Greg Abbott Sworn In As First New Texas Governor Since 2000

Republican Greg Abbott has been sworn in as the first new governor of Texas since Rick Perry took office in 2000.

Abbott was inaugurated Tuesday during a ceremony held on the steps of the state capitol building in Austin. In his inaugural speech, Abbott called Texas “the land of opportunity”, but said there is still much work to be done in order to continue Texas’ economic growth and its legacy of resisting big changes from Washington D.C.

Organizers of the event reportedly raised over $4.5 million to pay for festivities like a parade, four tons of brisket, a ball, and a concert featuring country group Lady Antebellum.

A full transcript of Abbott’s speech can be found here.