Governor Greg Abbott participated in a virtual closing bell ceremony with Nasdaq to mark the 190th anniversary of the Battle of the Alamo and emphasize Texas’ economic leadership. The event highlighted Texas’ position as a leading state for financial sector employment and capital investment.
“Texas now ranks number one for having more employees working in the financial sector than any other state in the entire country, and Texas ranks number one for capital investment, number one for capitalism itself, and hence, it’s only right that Texas is ranked number one for the capital markets that drive capitalism and the entire economic system,” said Governor Abbott. “We are proud that Nasdaq does business and has a location here in the great state of Texas. Texas will lead the way in protecting capitalism and all that it can achieve in the United States of America.”
Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, Nasdaq Chair and CEO Adena Friedman, Nasdaq Texas head Rachel Racz, and other business leaders from Texas also attended the virtual ceremony.
In November, Nasdaq announced plans to launch its own financial exchange in Texas called Nasdaq Texas. This new dual listing venue aims to broaden services throughout the state and increase investment opportunities for U.S. investors.
At the ceremony, Governor Abbott noted that Nasdaq is now fully operational in Texas and prepared to serve companies statewide. He described this development as evidence of a partnership between Nasdaq and Texas that supports a free-market environment intended to strengthen both national and global economic standing.
During his time as governor—beginning after his election in 2014—Abbott has overseen efforts that brought more than 325 corporate headquarters to Texas. The state currently hosts 54 Fortune 500 companies. According to official information from the Office of Texas Governor Greg Abbott, these achievements contributed to job growth records and made Texas home to the largest financial services workforce in the country, surpassing New York.
Last March, Governor Abbott joined Nasdaq at an event announcing their regional headquarters opening in Dallas. In 2023, he participated virtually in ringing the Nasdaq closing bell to recognize economic milestones reached by Texas.
The governor’s office remains based primarily at Austin’s State Insurance Building while providing services across all regions of Texas (source). Under Abbott’s leadership, priorities have included job creation, expanding economic opportunities, education improvements, safeguarding individual liberties, empowering parents regarding schooling decisions, and addressing southern border security (source). In recognition of his influence on policy and leadership within the state, TIME named Greg Abbott among its 100 Most Influential People list in 2024 (source).
Additional photos from today’s ceremony are expected to be released when available.
