Political Editor Savannah Witt
Published Apr 26, 2026
State Rep. Gina Hinojosa secured the Democratic nomination for Texas governor with 60% of the vote in the March 3 primary. She used a rally in Nacogdoches on April 25 to attack Gov. Greg Abbott's record on schools and energy costs. The event draws her campaign into deep-red East Texas seven months before the general election.
East Texas Foray Signals Broader Play
Hinojosa spoke to supporters at Austin Hall in Nacogdoches from 1 to 3 p.m. The Nacogdoches County Democratic Party organized the gathering. Abbott received approximately 70% of the vote to O'Rourke's 29%, a margin of 41 points in 2022. Her appearance tests Democratic turnout in rural areas where Republicans dominate.
Democrats need gains in places like this to challenge Abbott's hold on a fourth term. Hinojosa announced her run on October 15, 2025. She positions herself as the fighter to reclaim ground lost under 12 years of GOP control.
School Funding Takes Center Stage
Hinojosa zeroed in on public school funding and teacher pay at the rally. Texas ranks 42nd in per-pupil spending nationwide. Teachers earn an average of $58,000 a year, below the national average.
| Priority | Details |
|---|
| Public Schools | Increase funding, raise teacher pay |
| Healthcare | Expand access, make affordable |
| Housing/Economy | Build affordable units, control costs |
Her campaign site lists stronger public education as a core goal. Hinojosa served on the Austin ISD school board before winning her House seat in 2016. She knows the budget fights firsthand from six years in the Legislature.
Abbott signed an $8.5 billion public school funding package (HB 2) in June 2025, but critics call it insufficient amid inflation. Hinojosa frames it as too little after years of voucher pushes that failed in the House.
Abbott's 'Corruption Tax' Draws Fire
Hinojosa accused Abbott of imposing a 'corruption tax' on Texans. She linked it to soaring electricity bills from data centers. East Texas sees booming tech infrastructure, driving up power demand and rates.
The KTRE report on her speech quotes her vowing to 'take back Texas.' Data centers had about 8 GW max demand out of 94 GW peak (~8.5%) in 2025. Residential rates rose 15% in the same period.
Her lawyer background and AFSCME union ties shape attacks on corporate favoritism. Republicans tout the jobs; Democrats say it burdens families. Hinojosa bets working-class voters in places like Nacogdoches feel the pinch.
From Austin Rep to Statewide Contender
Hinojosa represents House District 49 in Austin since 2017. The seat covers urban Travis County, where Democrats win big. She beat a crowded primary field with 59-60% thanks to strong Austin turnout, per records.
Abbott cruised his primary with 75% of the vote. He faces no serious GOP challenge. The general pits urban Democrats against suburban and rural Republicans. Hinojosa must expand beyond Austin and Houston.
Her platform stresses healthcare expansion. Texas has 5 million uninsured residents, the highest in the U.S. She pushes Medicaid growth that Abbott has blocked since 2013.
Housing costs another flashpoint. Median home prices hit $320,000 statewide. Austin's climbed past $500,000. Hinojosa calls for zoning reforms and incentives for builders.
Primary Path Sets November Test
Hinojosa's 60% primary win gives her momentum and party resources. Abbott's incumbency and $100 million war chest make him the favorite. Polls show him leading by 15 points.
| Candidate | Primary Vote Share |
|---|
| Gina Hinojosa (D) | 60% |
| Greg Abbott (R) | 75% |
Democrats eye turnout in November. The election lands on November 3. Early voting starts October 20. Hinojosa's East Texas push previews a ground game aimed at flipping suburban voters on pocketbook issues.
