x
Breaking News
More () »

Amazon met with Texas leaders as part of HQ2 search, Gov. Abbott says

Gov. Abbott said Amazon officials have expressed an interest in Texas as the home for its second headquarters.
Credit: David Ryder/Getty Images
An Amazon logo is seen inside the Amazon corporate headquarters on June 16, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. Amazon announced that it will buy Whole Foods Market, Inc. for over $13 billion.

As rumors regarding Amazon's second headquarters swirl, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott confirmed Thursday that company representatives recently met with Austin and Dallas city leaders to talk about potentially expanding in Texas.

This news comes after KUSA, Channel 6's sister-station in Denver, reported that Denver officials quietly met with Amazon employees about the second headquarters. A similar visit reportedly happened in Washington D.C., Maryland and Virginia, according to the Washington Post.

Erin Jones, from Channel 6's Austin sister-station KVUE, asked Abbott Thursday about whether Amazon has visited Austin as part of a the company's planned expansion. He confirmed that Amazon officials have recently visited leaders in Austin and Dallas.

"We believe both Austin and Dallas would be perfect fits for Amazon," Abbott said.

He said Amazon officials have expressed an interest in Texas as the home to its second headquarters.

RELATED: Amazon names 20 finalists in second headquarters race

"Amazon executives have told me personally they believe that Texas has a premiere workforce," Abbott said. "When you couple that with our reasonable regulations, our low tax rate, the low cost of living and the ease of doing business you can see that Texas is the right fit for Amazon expansion."

KVUE reached out to Austin Mayor Steve Adler's office, which responded that the mayor has not had contact with Amazon. Austin's Chamber of Commerce had no comment on the topic when KVUE reached out.

Before You Leave, Check This Out