Gina HinojosaCandidate

Gina Hinojosa

GovernorDemocrat

TX-Statewide Governor

Age 52·Mexican-American·Candidate for Governor of Texas (2026)

Why This Race Matters

Gina Hinojosa is running against Greg Abbott (R, incumbent); Democratic primary: Andrew White, Bobby Cole, Benjamin Flores, Chris Bell.

If elected, Hinojosa would be the first Mexican-American Texas Governor since the early 1800s. In a state where no Democrat has won statewide in 30+ years, she's betting on Hispanic voter mobilization.

Launched campaign in hometown of Brownsville. Main focus: fighting school vouchers, affordability, healthcare. Abbott has $87M+ war chest. Endorsed by EMILY's List, Texas AFL-CIO, and former opponent Andrew White.

Key dates to watch: Primary on March 3, 2026 and General Election on November 3, 2026.

About

Gina Hinojosa is a Rio Grande Valley native running for Governor of Texas in 2026. The daughter of Gilberto Hinojosa, longtime chair of the Texas Democratic Party, and sister of Xochitl Hinojosa (DNC spokesperson), politics runs in her family. A civil rights and union lawyer, she first ran for office when her son's elementary school faced closure due to budget cuts. She served on the Austin ISD school board before winning election to the Texas House in 2016, where she became a leading voice against school vouchers.

Family & Heritage

Born in Mission, TX and raised in Brownsville in the Rio Grande Valley. Daughter of Gilberto Hinojosa, who served as Cameron County Judge (1995-2006) and Chair of the Texas Democratic Party (2012-2025). Sister of Xochitl Hinojosa, spokesperson for the 2020 Democratic National Convention. Spent summers with grandparents in Mission.

Political Career

Before Politics

Civil rights attorney; Union lawyer representing workers' rights

Education

Law degree (civil rights attorney)

Key Issues & Priorities

*Public education (primary champion against school vouchers)
*Quality and accessible healthcare
*Making Texas affordable
*Workers' rights
*Fighting political corruption