TEXAS — In the state’s gubernatorial contest, Gov. Greg Abbott’s war chest has kept him in a comfortable position against state Rep. Gina Hinojosa, D-Austin.
There is a $19 million difference between the amounts their campaigns raised in the second quarter this year. Abbott raised $25.5 million and has $67 million cash on hand compared to Hinojosa’s $6 million raised and $3 million on hand.
Her donations are primarily from Texans and in small amounts, as she campaigns against big money in politics.
“We have lost our way because of a corrupt political system where corporate actors and lobbyists have unlimited money and influence to influence politicians in both parties,” said Hinojosa during her speech at the Texas Democratic Party convention in June.
Hinojosa campaign spokesperson Tommy Kubitschek said of her opponent’s latest campaign earnings, “Follow Greg Abbott’s money and you’ll find everything wrong with government.”
Abbotts’s campaign press secretary Eduardo Leal told Capital Tonight, “Abbott continues to receive overwhelming support from Texans, with 93% of funds raised since the beginning of the year coming from Texans.”
Abbott’s fundraising includes large donations from the likes of Elon Musk, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and Dallas Mavericks owner Miriam Adelson. Abbott’s finances allow him to focus on his own 2026 election goals, and Hinojosa isn’t one of them.
“The fact that the governor campaigns for reelection without acknowledging his opponent by name or even by any reference suggests that she can’t earn name recognition and visibility on her own, and he’s not going to give it to her,” said Cal Jillson, an SMU political science professor.
Abbott is focused on beating Democrats up and down the ballot. He wants to turn Harris County red.
“My campaign will spend at least $25 million just in Harris County alone. We’re going block by block, door to door, and we are going to win up and down the entire ballot,” said Abbott during the Republican Party of Texas convention in June.
Political scientists say a win in Harris County will help Abbott secure more political influence in his expected reelection.
“It would dramatically extend Republican dominance in Texas, because Democrats depend upon the major urban areas of Houston, DFW, Austin and San Antonio for the bulk of their votes,” said Jillson.
Hinojosa’s biggest chance to make more of a name for herself in this race is more money, which close election watchers say could come from James Talarico, who has already made a $100,000 donation to her campaign.
“The people with the most money, Talarico running for the United States Senate, has to assure his own election, if at all possible, but if there’s anything left, he’s got to make sure that other elements of the Democratic ticket are competitive,” said Jillson.
Time will tell if the money buys enough votes for Hinojosa to unseat Abbott.