# Gina Hinojosa Wins Texas Election

> Texas governor-elect Gina Hinojosa becomes first to oppose death penalty in state history.
- Title: Gina Hinojosa Wins Texas Election · Slate Magazine | Shortify
- Summary: Texas governor-elect Gina Hinojosa becomes first to oppose death penalty in state history.
- Keywords: gina hinojosa, texas governor, death penalty, capital punishment, criminal justice system, texas election, governor-elect, Slate Magazine
- Source: Slate Magazine — https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2026/11/texas-election-news-gina-hinojosa-win-death-penalty.html?via=rss
- Author: Austin Sarat
- Published: 2026-11-11T20:30:29+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: gina hinojosa, texas governor, death penalty, capital punishment, criminal justice system, texas election, governor-elect
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Gina Hinojosa won Texas governor election despite state's death penalty tradition, with plans to reform criminal justice system.