Mr Payne is self-funding his campaign, putting $2.5 million of his own money into his bid. “We need a governor who is not a career bureaucrat, but one with real world experience and dedication to making Texas a better, safer and healthier place for all Texans.” He added: “It’s time we stopped letting the Republican Party run unopposed in this state. “It’s time we stopped wasting our time and money on silly legislation and start investing our time finding ways to help Texans, their families and businesses prosper.”
Mr Payne told the Dallas Voice: “Texas needs a governor who believes in real Texas values, like integrity, honesty, freedom and independence,” Payne said in a statement announcing his candidacy. In an announcement, he lashed out at Abbott, who has called a special session of the state legislature that is being used by Republicans in order to push anti-trans bathroom laws. He is also a former holder of the title International Mr.