Abbott doesn't have to show he's a racist, but he insists on it.
https://www.cnn.com/2024/05/16/us/daniel-perry-texas-pardon-recommendation/index.html
As for the reporting the parole/pardons board recommended it, remember that Abbott appoints them, and they owe their seats to him. Of course they're going to help him.
He'd said before the guy was convicted he'd pardon him.