Eddie Gaspar/The Texas Tribune

Former U.S. Rep. Chris Bell is the latest Democratic candidate to join the 2026 race for Texas governor, a re-run after he lost his bid for the state's highest office two decades ago.

"Nowhere is the corruption on more vivid display than the office of our governor, Greg Abbott," said Bell, announcing his candidacy in front of the Texas Capitol. "It's about the play to play culture that has engulfed almost every aspect of our state government."

Bell on Tuesday slammed the school voucher program Abbott championed. Bell said the governor's push for the program was not driven by "what's best for our kids, but the desires of multi-billion dollar contributors."

"Greg Abbott has never and will never have the same commitment to teachers or to public school studen

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