Abbott and Hinojosa clash in San Antonio as Texas gubernatorial race tightens
With polls showing a narrow margin, the incumbent and his challenger are targeting Bexar County voters with sharp attacks on taxes, border security, and state corruption.
By Leila Reynolds ·
Governor Greg Abbott and Democratic challenger Gina Hinojosa are waging an intense campaign in Bexar County as the Texas gubernatorial election enters its final days. Polls indicate the race is closer than anticipated, with Abbott leading by a small margin or within the error range. The two candidates are focusing their efforts on local issues and personal attacks to sway undecided voters in the region.
At a rally for approximately 200 supporters at Texas Pride BBQ in Adkins on Wednesday, Abbott emphasized his opponent’s progressive platform. He stated that Hinojosa would raise taxes and revert border security policies to those implemented during the Biden administration. Abbott referenced Hinojosa by name six times in his prepared remarks. He also compared her to U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico, describing her as further to the left. "Everybody here, you know how crazy [James] Talarico is, right?" he asked. "What will surprise you is this: my opponent, Gina Hinojosa, is to the far radical left of Talarico."
Hinojosa, a 52-year-old attorney, entered the race after larger Democratic figures declined to challenge Abbott. Her mother, Crisanta Guerra Lozano, said Hinojosa was motivated by what she perceived as corruption within the state legislature. Guerra Lozano noted that Hinojosa watched Abbott’s donors profit through no-bid contracts and changes to public education. "She just wanted someone to run for the governor’s position because, as a state representative, she could see all the things that [Abbott] was doing," Guerra Lozano said. Hinojosa has recently gained momentum by highlighting issues such as new data center permits and the potential sale of a state park to tech billionaire Elon Musk.
In response, Abbott has deployed a substantial war chest, which held more than $100 million at the start of the cycle. He attacked Hinojosa’s legislative record, specifically citing a vote to use public funds for school transition procedures for students. "Gina took it next level, and this is where it gets very dangerous, she voted to use your taxpayer money to fund public schools," Abbott said. An Abbott spokesman clarified that this referred to Senate Bill 14 from the 88th Legislative Session, which restricted public funding for such procedures for minors. Abbott also reminded voters of border challenges under the previous administration, urging them to remember the impact of the Biden era on the state.
The governor’s supporters at the Adkins event chanted for four more years, with one calling for his permanent tenure. Texas has no term limits for the governor, and a fourth term would make Abbott the longest-serving in state history. He has held statewide office for roughly three decades, including roles on the Texas Supreme Court and as Attorney General. Abbott encouraged attendees to vote early at the nearby Saint Hedwig City Hall, joking that he could drive there in 10 or 15 minutes.
Hinojosa is scheduled to appear at Northside AFT’s union hall on Sunday, followed by an event with Talarico at The Espee that same evening. Abbott is set to return to San Antonio on Nov. 2 for an appearance at Bigz’ Burger Joint. The contest remains challenging for Democrats, but Guerra Lozano believes her daughter has already achieved a victory by keeping the race competitive.
Abbott’s campaign features down-ballot Republicans, including state Rep. John Lujan and his successor nominee Jorge Borrego. Some congressional candidates, such as Carlos De La Cruz, were absent from the Adkins rally. The final days of the campaign will see both candidates continuing to target Bexar County, a key battleground in the state.
