WATCH: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott addresses supporters after conceding governor's race

Gina Hinojosa, a five-term state representative from Austin, stunned Greg Abbott by defeating him in the Texas governor's race on November 3, 2026, ending the Republican Party’s three-decade hold on the office and making history as the first Latina to serve as Texas governor. Hinojosa campaigned relentlessly against what she called "corruption" under Abbott’s leadership and his support for data center expansion without proper regulation.

Abbott, a staunch ally of former President Donald Trump who entered the race with $100 million in funding, conceded the election after several media outlets projected Hinojosa's victory. The Democrat's win marks an unexpected political earthquake, given that no prominent Democrats initially ran against Abbott due to his formidable fundraising and past electoral success.

In her victory speech, Hinojosa said she is a daughter of the Rio Grande Valley, embodying Texas values, and noted it was unimaginable just months ago that someone from her background would become governor. With this win, eight Democratic women are projected to be elected as governors across the United States, setting a record in Tuesday’s election.