Democrat Gina Hinojosa has defeated three-term incumbent Governor Greg Abbott in Texas, according to projections by CNN. Hinojosa, a 52-year-old State Representative, marks the first time a Democrat has won the state's governor's race since Ann Richards' victory in 1990.
The race had been unexpectedly close, with Abbott, first elected 12 years ago, facing a challenge in the traditionally Republican state. Polling averages in the week prior to the election showed Abbott with only a three-point lead over Hinojosa. Her victory follows the projected win of fellow Democrat James Talarico, who unseated Republican Ken Paxton for a Texas Senate seat.
Hinojosa's campaign strategy focused on issues of personal liberty, including opposition to Flock cameras, and economic concerns for working families. She criticized Abbott's administration for state funding and the use of these cameras by state agencies. In a campaign ad, she stated, "They want to run an entire campaign saying I'm too woke. I plan to spend an entire campaign focused on the fact that working people are too broke."
Abbott had attacked Hinojosa on social issues, accusing her of supporting policies that would allow children to transition their sex in public schools without parental consent. Hinojosa, in turn, criticized Abbott's support for school vouchers, arguing it would negatively impact rural public schools.
In the final weeks leading up to the election, millions of dollars poured into the governor's race. Abbott raised $26 million between September 25 and October 24, according to The Texas Tribune. Hinojosa also took legal action as a state legislator to unredact communications between Abbott and Elon Musk regarding data center projects and their connection to the state's electric grid, a topic that had prompted Abbott to call for an audit and a pause on new data center connections.
Abbott had also sought to boost turnout with a tour titled 'Let's Roll.' He had previously touted an 'affordability agenda' promising policies to reduce the cost of living for Texas families.