AUSTIN -- Gov. Greg Abbott said Thursday that if he's re-elected in November, he would serve all four years -- and not seek higher office.

Abbott appeared to unequivocally rule out being part of the 2020 presidential contest when asked if he would serve an entire second term.

"Yes," he said.

When asked if he has any thoughts about higher office, he paused briefly.

"No," he said.

The answer drew laughter from about 20 business leaders gathered for an economic development event at the Governor's Mansion.

Gov. Greg Abbott accepted Site Selection Magazine's 2017 Governor's Cup at the Governor's Mansion on Thursday. Sitting beside a mockup of the magazine's cover, Abbott said he had tried paralympic alpine skiing "multiple times" in Colorado. The last time he did it was about 10 years ago, he said. (Robert T. Garrett / Staff Writer)

"We have a question back here," interrupted Abbott aide Matt Hirsch. The governor, though, was not finished.

Stammering briefly, he said, "Is there a higher office than governor of the state of Texas?"

The corporate executives and business group leaders, who had just watched Abbott accept Site Selection Magazine's 2017 Governor's Cup, erupted into applause.

"Well said, touché," said one.

Down-ballot incursions

In other comments to reporters, the Republican governor also defended intervening in dozens of GOP legislative primaries before Tuesday's vote.

Going against three House members close to retiring Speaker Joe Straus, Abbott helped defeat Rep. Wayne Faircloth of Galveston. But he failed to unseat either Rep. Sarah Davis of West University Place or Rep. Lyle Larson of San Antonio.

"Twenty-five of the 27 that I supported won," Abbott said, though he didn't campaign as aggressively for most of the other hopefuls as he did for challengers to Davis, Larson and Faircloth.

Abbott said he wanted to advance candidates who agree with him on the need for tighter revenue caps on localities that levy a property tax and tighter state and local spending limits.

"It was important to give voters in a Republican primary a choice," he explained.

Asked if he'll intervene in future GOP primaries, the governor did not rule it out. But he stressed a need for party unity as Republicans prepare to clash with Democrats in November.

Upcoming India trip

Abbott also announced he'll leave on a trade mission to India later this month.

"In two weeks, I will be going to India, working on establishing contacts, closing deals, working on deals that will be closed after I return," he said. He offered no details.

Abbott said he plans "to take Texas globally" to strengthen the state's economy.

Asked about retailing giant Amazon's quest for a second corporate headquarters, Abbott confirmed that executives of the Seattle-based company "have been in the state of Texas talking with my office as well as leaders in Austin ... and Dallas."

Abbott quoted Amazon officials as praising Texas' workforce.

"Both Dallas and Austin would be perfect fits for Amazon," he said.