Republican Governor Greg Abbott is vying for a record fourth term in office, facing a challenge from Democratic candidate Gina Hinojosa. This election cycle, the candidates are presenting starkly contrasting visions for Texas, particularly in the realms of public education, household affordability, and state governance.
Governor Abbott, who has held the gubernatorial position since 2015, is campaigning on a platform that prioritizes property tax relief, enhanced border security, and the expansion of school choice options. In contrast, Hinojosa, an Austin state representative and civil rights attorney, emphasizes the need for increased funding for public schools, affordability for Texas families, and greater accountability in government.
The Texas electorate will have the opportunity to cast their votes on November 3, 2023.
Polls Show Close Race
A recent YouGov poll conducted from September 28 to October 5 revealed a tight race, with Hinojosa at 48% and Abbott at 47%. This survey, which included 3,625 registered Texas voters, has a margin of error of ±3 percentage points, indicating that neither candidate has a definitive lead.
Breaking down voter demographics, Abbott has gained support among men and voters aged 45 and older, while Hinojosa has garnered favor among women and younger voters. Notably, Abbott leads 61% to 36% among voters aged 65 and older, whereas Hinojosa enjoys a 64% to 30% advantage among voters aged 18 to 29.
In terms of campaign financing, Abbott holds a considerable edge, ending the reporting period from July 1 to September 24 with $18.2 million in hand, compared to Hinojosa’s $4 million, as reported by the Texas Tribune.
Different Approaches to Education
Education serves as a central issue in the campaign, with contrasting strategies proposed by Abbott and Hinojosa.
Governor Abbott has championed the Texas education savings account program, which permits eligible families to utilize public funds for private school or homeschooling expenses. Conversely, Hinojosa advocates for the termination of this program, pushing for increased support for public education instead.
Having previously served on the Austin Independent School District board and representing a Central Austin district in the Texas House since 2017, Hinojosa proposes significant changes to the education system. These include reforming standardized testing, enhancing school accountability, replacing Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath, and eliminating state takeovers that displace elected school district leadership.
Abbott’s education policies emphasize limiting the use of technology in classrooms, advocating for a return to traditional teaching methods, and mandating that at least 70% of school district funding be allocated directly to classroom instruction. He also supports imposing stricter criminal penalties for teachers convicted of child abuse.
For higher education, Abbott has suggested offering tuition discounts for students enrolling in summer courses at Texas universities. However, any substantial alterations to education funding and related laws will necessitate legislative approval, which poses a challenge for Hinojosa given the Republican majority in the Texas Legislature.
Affordability and Taxes
Both candidates express a desire to alleviate financial burdens on Texas families, albeit through different methodologies.
Governor Abbott has focused on property tax relief and various tax-cutting initiatives during his administration. In contrast, Hinojosa has drawn attention to rising electricity bills, property taxes, and other household expenses, advocating for state spending strategies that provide more support to families.
Her campaign has proposed a one-time $1,500 payment to Texas families, funded through the Economic Stabilization Fund—informally known as the Rainy Day Fund—which reportedly held a record $24.8 billion as of November 2025, according to the Texas Tribune. The specifics of how these payments would be structured and implemented remain contingent on further legislative action.
The candidates have also engaged in a contentious debate over income taxes. Abbott has accused Hinojosa of endorsing a state income tax, referencing her 2019 vote against a proposed constitutional amendment that sought to ban such a tax. While Hinojosa’s vote opposed the amendment, she maintains that she is against imposing a state income tax, a position echoed in reports by the Houston Chronicle. Texas voters did approve the constitutional ban in 2019.
Government Accountability
Hinojosa has alleged that Abbott prioritizes the interests of wealthy donors and corporate entities over the needs of everyday Texans. Her campaign has coined the term “Greg Abbott Corruption Tax” to highlight costs she attributes to these policies.
Abbott’s campaign has countered by scrutinizing Hinojosa’s economic proposals and her legislative voting record, particularly regarding property tax issues.
Regardless of the outcome, the next governor will play a critical role in making key state appointments and shaping Texas’s policy landscape. However, any major reforms concerning taxes, education funding, and other legislation will require collaboration with the Legislature.
When to Vote
Early voting is underway and will continue through October 30. Election Day is scheduled for Tuesday, November 3.
For registration and voting information, please visit VoteTexas.gov.
