# Texas Governor’s Race Heats Up

> Abbott’s data center reversal sparks close Texas race with Hinojosa.
- Title: Texas Governor’s Race Heats Up · Slate Magazine | Shortify
- Summary: Abbott’s data center reversal sparks close Texas race with Hinojosa. Texas Governor Greg Abbott faces a narrow lead against Gina Hinojosa in the…
- Keywords: breaking, texas, governor, greg abbott, gina hinojosa, data centers, vouchers, maga, property tax, democratic, election, 2026
- Source: Slate Magazine — https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2026/09/texas-governor-greg-abbott-gina-hinojosa.html?via=rss
- Author: Jim Newell
- Published: 2026-09-28T09:40:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: breaking, texas, governor, greg abbott, gina hinojosa, data centers, vouchers, maga, property tax, democratic, election, 2026
## 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?
## Key takeaway

Texas Governor Greg Abbott faces a narrow lead against Gina Hinojosa in the gubernatorial race after his data center policy reversal.