Gov. Abbott has his sights set on winning Governor’s Cup No. 15.
When Texas claimed the 2025 Site Selection Governor’s Cup for having the most qualified capital investment projects of any U.S. state, the victory marked the Lone Star State’s record-setting 14th consecutive first-place finish.
Texas secured this prestigious honor by tallying a remarkable 1,406 corporate facility investment projects last year — more than double the tally of second-place Illinois, which garnered 680, and more than Illinois and third-place Ohio combined.
At the helm of this award-winning effort is Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who runs the equivalent of a full-court press on economic development every day of the year and never takes a day off as Texas’ chief advocate. His bedrock governing philosophy is simple and straightforward: Pursue a business-friendly approach to taxation, regulation and recruitment; and never settle for second place.
Photo courtesy of the Texas Governor’s Office
In the following interview, Abbott outlines his approach to economic development and discusses his state’s many successes.
Now that Texas has captured the Site Selection Governor’s Cup award for a record fourteenth consecutive year, what will you do for an encore?
GOV. ABBOTT: Our encore is making room for number 15! No other state is as strategically positioned for economic success as Texas — now and in the years ahead. With a 2025 economy estimated at $2.9 trillion, the eighth-largest economy in the world, coupled with our superior competitive business advantages, Texas continues to attract the most innovative companies in the world. As a result, Texas will continue creating jobs, expanding opportunity and delivering long-term prosperity for our people. This year’s Governor’s Cup win isn’t just another victory — we are resetting the standard here in Texas. And the momentum shows no signs of slowing.
“I passed a constitutional amendment banning personal income tax and financial transactions tax in Texas and also reduced the franchise and property tax.”
— Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas
What policy changes made during your time as governor have elevated the business climate in Texas?
GOV. ABBOTT: Throughout my time as governor, I have continued to make strategic investments in our best-in-class business climate and enhance our pro-growth regulatory environment to ensure businesses succeed here in Texas. I passed a constitutional amendment banning personal income tax and financial transactions tax in Texas and also reduced the franchise and property tax. In addition to creating the Texas Business Courts to adjudicate complex business cases, we’ve streamlined regulations and expanded opportunities for small businesses. Last session, I signed into law numerous bills which support Texas’ small businesses and accelerate the process for starting a business in Texas by cutting burdensome regulations. This includes the Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office, which builds upon the progress of the Governor’s Small Business Freedom Council that I formed to review government efficiency for Texas businesses and directed state agencies to provide recommendations to cut unnecessary government regulations that hamper small business formation, operation or growth.
What else would you like to accomplish on the economic development front during the remainder of your tenure as Texas governor?
GOV. ABBOTT: I look forward to continuing my work advancing economic prosperity for all Texans. I will continue to partner with our state legislators, as well as our economic development partners, state agencies, industry and higher education to ensure Texas remains the best place to do business, as well as the best place to live, work and raise a family. We must keep enhancing our business climate to protect our competitive edge.
Gov. Greg Abbott’s frequent visits with citizens and business leaders across Texas include stops at the state’s abundance of successful manufacturing operations.
Photo courtesy of the Texas Governor’s Office
The exodus of companies from California and New York continues, with many of them seeking a new home and a fresh start in Texas. What is driving this wave of corporate relocations, and how is your office responding?
GOV. ABBOTT: Texas has earned our reputation as the headquarters of headquarters. Since I took office, nearly 330 corporate headquarters have relocated to Texas, with companies relocating from California, New York and other states, as well as from countries across globe. Notably, about half of all relocations come from California, alongside a steady stream from other major markets. We remain focused on attracting corporate headquarters and financial services as one of our targeted growth industries in Texas. The Lone Star State offers a world-class economic environment that appeals to businesses of every size — from Fortune 500 headquarters to small and mid-sized companies. With some of the lowest operating costs in the nation, a predictable regulatory climate, a lower cost of living and an exceptional quality of life, Texas continues to stand out as a premier destination for corporate headquarters.
New stock exchanges and dual-listing platforms such as Nasdaq Texas, NYSE Texas and the Texas Stock Exchange (TXSE) now compete for listings in Texas. How is this movement positioning Texas as a hub for corporate operations too?
GOV. ABBOTT: The emergence of platforms like Nasdaq Texas, NYSE Texas and the launch of the Texas Stock Exchange is not only solidifying Texas as a leader in financial markets but also anchoring the broader corporate ecosystem in Texas. We have both corporate operations and exchanges coming here, growing here and putting deeper roots in the state.
As companies list on Texas exchanges, they’re also able to keep their headquarters, regional offices and key operations nearby. This clustering effect strengthens Texas’ appeal as a full-spectrum business hub — where access to capital, talent and decision-makers all intersect. In turn, Texas is not only positioned as the new financial services capital of America, but also as a leading location for corporate operations.
Photo courtesy of the Texas Governor’s Office
What would you like corporate executives and site selectors to know about the changes that Texas has made to its electrical grid infrastructure?
GOV. ABBOTT: Texas is the top producer of electricity in the country. We have continued to make strategic investments in our grid infrastructure so we can continue to support the high level of economic expansion we’re seeing in Texas. During the last three sessions, I signed into law legislation to help lessen the impact of natural disasters on the power grid, enhance reliability and resilience of the grid, bolster distribution infrastructure and support long-term expansion to keep pace with business growth. Not to mention, the Texas energy sector is highly diverse and spans traditional, renewable and emerging energy sources. As the No. 1 producer of energy in America, we’re powering the future of global business from here in Texas.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is coming to Texas stadiums and cities this summer. How does Texas plan to roll out the red carpet for what is expected to be millions of international visitors?
GOV. ABBOTT: We’re excited to welcome the world to Texas for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Texas is fortunate to host the most games in the country across Dallas and Houston, and we look forward to taking advantage of this opportunity to showcase Texas’ many dynamic cultural and economic opportunities to the world. We’re expecting to see visitors from around the globe, resulting in a multi-billion-dollar economic impact to Texas as a whole with millions of visitors traveling to Dallas, Houston and surrounding communities. My Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office formed the Texas World Cup Task Force which includes representatives from local, regional and statewide travel, tourism and economic development teams involved in planning and preparation for the games in Texas. The group meets regularly to discuss planning, coordination and strategic direction to ensure that we are showcasing the best of Texas to our visitors.
