From Texastribune · · 1m 20s
Gina Hinojosa Becomes Texas' First Latina Governor
Gina Hinojosa, 52, wins Texas governor race, becoming the state's first Latina leader and first woman since 1994.
In brief
Gina Hinojosa, 52, wins Texas governor race, becoming the state's first Latina leader and first woman since 1994. Gina Hinojosa, a Rio Grande Valley native, becomes Texas' first Latina governor, ending decades of political isolation for Hispanic communities. Originally reported by Texastribune.
Gina Hinojosa's Roots
Gina Hinojosa, 52, becomes Texas' first Latina governor, drawing inspiration from her Rio Grande Valley roots.
“i am a daughter of the rio grande valley”
Historic Victory
Hinojosa's win marks the first time a Latina has led Texas, shattering expectations for the Rio Grande Valley region.
“where no one would have imagined that one day a little girl from the rgv would stand before you here as the next governor of the greatest state, texas”
Valley Population
Hispanic residents make up 41% of Texas' population, over 90% in the Rio Grande Valley due to its border location.
“in the valley, they make up more than 90% of the population”
Political History
The Valley has a long political history as a Democratic stronghold, central to farm workers' rights movements.
“the 1966 melon strike”
Family Background
Hinojosa's father, Gilberto Hinojosa, was a Cameron County judge and former Texas Democratic Party chair.
“his father, gilberto hinojosa, is the former chair for the texas democratic party who also served as cameron county judge”
Border Voter Surge
Hispanic voters in border counties drove an 8% increase in voter turnout, more than any other region in Texas.
“texas' democratic sweep on tuesday was powered by hispanic voters along the border”
LUPE Votes Impact
LUPE Votes, a Latino civil rights group, helped elect Democratic candidates and hopes to work with Hinojosa on census and voting rights.
“what a great honor to have the governor of the great state of texas being represented by somebody who was born and raised in the rio grande valley”
Community Impact
Hinojosa's win shows Latino children across Texas what they are capable of achieving.
“she has never lived in a texas that has been led by a mexicana, by a latina”
The main idea
Gina Hinojosa, a Rio Grande Valley native, becomes Texas' first Latina governor, ending decades of political isolation for Hispanic communities.