Voters react to Gina Hinojosa entering the governor race

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — State Representative Gina Hinojosa, who currently serves House District 49 in Austin, has officially announced her campaign for Texas governor. She made the announcement Tuesday evening at the historic Alonso Building in Brownsville, returning to the Rio Grande Valley to launch what she called a campaign rooted in community, values, and change.

"Because I have faith in you, because I have faith in my family and community and God and in Texas, I am running to be the next governor of the state of Texas," Hinojosa told a packed room of supporters.

The event drew a large, energized crowd. Many attendees shared their desire for new leadership, acknowledging the political shift in recent years that has seen Republicans gain ground in traditionally Democratic areas.

Born in Mission, Texas in 1973, Hinojosa emphasized her Valley roots and laid out her campaign priorities, steering away from partisan rhetoric.

“The social issues are a distraction. Everybody wants good schools, affordable health care, affordable housing that you can feel proud about. Those are my priority issues,” she said.

Supporters say her message is a welcome change. Michael Muniz, a pharmacist from Harlingen, said her focus on everyday challenges made an impression.

“It was great. It's a breath of fresh air—you know, somebody that really understands the issues and isn’t just looking out for corporate interests, the billionaires and stuff, but is there for the people,” said Muniz, who highlighted healthcare costs as his top concern.

“It’s very bad. When you start looking at the cost of medication, they go up and up. A lot is because of the pharmacy benefit managers that are out there—they are the ones driving up the cost of medicine and insurance plans,” he said.

Others in the crowd echoed similar sentiments. Christina Ortiz, also from Harlingen, said issues like education and immigration are critical. But for her, Hinojosa’s candidacy is deeply personal.

“That’s the most exciting part. I love that she is a Latina and that she is from home. I will be here to support her 100% for that reason. There’s a sense of pride, and she has a standing chance to beat Governor Abbott,” said Ortiz.

Ortiz, like many Democrats, believes winning back South Texas is key after several counties shifted red in the last election cycle.

Hinojosa believes it is possible.

“What I hear out there in the Valley is that people want change. Governor Abbott is more of the same—more housing that's too expensive, more groceries that are too expensive, schools that are shutting down. That is Greg Abbott's record,” she said.

The Texas primary election is set for March. At least eight candidates have entered the gubernatorial race, with Governor Greg Abbott seeking a fourth term in office.