By Tripp Henderson | Staff Writer
Democrat Gina Hinojosa defeated incumbent Republican Greg Abbott on Tuesday to become Texas’s first Democratic governor since 1995. Hinojosa’s upset victory cut short Abbott’s chances of becoming the longest-serving Texas governor.
Hinojosa’s upset follows a string of blue victories across the country, including a historic win by Democrat James Talarico in the U.S. Senate race in Texas. Despite most polls favoring Democrats ahead of the midterm election, Democratic candidates nationwide outperformed expectations and secured control of both the House and Senate.
In a WFAA broadcast, Hinojosa spoke to supporters in Austin after her victory.
“Everything is bigger in Texas – and so is this win,” Hinojosa said. “Texas, we have shocked the world tonight. With a Texas chip on our shoulder, we showed that anything is possible.”
Hinojosa acknowledged the odds stacked against her in the election but said being the underdog did not discourage her.
“It never bothered me that they doubted me; it bothered me that they doubted us,” Hinojosa said. “… Texas, my faith in you never wavered.”
Hinojosa said Abbott called her to congratulate her on the victory and offer his help as she steps into her new role. In a speech at his watch party in Texas, Abbott also mentioned the phone call.
“There are still votes to be counted, but mathematically we’re not going to be able to win this election,” Abbott said. “I let Gina know that I would assist her and her team in a period of transition.”
Hinojosa has run a campaign focused on supporting Texas schools and putting money back into Texans’ pockets. In late October, Hinojosa visited Waco to highlight her priorities and encourage voters.
“Come Nov. 3rd, we will end Greg Abbott’s 30-year-old career,” Hinojosa told supporters in Waco. “When I am governor … my agenda will be to secure the American dream.”
Hinojosa also said that as governor, she would suspend the gas and diesel tax, freeze electricity rates, fire Commissioner of Education Mike Morath and give every Texas household $1,500 as a “corruption tax refund.”
Hinojosa will officially take office and replace Abbott’s 12-year tenure as governor in January 2027.
