From Slate Magazine · Jim Newell · · 1m 40s
Texas Governor’s Race Heats Up
Abbott’s data center reversal sparks close Texas race with Hinojosa.
In brief
Abbott’s data center reversal sparks close Texas race with Hinojosa. Texas Governor Greg Abbott faces a narrow lead against Gina Hinojosa in the gubernatorial race after his data center policy reversal. Originally reported by Slate Magazine.
Abbott’s Data Center Shift
Texas Governor Greg Abbott reversed his stance on data centers after public backlash peaked.
“They basically dug their own grave”
Abbott’s Polling Lead Narrowed
Abbott’s lead in polling average dropped to a couple of points against Austin Democratic state Rep. Gina Hinojosa.
Hinojosa’s Corruption Message
Hinojosa links Abbott’s tax breaks to corporate influence and claims the Capitol prioritizes moneyed interests.
“The only thing that gets done at the Capitol is the bidding of moneyed interests that are [Abbott’s] donors”
Texas Economic Challenges
Texas has the highest number of uninsured people and rising maternal mortalities amid near-total abortion bans.
School Funding Controversy
Abbott passed school funding increases after a vouchers bill that rural Republicans blocked.
Voucher Bill Struggle
Abbott spent political capital on vouchers after rural Republicans joined Democrats to block the bill.
MAGA Voter Concerns
Hinojosa says MAGA voters are angry about data centers but not country-club Republicans.
“It’s MAGA who’s mad about that. It’s not your country-club Republicans who are mad about data centers”
Abbott’s Cultural Attacks
Abbott’s campaign uses ads targeting Hinojosa as a ‘gender bender’ and ‘radical indoctrinator’.
“MAD MOM GINA PUSHES RADICAL INDOCTRINATION OF TEXAS KIDS”
Hinojosa’s Response
Hinojosa counters with ads emphasizing working-class struggles and her campaign’s focus on economic issues.
“My pronouns are mom, Texan, and soon-to-be governor”
Fundraising Gap
Abbott has $67 million versus Hinojosa’s $3 million in campaign funds as of mid-July.
Hinojosa’s Strategy
Hinojosa frames Abbott’s fundraising as a sign of special interest influence ahead of a potential presidential run.
“He has been amassing a campaign war chest that comes through a very pay-to-play environment around the governor’s office now”
Abbott’s Advantage
Abbott maintains a strong financial edge and Texas hasn’t elected a Democrat statewide in 32 years.
The Tidal Wave Question
Will a massive voter turnout shift the race in Hinojosa’s favor?
The key point
Texas Governor Greg Abbott faces a narrow lead against Gina Hinojosa in the gubernatorial race after his data center policy reversal.
