Democrat Gina Hinojosa defeated Republican Gov. Greg Abbott in Texas' Nov. 3 election, becoming the state's first Latina governor-elect and the first Democrat elected to the office since 1990.
The Associated Press called the race Tuesday night, ending Abbott's bid for a fourth term. The result was confirmed in AP's election coverage.
The victory had strong support in Cameron County, where nearly two-thirds of voters backed Hinojosa.
Cameron County backs Hinojosa
According to unofficial Cameron County Elections Department results, Hinojosa received 68,531 votes, or 66.76%, compared with Abbott's 33,060 votes, or 32.21%.
Libertarian Pat Dixon received 976 votes, or 0.95%. Write-in candidates received another 81 votes.
The results show Hinojosa carried the county by 35,471 votes.
Cameron County includes Harlingen, Brownsville, San Benito and other Rio Grande Valley communities.
Statewide, the Texas Secretary of State's unofficial results showed Hinojosa with more than 5.19 million votes and Abbott with more than 4.5 million, with 99% of polling locations reporting.
The results remain unofficial until the canvassing and certification process is completed.
A historic change in Texas leadership
Hinojosa's victory marks the first time a Democrat has won the Texas governor's race since Ann Richards was elected in 1990.
Richards served from 1991 to 1995. Republicans have held the governor's office since then.
Hinojosa, a state representative from Austin, previously served on the Austin Independent School District board. She has represented House District 49 in the Texas Legislature since 2017.
Abbott first took office in 2015 and won three consecutive gubernatorial elections before his defeat.
He conceded Tuesday night, acknowledging that the remaining votes would not be enough to overcome Hinojosa's lead, according to KUT.
Campaign issues in the Rio Grande Valley
Both candidates campaigned in the Rio Grande Valley, addressing property taxes, jobs, border security and economic development.
During an interview with KRGV Channel 5 News, Abbott discussed property tax reductions and employment opportunities associated with SpaceX operations in Cameron County.
Hinojosa emphasized housing affordability, property taxes and government accountability. She also called for reviewing Operation Lone Star, the state's border security initiative.
Statewide, Abbott campaigned on property tax relief, border security and expanding school choice.
Hinojosa emphasized public school funding, household affordability and oversight of government spending.
Her campaign proposals included a one-time $1,500 payment to Texas households and temporarily suspending the state gasoline tax.
Those proposals would require separate government action and are not automatically enacted by her election.
What comes next
Hinojosa is scheduled to begin her four-year term in January 2027.
As governor, she will have authority to sign or veto legislation, appoint state officials and oversee executive agencies.
Her administration will also work with the Texas Legislature on education funding, taxes and other statewide policies affecting Cameron County residents.
The election represents a major change in Texas leadership, but the new governor's specific proposals will still face the legislative and budget processes before becoming law.
