Gina Hinojosa, the first Latina woman to become governor in Texas

She entered politics to prevent the closure of her son's public school. Now Gina Hinojosa, a lawyer of Mexican origin who grew up on the border with Mexico, has defeated Greg Abbott and brought the Democrats back to the leadership of Texas after more than thirty years. Born in McAllen in 1973, she will be the first person of Latino origin to govern the state.

A long journey that began in the school board

A state legislator since 2017 from a progressive Austin district, Hinojosa seemed to have little chance when she announced her candidacy a year ago. She built the comeback with a campaign that she herself defined as "populist", focused on the defense of public schools and support for working families, with little support from the Democratic Party. "I never thought about getting involved in politics. I am a mother who loves her children, believes in their teachers and in Texas public schools," she said in her victory speech. A married mother of two, she recalled her journey from school board to state House with the goal of giving every child "the opportunity to succeed." However, politics was already part of the family history. His father, Gilberto Hinojosa, a former Cameron County judge, led the Texas Democratic Party for thirteen years.

The strengths of your proposal

In an interview with the New York Times, Hinojosa said both parents started out as civil rights lawyers, creating a "binational community" at home. More than on party identity, he focused on concrete promises: cheaper healthcare and electricity bills, reduction in property taxes and greater controls on large companies and private equity. He attacked Abbott for supporting big fortunes, tech giants and data centers, tapping into Donald Trump's economic discontent and unpopularity. He also denounced the lack of controls on raids by Ice, the federal immigration agency. Last month he sued Abbott, alleging that Elon Musk financed his campaign while receiving tax breaks and state contracts. A challenge fought with very different resources: around 281 million dollars spent by the outgoing governor versus almost 37 million by Hinojosa, who declared that he raised 95% of the funds through small donations. The victory “surprises the world,” Hinojosa said, criticizing the ad spending against her but thanking Abbott for twelve years “of service to this great state.” The outgoing governor, she said, called her to congratulate her and offer cooperation in the transition.