By Trisha Garcia, June 25, 2025
QUITMAN, TEXAS — Bobby Cole, a longtime East Texas dairy farmer and retired firefighter, has officially launched his campaign to challenge Governor Greg Abbott in the 2026 Texas gubernatorial election.
Cole, a Democrat and political newcomer, made his announcement with a fiery message aimed at what he calls a state government out of touch with working families. “If people are looking for a fighter to fight for them, that’s what I represent. I’ve been fighting my whole life,” Cole said in his campaign video.
Raised in Friendswood and now running a cattle and poultry operation in Quitman, Cole brings decades of agricultural and public service experience to the race. He spent over 20 years as a firefighter while maintaining his farm, a dual career he says shaped his leadership and resilience.
In his campaign launch, Cole criticized Abbott’s administration for prioritizing corporate interests over everyday Texans. “You’ve heard about bulls in a China shop? Well, that’s what Greg Abbott’s been doing to the people of the state of Texas,” he said.
Cole’s platform includes increasing funding for public schools, fixing the state’s power grid, cutting property taxes, and making Texas more affordable for working families. He describes himself as a “traditional Democrat,” drawing inspiration from Lyndon B. Johnson and Franklin D. Roosevelt.
While Cole faces a steep uphill battle against the well-established Abbott, who is seeking a fourth term, he believes his outsider status and grassroots appeal could resonate with voters tired of the status quo.
For more on Bobby Cole’s campaign, visit ColeForGovernor.com.