Hinojosa takes Texas governorship

Gina Hinojosa has defeated three-term incumbent Greg Abbott in the 2026 Texas gubernatorial election. This result ends a 31-year stretch of Republican control over the state’s top executive post.

Hinojosa becomes the first Democrat elected governor of Texas since Ann Richards. Richards served from 1991 to 1995. The Republican hold began in January 1995 when George W. Bush succeeded Richards. Rick Perry and Abbott subsequently maintained that party’s grip on the office.

The Austin state representative also joins Miriam A. Ferguson and Ann Richards as one of only three women to hold the position. Ferguson served two separate terms in the 1920s and 1930s.

A University of Texas at Austin poll released in August showed Abbott leading Hinojosa 45% to 40%. Ten percent of voters remained undecided at that time. The race tightened in the months preceding Election Day.

Hinojosa campaigned on affordability, public education, and family-centric issues. She criticized Abbott’s leadership and argued that rising costs mattered more to voters than political division. The candidates also clashed over state permits for new facilities. Hinojosa questioned Abbott’s commitment to restrictions and joined other Democrats in calling for a moratorium until lawmakers established additional resident protections.

Hinojosa is scheduled to take office in January 2027.