment to the cheers of supporters shows the confidence of a politician with $50 million in the bank and the strongest approval rating of any statewide elected official.
'It is irresponsible and reckless to release known criminals back onto our streets!" Abbott declared to the applause of the crowd.
Abbott also touted economic and educational progress and firmly declared his support and appreciation for the police, citing the murder of San Antonio Police Officer Miguel Moreno.
So far, no Democrat has emerged to challenge Abbott, who defeated Democrat Wendy Davis by 20 percentage points to win the governor's office in 2014.
Video: Courtesy Spectrum News