Texas Gov. Greg Abbott tests positive for COVID-19

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) has tested positive for COVID-19, his office announced Tuesday. Abbott is "experiencing no symptoms" and is fully vaccinated.

Why it matters: Abbott has fought vehemently against public health measures such as mask and vaccine mandates.

Of note: On Monday evening, he attended a crowded meeting of the Republican Club at Heritage Ranch.

• The event was "packed" and "almost no one wore a mask," reports the San Antonio Express-News.

The big picture: Everyone who Abbott was in contact with Tuesday has been notified, per the statement.

• Texas first lady Cecilia Abbott has tested negative, and the governor is self-isolating at home.

State of play: Abbott was vaccinated last December and has advocated for Texans to get vaccinated.

• In late July, Abbott issued a statewide ban on mask and vaccine mandates and he has threatened to take schools and entities that defy the ban to court.
• COVID-19 cases are surging due to the highly contagious Delta variant, and deaths are rising in the state.

Go deeper: Texas Gov. Abbott calls on hospitals to delay elective procedures as COVID cases surge