Gregory Wayne Abbott (born November 13, 1957) is an American attorney who has served as the 48th governor of Texas since January 20, 2015. A member of the Republican Party, Abbott previously served as the 50th attorney general of Texas from 2002 to 2015. He is the third governor of any U.S. state to permanently use a wheelchair. He is also the first disabled governor in Texas history.
The Washington Post, if Republicans retake the House of Representatives, as expected, Jean-Pierre could face questions about GOP investigations into the Biden White House, although the White House Counsel’s Office is already bringing in another communications official, Ian Sams, to handle such inquiries.
Anita Dunn, a former White House advisor, is also returning to help with the administration’s messaging efforts.Jean-Pierre’s promotion has been hailed by several LGBTQ advocacy groups, who have noted that she has not been shy about speaking out on LGBTQ issues when it matters, such as when various states have proposed anti-LGBTQ legislation, or earlier this year, when she denounced an order issued by Texas Gov.
Greg Abbott directing state agencies to investigate the families of transgender youth who are believed to have received gender-affirming care for “child abuse.”“Karine Jean-Pierre is a brilliant communicator and person of tremendous intelligence, humor and poise, skills that will serve her and our country well in her new role,” GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis said in a statement. “There are few jobs more visible or more important to our democracy than to share information with the White House press corps and answer their questions.“To have an out queer person of color speak for the President of the United States says everything about Karine’s talent and heart, and recognizes that LGBTQ people can belong, contribute and succeed in every room,” Ellis added.