State Rep. Gina Hinojosa, a Democrat from South Texas, announced Thursday that she is running for governor, joining the race to challenge Republican Gov. Greg Abbott in 2026.
Hinojosa, who represents parts of Austin in the Texas House, said her campaign will focus on improving public education, expanding health care access and supporting working families. She accused Abbott of favoring corporations and wealthy donors at the expense of everyday Texans.
“For too long, our state has worked for billionaires, not for teachers, nurses or parents,” Hinojosa said in a campaign video. “It’s time to build a Texas that gives everyone a fair shot.”
If elected, Hinojosa would become the first Democrat to win the governor’s office in Texas in more than three decades. Democrats have not held the post since Gov. Ann Richards left office in 1995.
A native of Brownsville, Hinojosa grew up attending public schools before earning a law degree and serving on the Austin Independent School District board. She was first elected to the Texas House in 2016, where she has been an advocate for education funding and women’s rights.
Her announcement sets up a potentially crowded Democratic primary field. Other declared or potential candidates include Andrew White, the son of former Democratic Gov. Mark White, Bobby Cole, and Benjamin Flores.
Abbott, who has not formally announced whether he will seek another term, was reelected in 2022 and remains one of the state’s most powerful Republican figures.
The Texas gubernatorial election is scheduled for November 2026.