3:25In this Aug. 18, 2025, file photo, Rep. Gina Hinojosa reacts as a proclamation by the Governor is read inside the House Chamber at the Texas Capitol in Austin, Texas.Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman via Getty Images, FILE
A Texas Democratic representative, who previously aimed to impede Republican endeavors to reshape the state's congressional districts mid-decade, is now seeking to channel that same resolve into a campaign for governor.
State Rep. Gina Hinojosa, a Democrat representing the Austin region, formally announced her campaign on Tuesday to challenge the incumbency of Republican Gov. Greg Abbott.
Speaking with ABC News, Hinojosa voiced her conviction that Texas residents are yearning for a dynamic, novel candidate to compete against Abbott, who is currently seeking a fourth term in office.
"I believe the American public is weary of conventional politics and instead seeks genuine representation, desiring to shed labels and see authentic leadership," she expressed. "I am as authentic as they come — a mother whose frustration led her to pursue public office."
In this Aug. 18, 2025, file photo, Rep. Gina Hinojosa reacts as a proclamation by the Governor is read inside the House Chamber at the Texas Capitol in Austin, Texas.Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman via Getty Images, FILE
Hinojosa, previously the school board president for Austin ISD, plans to focus her campaign on education and advocating for Texas public schools. She was first elected to the state legislature in 2016.
"After a decade of service, I have gained insight into the allocation of our state funds, which are predominantly directed towards vendor agreements and enriching the elite, rather than addressing the needs of Texans," she stated.
This past summer, Hinojosa was among the initial group of lawmakers who departed the state to deny their Republican colleagues the necessary quorum. This action effectively halted the Abbott-supported special session aimed at implementing new GOP-backed congressional maps.
This act of denying quorum triggered a nationwide dispute over redistricting, leading prominent Democrats, including California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, to host these legislators in protest of the proposed maps.
Pritzker assumed a significant position during the standoff, helping to organize travel and accommodations for dozens of state representatives while they remained in Illinois, effectively stalling the vote. Former President Barack Obama even contacted their Illinois location to express his encouragement.
Texas Republicans ultimately succeeded in passing new congressional maps after convening a second special session. However, Texas Democrats, including Hinojosa, celebrated their collective efforts as a triumph. Subsequently, Newsom and California Democrats initiated their own initiative to approve maps that favored their party, bringing the matter before voters as a proposition this November.
In this Aug. 12, 2025, file photo, a group of Senate Democrats walk off the Senate floor as the redistricting bill is brought up at the Texas Capitol in Austin, Texas.Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman via Getty Images, FILE
Hinojosa stated that her involvement in the quorum break “made me realize” that voters are prepared for confrontation.
"I have the confidence to contend for governor because I trust that the citizens of Texas will support me and are committed to this cause with me. The quorum break broadened my understanding of what Texans, where voters, stand in 2025 regarding their expectations of their leaders," she explained.
Nevertheless, Hinojosa, who characterizes herself as a populist, faces considerable challenges. No Democrat has secured a statewide office in Texas since 1994. Furthermore, Texas’ Latino demographic has displayed a progressive shift toward Trump in recent elections. Trump outstripped former President Joe Biden by a margin of 6 points within the state in 2020 — and the difference expanded in 2024, when he outperformed former Vice President Kamala Harris by 14 points.
She must also surpass formidable Democratic contenders in the primary. Andrew White, the son of former Texas Gov. Mark White, is also participating in the race. Additionally, she might encounter competition from other notable Democrats entering the campaign. (Although Hinojosa claims that both Rep. Joaquin Castro and former congressman Beto O’Rourke have informed her of their decision to forgo a gubernatorial campaign.)
Despite these circumstances, she is optimistic about overcoming these obstacles and believes that Texas voters share her sentiment.
"People desire transformation. I am the change candidate. Greg Abbott is the candidate of maintaining things as they are, of the insider circle benefiting themselves from our taxpayer money. Therefore, I am confident in my role as a candidate who embodies the desires and expectations of Texans in a leader," Hinojosa remarked.
Sourse: abcnews.go.com
