Abbott and Wendy Davis could go head to head in the race for Texas governor. | AP Photos Abbott thanks 'retard Barbie' tweeter

Texas gubernatorial candidate Greg Abbott on Sunday drew a rebuke from a Democratic Governors Association representative after appearing to thank a supporter who called Democratic state Sen. Wendy Davis “retard Barbie.”

“@GregAbbott_TX would absolutely demolish idiot @WendyDavisTexas in Gov race - run Wendy run! Retard Barbie to learn life lesson,” read a tweet sent to Abbott, the current Republican attorney general of the Lone Star State.


“Jeff, thanks for your support,” came the response from Abbott’s verified Twitter account.

Davis, who drew national attention after mounting an abortion-related filibuster, is considering a run for Texas governor next year. She would likely face off against the well-funded Abbott.

( QUIZ: Do you know Wendy Davis?)

Danny Kanner, the DGA’s spokesman, slammed Abbott’s tweet in a statement sent to POLITICO.

“These disgusting attacks against Wendy Davis have no place in the political discourse and they say a lot more about the Republican men launching them than her,” Kanner said. “Clearly, they know that Wendy Davis offers the kind of real change that Texas voters want and are scared to death of her because of it.”

Abbott’s campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Later Sunday evening, Abbott tweeted, “FYI: I thank supporters on Twitter, but I don’t endorse anyone’s offensive language. Stay positive.”