Texas Governor Race: Hinojosa Leads Abbott Among Independents

Democratic gubernatorial challenger Gina Hinojosa is shifting the momentum in the Texas governor race by capturing independent voters. Her latest campaign metrics indicate a widening lead over Republican incumbent Greg Abbott, altering the dynamic of the upcoming November midterm election as both candidates mobilize their respective bases.

With the midterm race for Texas governor culminating in November, Democratic candidate Gina Hinojosa is again counting on swing voters such as independents.

Hinojosa said in a social media post on Tuesday, June 23, she is leading incumbent Gov. Greg Abbott among independent voters 41% to 12% who said they would back the Democrat.

“In April, we were up 13 with independents. Now, we’re up 29,” the post read even though she did not cite the specific poll.

For the duration of her campaign, Hinojosa noted the election could be swayed by third party and minority voters. She noted that she has held a steady lead over Abbott in both those categories.

She has hammered Abbott on what she has called his “corruption tax” that serves billionaires and his donors at the expense of working Texas families.

Gov. Greg Abbott decries Democrats on border security

While Hinojosa was touting her lead among independent voters, Abbott also took to social media to double down on support from his conservative base.

“Texas held the line when Biden and radical Democrats wouldn’t,” he said in the social media post on Tuesday, June 23. In the post, he noted “now I am formally requesting $11 billion back from the federal government — money Texas spent on Operation Lone Star, hundreds of miles of border barrier & 500K+ illegal immigrant apprehensions.”

He cited the state did the federal government’s job and must be reimbursed for it.

Abbott has also made the case for his record in the state as one where all Texans prosper but did not hold back other issues when he called the Democratic agenda “radical” and “not good for Texas.”

Important dates for 2026 Texas election

The last day to register to vote for the General Election is Oct. 5, either online, by mail, or in person.

Early voting starts Oct. 19 and runs through Oct. 30. The absentee ballot request deadline is Oct. 23 for mail requests or Oct. 19 for in-person requests. The absentee ballot return deadline is Nov. 3, by mail or in person on Election Day.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Future Outlook

The reliance on independent and minority voting blocs will heavily dictate the final stretch of the 2026 Texas gubernatorial race. Hinojosa’s ability to sustain her reported lead among non-aligned voters will face a stiff challenge from Abbott’s heavy focus on border enforcement financing and conservative base mobilization. As the October 5 voter registration deadline nears, both campaigns are expected to escalate their media presence and grassroots outreach to capture the remaining undecided electorate.

FAQs

What are the current polling numbers for independent voters in the Texas governor race?

According to a social media post by Democratic candidate Gina Hinojosa, she leads incumbent Governor Greg Abbott 41% to 12% among independent voters, marking a 29-point advantage.

How much money is Governor Greg Abbott demanding from the federal government?

Governor Greg Abbott has formally requested $11 billion from the federal government as reimbursement for state funds spent on border security initiatives, including Operation Lone Star and border barrier construction.

When is the voter registration deadline for the 2026 Texas general election?

Texas residents must register to vote by October 5, 2026, to participate in the general election. Registration can be completed online, by mail, or in person.

What are the key voting dates for the Texas gubernatorial election?

Early voting takes place from October 19 through October 30, 2026. The final deadline to return mail-in or absentee ballots is Election Day, which falls on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.