Democrat Gina Hinojosa defeated three-term Republican Gov. Greg Abbott on Election Night, becoming Texas’ first Latina governor and the first Democrat elected to the office since Ann Richards in 1990.
What happened
Networks projected Hinojosa the winner late Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026. The Associated Press, CBS News and NBC News all reported she defeated Abbott, who was seeking a fourth term.
With most ballots counted, NBC News showed Hinojosa leading about 53% to 46%. Abbott conceded around 10 p.m. Central time after calling Hinojosa to congratulate her, according to The Texas Tribune.
Why it matters
- First Democratic Texas governor in more than three decades
- First Latina elected governor of Texas
- Ends a Republican hold that began when George W. Bush succeeded Ann Richards in 1995
- Part of a wider Election Night shift that also flipped Texas’ U.S. Senate seat
Hinojosa is a state representative from Austin who grew up in McAllen. She is expected to take office in January 2027.
What each side said
On X early Wednesday, Hinojosa addressed Texans who backed her, Abbott, or stayed home. “Your government belongs to you,” she wrote. “And as your governor, I will never forget it.” She also said the trust voters placed in her “is not a blank check.”
In his concession, Abbott thanked supporters and said serving Texas had been an honor. “I love our state,” he said, according to The Texas Tribune. “And know that we are leaving Texas in far better shape than it’s ever been.”
Democrats celebrated the pickup on X. “For the first time in 36 years, Democrats have flipped the Texas governor’s mansion blue,” @TheDemocrats posted Tuesday night.
During the campaign, Abbott framed the race as a choice between “common sense and crazy” and warned that Hinojosa’s agenda would hurt the state’s economy. Hinojosa focused on affordability and public schools, opposed Abbott’s school voucher program, and argued voters cared more about rising costs than culture fights, according to CBS News and The Texas Tribune.
Quick facts
- Office: Texas governor
- Winner: Gina Hinojosa (D)
- Incumbent defeated: Greg Abbott (R), in office since 2015
- Last Democratic governor: Ann Richards (1991–1995)
- Projected by: AP, CBS, NBC
Sources: AP · CBS News · NBC News · The Texas Tribune · @GinaHinojosaTX on X · @TheDemocrats on X
