Gina Hinojosa could be Texas’ first Latina governor. Here’s her story

For the first time in more than three decades, a Texas Democrat is heading into November within striking distance of the governor's mansion — and this one would make history if she wins.

Democratic state Rep. Gina Hinojosa, 52, would flip the state's top office blue for the first time since 1990 and become the first Latina governor in Texas history.

Hinojosa, a five-term Austin lawmaker, is polling within the margin of error against Republican Gov. Greg Abbott — a three-term incumbent who has never won reelection by fewer than 11 points. A Texas Pulse poll released Aug. 7 put the race at 46% to 45%, with Hinosija trailing.

Democrats in Texas have not won a statewide race since 1994, with the last Democratic governor elected in 1991. The state has also not backed a Democratic Presidential candidate since Jimmy Carter in 1976.

Former Democratic Rep. Beto O'Rourke came within 3 points of unseating U.S. Senator Ted Cruz in 2018 but lost by 11 points in 2022 against Abbott.

Kirby Goidel, the Texas A&M political science professor who helps direct the Texas Pulse poll, draws a distinction that frames the whole race.

"I don't see a lot of signs of…

Original source: https://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/