Election 2026: Greg Abbott vs Gina Hinojosa

Now in the race for Texas governor, this year is expected to be the toughest challenge yet for Republican Greg Abbott. He's looking to defend his seat against Democratic challenger Gina Hinojosa, who's been neck and neck with the incumbent in the polls. Fox 7 Austin's Marco Bidnell joining us live from downtown Austin, where Governor Abbott will be gathering in just a few hours for his watch party. Marco. Well, Governor Abbott has been here before. He has a successful three elections underneath his belt for the governor of Texas. He's now looking for an unprecedented fourth full term as the state's top official. But now what's different this time around? Just how truly competitive this race could turn out to be with Democratic challenger Gina Hinojosa proving to be a thorn in the governor's side leading up to this election. Now, most major polls still show that Governor Abbott holds a lead over Gina Hinojosa, but only by a slight margin. And that added pressure has made itself known in just how much Governor Abbott has raised and spent. Reports show that since the end of September and all the way until October 24th, Governor Abbott has raised about $26 million and in addition to that, over the last month he spent $35 million, a large portion of that being seen in the TV ads that have flooded the airwaves. And he's continued to zigzag across the state trying to shore up GOP support in those votes, making recent stops in Texarkana, Houston and Midland and the latest in San Antonio. And while at these rallies, he continues to maintain a large focus on the economy, saying that he wants to lower property taxes and reduce the cost of living for Texans across the state. He's also continuing to take shots at Gina Hinojosa, saying that she wants to increase the property tax, introduce a state income tax, and wants to introduce values that don't stand with Texas. Go ahead and take a listen. I want to cut your taxes. My opponent had voted for an income tax. She voted for an inheritance tax. She voted for property tax increases 40 times. I'm for safe communities. She's for defunding the police. I'm for a secure border. She voted for open border policies and sanctuary cities. And I care about our children. I don't want to see them transgendered at school. And we followed along with Governor Abbott back in March for the primary watch party, but you couldn't really call it much of a watch party. He won by a landslide in that election, and that focus was already focusing on this general election. And just in this room alone here in downtown Austin, there's easily over a dozen media outlets here, both locally and nationwide, as many people have their eyes on tonight. Will we see the longest-serving governor in Texas' history? Will we see the first Democratic governor here in Texas? Since the 1990s, this watch party is expected to kick off here around 7:30 and we'll continue to bring you updates throughout the night. Alec. Democratic candidate for governor Gina Hinojosa is also in Austin at Assembly Hall. She's waiting for election results tonight, like many of us. Fox 7 Austin's Dominique Leigh is out there now. Dominique, we've got some time before the polls close. How are things looking right now? Well, out here right now, voters have really picked up the pace in this race for Gina. Now, Gina has been traveling all over the state, just like many other candidates. This weekend, she was in San Antonio, yesterday in Austin, and today she's in Austin yet again, seemingly ready to make this place her home and continue serving Austin as well as the state of Texas. Now, in Gina's campaign, she has been running her platform on three main priorities First priority is education. You know, she says that that's the reason she decided to step up and challenge Greg Abbott for his seat. Another priority of hers, she says she wants to put money back in your pockets by lowering health care and issuing a $1,500 refund check to every Texas household. Meanwhile, from TV interviews to his local ads, Greg Abbott has said Gina wants to increase income and property taxes. But this is what she has to say. I've never not once supported an income tax. I've never met a Texas politician who supports an income tax. I don't think it exists. I've never not once voted to increase property taxes. And no, I am not working with teachers to try to trans your kids. Gina's watch party is set to begin here at 8 o'clock at Assembly Hall. We will be inside bringing you the latest and any new updates. Reporting in Boston, Fox 7, Dominique Le.