Abbott says his focus is on Texas amid Trump VP consideration

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) said in a Tuesday interview that he was focused on governing the state when asked about the prospect of being former President Trump’s vice presidential running mate.

“So listen, he’s very kind in suggesting things like that,” Abbott said in an interview on NBC, when asked whether he would accept a hypothetical offer from Trump to run as his vice president.

“One thing that I’m deeply committed to, and that is governing the great state of Texas. I’ve already announced I’m running for reelection. And that truly is my focus,” Abbott added.

Trump, the GOP front-runner for president, has teased possible running-mate picks in recent months and confirmed last week that Abbott made his shortlist.

“Absolutely, he is,” Trump told Fox News host Sean Hannity, when asked whether Abbott made his vice-presidential shortlist in an interview alongside Abbott near the U.S. southern border on Thursday.

Trump also confirmed during a recent town hall event with Fox host Laura Ingraham that his shortlist also included Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R), Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.), South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (R) and former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, who served in Congress as a Democrat but has since grown critical of Democrats.