By — Associated Press Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/democrat-gina-hinojosa-wins-election-for-governor-in-texas Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Democrat Gina Hinojosa wins election for governor in Texas Politics Nov 3, 2026 11:26 PM EST 2026 ELECTION COVERAGE: Watch Live | Poll Closing Times | All Live Results | Live Updates | Live Fact Check Democrat Gina Hinojosa won election Tuesday as governor of Texas, defeating Republican incumbent Greg Abbott. Hinojosa's win marks an upset victory for Democrats. The state House member from Austin will be Texas' first Latina governor. She also is the first Democrat to win a governor's race in the state since 1990. Abbott was seeking an unprecedented fourth term after first winning election in 2014. The Associated Press declared Hinojosa the winner at 11:17 p.m. EST. Explore more of our Vote 2026 coverage WATCH: How does The Associated Press call 2026 midterm election winners? 4 things to know READ MORE: Will ranked choice voting affect timing of Maine and Alaska's Senate race results? Here's what we know READ MORE: 3…
Democrat Gina Hinojosa wins election for governor in Texas
In short
The Associated Press declared the race late Tuesday night at 11:17 p.m. EST in favor of the Democratic challenger. The win brings an end to Abbott's decade-long tenure leading the state after he first won election in 2014. By defeating the incumbent, the Austin representative achieved a milestone that has eluded her party since 1990 while setting a major historical precedent for Latina political leadership in Texas.
Key points
- The outcome marks the first time a Democratic candidate has won a Texas gubernatorial rac…: The outcome marks the first time a Democratic candidate has won a Texas gubernatorial race since 1990.
- Gina Hinojosa will make history by becoming the very first Latina governor of Texas.: Gina Hinojosa will make history by becoming the very first Latina governor of Texas.
- The defeat successfully halts Greg Abbott from securing an unprecedented fourth term as t…: The defeat successfully halts Greg Abbott from securing an unprecedented fourth term as the state's governor.