Hinojosa becomes Texas' first Latina governor

Gina Hinojosa will become the first Latina to govern Texas this January. Her win ends a period of thirty-one years in which the state had no Democratic governor. The last Democrat to hold the post left office in 1995.

Hinojosa grew up in the Rio Grande Valley. She holds a degree from the University of Texas and worked as a civil rights and union lawyer before entering politics. Her background as a Chicana and her legal career defined her campaign narrative.

Local leaders reacted with emotion to the result. Angelica Bolanos of Somos Tejas expressed relief and joy. "I think I might start crying again," Bolanos said. Thaiss Loaeza, also with Somos Tejas, described the win as empowering. "It's amazing, and it feels really empowering," Loaeza said.

The election resonated with Hinojosa personally. She cited the advice of her grandmother, who told her not to give up. "I can't help but think of my grandmother, Grandma Hinojosa, who used to tell me: no te dejes," Hinojosa said. Elba Garcia, the first Latina commissioner in Dallas County, noted that the victory builds on the work of previous figures like Ann Richards. "I love Ann Richards. I had the opportunity to meet her, and now Gina Hinojosa will take us to the next level," Garcia said.

Voting patterns showed distinct divisions. Hinojosa received more support from Black men and women than from Hispanic voters. Hispanic voters were more evenly divided in their support. Bolanos noted that Latinos make up about 40 percent of the Texas population. "Texas is mostly Latinos. It's around 40%. And we finally have the representation," Bolanos said.

Advocates say the win creates expectations for policy changes. A key priority for groups like Somos Tejas is restoring in-state college tuition for undocumented students. Loaeza emphasized that representation requires protection for the community. "You know, it's one thing to say you're Latina, it's another thing to like make sure that Latino communities are all protected in the same," Loaeza said. She also stressed the importance of cross-community solidarity. "One of the biggest things is community, and it's not just saying community within us Latinos. It's like community is people of color. We have each other's backs and that's what makes me happy," Loaeza said.

Garcia expressed gratitude for witnessing the change. "I'm excited. I am glad that I'm alive seeing this change and hey, si se puede," Garcia said. Hinojosa is scheduled to take office in January.