Gina Hinojosa, Democratic Texas governor candidate, speaks to UTRGV students Monday at the University Ballroom on the Edinburg campus. Timothy David/THE RIDER
Texas gubernatorial candidate Gina Hinojosa visited the University Ballroom on the Edinburg campus Monday as part of her “One Fight” GOTV tour, encouraging students to vote early and support her campaign against incumbent Gov. Greg Abbott.
Hinojosa, a McAllen native who was raised in Brownsville, said she understands the concerns of South Texas residents, and wants to address what she described as the region’s neglect by political candidates.
“That’s what this election is about … standing up and defending our worth, because there is one fight in Texas,” she said. “It is the fight to decide, is Texas going to be a state that is by and for the people, or is this the billionaire’s world, and we just live here?”
During her speech, Hinojosa criticized Abbott over education funding, government contracts and his handling of public beach access. She also discussed a lawsuit she filed against Abbott seeking the release of emails involving billionaire Elon Musk.
Hinojosa said the emails, described by Abbott as “intimate and embarrassing,” concern a proposed sale of Boca Chica Beach to Elon Musk. She argued the public deserves access to the records and emphasized the importance of preserving public beach access.
Hinojosa also criticized Abbott’s support for school vouchers, arguing the policy diverts public funds to private schools while public education faces financial challenges.
If elected, Hinojosa said she would prioritize public education and affordability as part of her vision for the American Dream.
“When I am governor, my agenda will be to get back to basics, back to the American Dream,” she said. “We do that in Texas by saving Texas public schools and putting money in your pocket.”
Hinojosa pledged to replace Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath with an educator and redirect money she said was awarded through “no-bid contracts.” A no-bid contract is an agreement between a government agency or person who awards direct funds to a single vendor without holding a competitive bidding process, which according to Hinojosa would change from Abbott’s donors toward teachers.
She also proposed a $1,500 “Greg Abbott Corruption Tax Refund” for Texans, claiming the money is available in Austin and should be returned to residents.
Hinojosa said her campaign has gained momentum and criticized Abbott for declining every invitation to debate her.
“If Greg Abbott’s not man enough to debate me, then he doesn’t deserve to be the governor,” Hinojosa said.
Hinojosa concluded by encouraging UTRGV students to vote early, describing the election as an opportunity for younger generations to influence the state’s future.
If elected, Hinojosa would become Texas’ first Latina governor and the first governor from the Rio Grande Valley.
Early voting is open through Friday locations the Student Academic center on the Edinburg campus and Salón Jacaranda on the Brownsville campus.
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