From Slate Magazine · Austin Sarat · · 1m 30s
Gina Hinojosa Wins Texas Election
Texas governor-elect Gina Hinojosa becomes first to oppose death penalty in state history.
In brief
Texas governor-elect Gina Hinojosa becomes first to oppose death penalty in state history. Gina Hinojosa won Texas governor election despite state's death penalty tradition, with plans to reform criminal justice system. Originally reported by Slate Magazine.
Texas Death Penalty History
Texas has long been the death penalty capital of America with more executions than any other state.
Gina Hinojosa's Election
Democrat Gina Hinojosa won Texas governor election on November 3, 2026, defeating incumbent Gregg Abbott.
Hinojosa's Stance
Hinojosa told CNN she personally does not support the death penalty but will review each case individually as governor.
Limited Authority
Under Texas state constitution, governor cannot end death penalty or grant clemency without Board of Pardons and Paroles recommendation.
30-Day Reprieve Power
Governor can grant 30-day reprieves in capital cases to slow the death penalty system down.
Rev. Hood's Advice
Rev. Jeffrey Hood urged Hinojosa to appoint board members who would recommend death sentences reduced to life imprisonment.
Pentobarbital Expire
Hinojosa could stop capital punishment by telling prison director to let pentobarbital expire.
Polling Trends
Polls show Texas Democrats support death penalty less now, from 66 percent in 2010 to 50 percent in 2023.
Dallas County Support
Dallas County residents support changes to death penalty policy, with two-thirds wanting DA to pledge not to seek new death sentences.
Death Sentences Decline
Texas death sentences dropped from 48 in 1998 to three in 2025, with executions falling from 40 in 2000 to five in 2025.
The takeaway
Gina Hinojosa won Texas governor election despite state's death penalty tradition, with plans to reform criminal justice system.
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