Democrat Gina Hinojosa has defeated three-term incumbent Greg Abbott in the Texas gubernatorial race, CNN projected, marking a significant upset in the traditionally Republican state.
Hinojosa, a 52-year-old State Representative, is the first Democrat to win the governor's office since Ann Richards in 1990. The race had been closer than anticipated for Abbott, who was first elected governor 12 years ago.
The incumbent's campaign was reportedly impacted by the performance of other Republicans, including Attorney General Ken Paxton, who was running for the Senate against Democratic state Representative James Talarico. Talarico was projected to win his Senate race shortly before Hinojosa's victory.
In the weeks leading up to the election, polling averages showed Abbott with a narrow lead, while Talarico was projected to win his race. The Texas Tribune reported that Abbott raised $26 million between September 25 and October 24 for his campaign.
Hinojosa, who represents a district in liberal Austin and was first elected to the Texas House a decade ago, focused her campaign on issues of personal liberty, contrasting with Abbott's emphasis on culture war topics. She criticized Abbott's support for Flock cameras, arguing that his state agencies were responsible for their proliferation and funding across Texas. Hinojosa also highlighted Abbott's support for school vouchers, which she contended would negatively impact rural public schools.
Abbott, in turn, attacked Hinojosa on social issues, accusing her of promoting gender transitions for children in public schools. He also recently claimed that children were being "transgendered" at school under Democratic influence.
Hinojosa's campaign also drew attention to Abbott's communications with Elon Musk regarding data center projects. She had pursued legal action to unredact communications between Abbott and Musk, suggesting that Abbott had been influenced by Musk's business interests in Texas.
Abbott had attempted to boost turnout with a campaign tour titled "Let's Roll," a reference to his wheelchair use following a 1980s accident. He also promoted an "affordability agenda" aimed at lowering the cost of living for Texas families.
