Abbott leads Hinojosa by a slim margin in Texas governor race

Texas Governor Greg Abbott and his Democratic challenger, State Rep. Gina Hinojosa, are battling for a lead in a race that polls describe as being within the margin of error. The contest is closer than expected for Abbott, who has won re-election by wide margins in the past. Both candidates are focusing their final days of campaigning in Bexar County, where local politics intersect with statewide issues.

Abbott, 68, addressed a crowd of approximately 200 supporters at Texas Pride BBQ in Adkins on Wednesday. He warned voters that Hinojosa would raise taxes and reverse border security policies established during the Biden administration. In his prepared remarks, he named Hinojosa six times and compared her to U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico, claiming Hinojosa held views further to the left.

Hinojosa, 52, entered the race after other prominent Democrats declined to run against Abbott. Her mother, Crisanta Guerra Lozano, said Hinojosa called Beto O'Rourke, Wendy Davis, and Ron Nirenberg last year. All three declined to challenge Abbott, prompting Hinojosa to launch her own campaign. Guerra Lozano stated that Hinojosa wanted to stop Abbott from running unopposed after observing his legislative actions.

Hinojosa has centered her message on corruption. She told a crowd at Brooks City Base on Oct. 19 that Abbott was selling off state assets to his largest donors. She cited specific examples from her time in the Texas Legislature to support her claim that Abbott is the most corrupt governor in state history. Her arguments have gained traction in recent weeks as new reports emerged regarding state spending.

A watchdog group revealed this month that Texas continued issuing new data center permits after Abbott promised to pause them. Texas Monthly reported that the state was preparing to sell a popular state park to tech billionaire Elon Musk. Abbott did not rule out the sale, while Musk is donating millions to Republican campaigns, including Abbott's re-election effort.

Abbott spent the final stretch of the cycle using a war chest that held more than $100 million at the start of the year. He focused on Hinojosa's voting record, including her support for an income tax and legislation regarding public schools and gender transition procedures. An Abbott spokesman clarified that he was referring to Senate Bill 14 from the 88th Legislative Session, which restricted public funds for certain medical procedures for minors.

Abbott also invoked border security, reminding voters of conditions during the Biden presidency. He told supporters to vote early at the nearby Saint Hedwig City Hall, joking that he could travel there in 10 or 15 minutes as Governor Hot Wheels. He joined the event with State Rep. John Lujan, GOP candidate Jorge Borrego, and District Attorney hopeful Ashley Foster.

Hinojosa plans to appear at Northside AFT's union hall on Sunday, followed by an event with Talarico at The Espee that night. Abbott is scheduled to return to San Antonio on Nov. 2 for another stop at Bigz' Burger Joint. If Abbott wins a fourth term, he will become the longest-serving governor in Texas history, having held statewide office for roughly three decades.