People

Texas

Gina Hinojosa

Governor of Texas. Elected November 3, 2026.

The win

Texas had not elected a Democratic governor in 36 years. Hinojosa started on the Austin school board and beat Gov. Greg Abbott. She plans to return $1,500 to every Texas household.

Race called for Gina Hinojosa.1

Their story

Hinojosa’s path to public office began with an Austin school board campaign in 2012. AP reports that threatened school closures helped motivate her to run. She later served in the Texas House.

Ran on

  • A one-time $1,500 refund to every Texas household from the state's Rainy Day Fund.2
  • Expanding Medicaid and helping rural hospitals stay open.2
  • Cutting property taxes.2

Supports

  • A pause on new data centers, and ending their tax breaks.2

Opposes

  • School vouchers. She would sign a repeal if it reached her desk.2

Sources

2
  1. AP via KPRC · Nov 4, 2026
  2. KPRC Houston · Nov 4, 2026