The report also found most nonprofit facilities in Texas — which has a higher rate of medical debt than most states — will not offer refunds to patients who are later found to qualify for free care.

The race for Texas’ powerful second-in-command role pits a third-term GOP kingmaker against a state lawmaker who is riding the political tailwind felt by Democrats up and down the ballot.

Since Abbott first declared a border emergency in 2021, he’s renewed or amended the proclamation at least 69 times. The proclamation has greatly expanded his powers.