Hinojosa takes Texas governorship, ending 32 years of Republican control
The Austin-based representative defeated three-term Governor Greg Abbott, who conceded after a campaign defined by data center disputes and affordability debates.
By Marta Gray ·
Gina Hinojosa defeated incumbent Greg Abbott on Tuesday, claiming the Texas governor's office and ending a 32 year streak of Republican control of the position that began in 1995.
The Associated Press reported Hinojosa received 57.1 percent of the vote compared to Abbott's 41.6 percent. Abbott conceded the race at 10 p.m. Tuesday night. The 52 year old state representative from Austin will end Abbott's nearly 12 year tenure in the role he has held since January 2015.
Texas Republicans have occupied the governor's mansion continuously since George W. Bush took office in 1995. Hinojosa's win marks the first time a Democrat has won the statewide race in that period. Her victory concludes a campaign heavily focused on cost of living, public education, and the rapid expansion of data center infrastructure.
Hinojosa, who served as president of the Austin Independent School District board, campaigned on affordability and criticized the influence of wealthy donors in state government. She proposed a one time $1,500 refund for Texas households, a freeze on electricity rates, and measures to lower grocery and health care costs. Abbott countered with a property tax plan he said could cut bills by 50 percent, saving the average homeowner up to $3,000 a year.
Money played a central role in the contest. Abbott raised $117 million for his reelection bid, with contributions from major donors including Elon Musk accounting for one fifth of his total fundraising. Hinojosa's fundraising surged in the final month, reporting $17.5 million in cash flow in the last four weeks. Her donations came largely from small groups and individual contributors rather than wealthy backers.
Data center development became a primary point of contention for Abbott. After labeling Texas the epicenter for artificial intelligence infrastructure, the governor faced intense scrutiny over the physical impact of new buildouts on local communities. In September, Abbott announced a moratorium on new data center permits until the state could audit their impact on the electric grid and other resource supplies.
Education policy also divided the two campaigns. Abbott advocated for expanding private school vouchers, which redirect tax dollars into education savings accounts for families to use for private tuition. Hinojosa focused on strengthening public education systems. Her win ends a 32 year drought for Texas Democrats seeking statewide office and installs a new administration at the Capitol.
