Texas Governor Greg Abbott has used a wheelchair since 1984, following a life-altering accident. At 26, while jogging in Houston, a large oak tree fell on him, causing severe spinal injuries that left him paralyzed from the waist down. This incident occurred during his preparation for the bar exam after graduating from law school.
In recent news, Democratic Representative Jasmine Crockett faced criticism for referring to Governor Abbott as “Governor Hot Wheels” during a Human Rights Campaign event in Los Angeles. She remarked, “Y’all know we got Gov. Hot Wheels down there. Come on now! And the only thing hot about him is that he is a hot ass mess, honey.”
While Crockett stated her comment was aimed at Abbott’s policies, not his disability, the remark drew rebukes from various quarters, including disability rights advocates and Republican figures, who deemed it inappropriate.