Abbott’s War Chest Depletes as Hinojosa’s Small-Dollar Surge Narrows Texas Governor’s Race
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has spent over $141 million since January, leaving him with $18.2 million, while Democratic challenger Gina Hinojosa holds $4 million. Despite a 10-to-1 spending disadvantage, Hinojosa is leading in several recent polls, marking the most competitive gubernatorial race in Texas in decades.
Key points
- Abbott raised over $20 million and spent $74.1 million between July and late September, depleting his initial $105.7 million war chest.
- Hinojosa raised $13 million, relying on 248,000 small-dollar contributions with an average of $53.37, while Abbott received large checks from billionaires like Jeff Yass and Joe Gebbia.
- A September 17 poll showed Hinojosa leading Abbott by three points, the first time Abbott has trailed in a public survey during his four gubernatorial campaigns.
- Latino Democratic leaders are urging the Democratic Governors Association to inject $10 million into Hinojosa’s campaign to counter the spending gap.
- Polls show the race is tight, with some surveys placing Hinojosa ahead and others showing Abbott leading by five points or less.
Background
This race is part of a broader national trend where Republicans are facing headwinds due to President Donald Trump’s low approval ratings. Texas has not elected a Democratic governor since 1990, making a potential Hinojosa victory a historic shift. Previous coverage noted growing voter backlash against data centers and property taxes, which Hinojosa has leveraged in her campaign.
How outlets are covering it
The Texas Tribune and The Washington Post emphasize the stark financial disparity, noting Abbott’s massive spending burn rate. CBS News highlights the political pressure on the Democratic Governors Association to support Hinojosa, citing a letter from over 70 Latino leaders. Time Magazine focuses on the polling volatility, noting that while some surveys show Hinojosa leading, others show Abbott with a small lead, and experts debate whether turnout or partisan loyalty will decide the outcome. Abbott’s campaign dismisses polls showing Hinojosa ahead as 'bogus,' while Hinojosa’s campaign frames her success as a 'people-powered' movement.
Why it matters
A Hinojosa victory would be the first Democratic governor in Texas since 1990, potentially stalling conservative legislative agendas through veto power. The race also reflects national dissatisfaction with the current administration, as voters weigh cost-of-living concerns against partisan loyalty in a state that typically leans Republican.
What to watch
The campaign will focus on final-week fundraising and voter turnout efforts. The Democratic Governors Association may decide whether to allocate additional funds to Hinojosa. Election Day is November 3, 2026.
- Greg Abbott outraised Gina Hinojosa but burned through much of his campaign cash in Texas governor’s race The Texas Tribune
- In Texas governor’s race, Abbott spends big to try to stay in office The Washington Post
- Latino Dems urge Democratic Governors Association to put money behind Gina Hinojosa as Texas governor's race tightens CBS News
- Polls show Hinojosa closer to knocking off Abbott compared to prior challengers Houston Chronicle
- Could Texas Elect a Democratic Governor? Polls Show a Tight Race Time Magazine
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