From NBC News · Joe Kottke · · 2m
Texas Democrat sues Abbott over Musk emails
Gina Hinojosa, challenging Greg Abbott for governor, filed suit to force release of redacted communications between the governor and Elon Musk two weeks before Election Day.
In brief
Gina Hinojosa, challenging Greg Abbott for governor, filed suit to force release of redacted communications between the governor and Elon Musk two weeks before Election Day. Texas Democratic gubernatorial nominee Gina Hinojosa sued Gov. Greg Abbott to obtain redacted emails between his office and Elon Musk, claiming…
Hinojosa sues Abbott over Musk emails
Texas state Rep. Gina Hinojosa, the Democratic nominee for governor, announced a lawsuit Monday against Gov. Greg Abbott over emails between his office and Republican ally Elon Musk.
Hinojosa claims documents withheld
Hinojosa said at a news conference she filed the suit to obtain redacted documents that Abbott refused to release, claiming they were being withheld because they are intimate and embarrassing.
Abbott's office calls it desperation
A spokesperson for Abbott called the lawsuit baseless and nothing more than an act of desperation, saying Hinojosa is abusing her official capacity as an outgoing lawmaker to generate headlines.
“Texans see this for what it is: a political stunt.”
Lawsuit details Abbott-Musk connections
Hinojosa's lawsuit alleges documented connections between Abbott and Musk are extensive, including personal interactions, joint public appearances, large political contributions, economic-development incentives, and public praise.
Musk's donations to Republicans detailed
The lawsuit claims Musk has contributed approximately three hundred sixty-six million dollars to Republicans and Republican-supported PACs, including large amounts directly and indirectly to help Abbott.
Records heavily redacted
Nearly one thousand four hundred pages of records were released to The Texas Newsroom in two thousand twenty-five reporting, but all but about two hundred were redacted or completely blacked out.
Abbott's office refuses unredacted versions
Abbott's office responded to Hinojosa's request for records last Tuesday but refused to release the unredacted versions, according to court documents. Hinojosa's attorney said the governor's office has obstructed her ability to review the emails.
“Governor Abbott has failed and refused to comply with the law by allowing Representative Hinojosa access to the Abbott-Musk communications.”
Hinojosa seeks records for legislative purposes
In an affidavit, Hinojosa said she seeks the records for legislative purposes.At the news conference, she said the people have a right to know and she as their representative has a right to see them.
“The people have a right to know, and I, as their representative, have a right to see them.”
Lawsuit filed two weeks before Election Day
Early voting began in Texas on Monday. Hinojosa said she has already cast her ballot in the tight gubernatorial contest against Abbott.
Here's the gist
Texas Democratic gubernatorial nominee Gina Hinojosa sued Gov. Greg Abbott to obtain redacted emails between his office and Elon Musk, claiming they were withheld as intimate and embarrassing.
