Latino Leaders Demand $10M DGA Injection for Hinojosa as Texas Poll Shows Abbott Lead Shrinking
Latino Democratic leaders are pressing the Democratic Governors Association to allocate $10 million to Gina Hinojosa’s Texas gubernatorial campaign after a new poll showed her within three points of incumbent Greg Abbott. The call follows a significant spending disparity, with Abbott’s campaign outspending Hinojosa by roughly 10-to-1. Although the Democratic Governors Association has prioritized incumbent governors, the tight race and Hinojosa’s potential to become the first Latina governor of Texas are driving renewed demands for financial support from party leadership.
Key points
- A New York Times/Siena College poll released on Saturday shows Gina Hinojosa leading Greg Abbott by three points, a margin within the error range.
- More than 70 Latino Democratic leaders sent a letter urging the Democratic Governors Association to invest $10 million in the Texas race.
- Abbott’s campaign and Republican allies are outspending Hinojosa by approximately 10-to-1, creating a significant financial disadvantage for the Democrat.
- Julián Castro, former HUD secretary and San Antonio mayor, publicly criticized DGA chair Andy Beshear for not supporting Hinojosa 'in a real way' despite polling evidence of her strength.
- The Democratic Governors Association has been constrained by commitments to protect incumbent Democratic governors, though some of those incumbents are in strong positions.
Background
Our earlier coverage from September 2026 noted that Hinojosa’s race against Abbott had become highly competitive, with polls showing varying margins and undecided voters. Previous reports highlighted Hinojosa’s focus on affordability, public education, and data-center regulations, as well as the broader trend of Latino Democratic leaders urging the DGA to expand its midterm map to include Texas. The current development represents an escalation of those earlier calls, moving from general advocacy to a specific financial demand following the latest polling data.
Why it matters
The outcome of the Texas governor’s race could significantly influence the state’s political landscape, potentially making Hinojosa the first Latina governor of Texas. The financial disparity between the candidates highlights the importance of party resources in competitive races, and the DGA’s decision to support Hinojosa could signal a shift in Democratic strategy for the 2026 midterms. Additionally, the race is seen as a bellwether for Democratic performance in other competitive states, with Texas being a key battleground for the party’s midterm goals.
What to watch
The Democratic Governors Association is expected to respond to the letter and the public pressure from Latino leaders. If the DGA decides to invest in Hinojosa’s campaign, it could provide her with the financial resources needed to close the spending gap with Abbott. The race will continue to be closely watched as a potential indicator of Democratic performance in other competitive states, with Election Day approaching.
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