TEXAS — Houston businessman Andrew White is dropping out of the race to lead the Lone Star State.
White announced on Monday that he’s no longer seeking the Democratic bid for governor and is throwing his support behind state Rep. Gina Hinojosa, D-Austin.
White had positioned himself as a moderate Democrat who could win over independent voters and disaffected Republicans.
“Our campaign earned meaningful support across the state with our internal polls showing us in a strong second place,” White said in a statement. “But with the primary just weeks away, the responsible choice is to come together to defeat Greg Abbott and protect our schools, hospitals and infrastructure. I’m proud to endorse Gina Hinojosa for governor, and I look forward to voting for her twice: once in March and again in November.”
White previously entered the race for governor back in September on the Democratic side, but he described himself as an independent.
Those still in the Democratic primary include Hinojosa, former U.S. Rep. Chris Bell and farmer Bobby Cole, who hope to unseat incumbent Gov. Greg Abbott as he seeks his fourth term in office.
This was White’s second bid for governor after losing the Democratic primary to Lupe Valdez back in 2018.
White is the son of the late former Texas Gov. Mark White, who served from 1983 to 1987.