Abbott and Hinojosa clash in Bexar County as Texas governor's race tightens

Gov. Greg Abbott and his Democratic challenger, Gina Hinojosa, are competing intensely for the support of voters in Bexar County. The two candidates are in the final stretch of a contest that polls indicate is closer than expected, with Abbott holding a slight lead or staying within the margin of error.

Abbott has won re-election twice since taking office in 2014, usually securing victories by wide margins. While he typically uses the end of an election cycle to support lower-ranking Republican candidates, he recently addressed a crowd of about 200 people at Texas Pride BBQ in Adkins. During that speech, he focused specifically on his own race and criticized his opponent by name six times.

The political path to this moment began last year when high-profile Democrats declined to challenge Abbott for the top state job. Beto O’Rourke, former Sen. Wendy Davis, and former San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg all said no when Hinojosa, a 52-year-old attorney, called them to run. Her mother, Crisanta Guerra Lozano, said Hinojosa decided to enter the race herself because she wanted to stop Abbott from running unopposed.

Hinojosa has centered her campaign on corruption in the state government. She argued that Abbott has favored major donors through no-bid contracts and other practices. Her message has gained momentum recently after a watchdog group reported that Texas continued issuing permits for new data centers despite Abbott’s earlier promises to stop them. Additionally, the Texas Monthly reported that the state was preparing to sell a popular park to tech billionaire Elon Musk, a move Abbott did not rule out.

In response, Abbott has emphasized Hinojosa’s progressive record. He told supporters that she supported using taxpayer money for public schools to help children transition their sex without parental consent. He also cited her support for a state income tax and her vote on Senate Bill 14, which banned public funds for transition procedures for minors. An Abbott spokesman clarified that the bill in question was from the 88th Legislative Session.

Abbott also reminded voters of the state’s border security situation under the previous administration. He told the crowd that two years ago, Texas was still dealing with the effects of the Biden era on the border. He urged the audience to vote early at the nearby Saint Hedwig City Hall, noting that he could drive there in 10 or 15 minutes. He described himself as "Governor Hot Wheels" while encouraging attendees to keep Texas red.

Hinojosa continued her own campaign activities in the same area. She spoke at Brooks City Base on Oct. 19, where she accused Abbott of being the most corrupt governor in Texas history. She told the crowd that Abbott had stopped fearing voters because he had previously won every election by double digits. She claimed that had not been the case until this current race.

Both candidates have scheduled events for the coming days. Abbott is set to return to San Antonio on Nov. 2 for an appearance at Bigz’ Burger Joint. Hinojosa will speak at the Northside AFT union hall on Sunday and is scheduled to appear with U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico at The Espee that same evening.

Abbott has spent more than $100 million from his war chest during this cycle. If he wins, he will begin a fourth term, making him the longest-serving governor in Texas history. He has held statewide office for approximately 30 years, including time on the Texas Supreme Court and as Attorney General before becoming governor.