As the 2026 Texas governor’s race comes into focus, so does the latest polling that shows the democratic challenger, Gina Hinojosa, in striking distance.
The polling website, 270 to Win, had the race averaging incumbent Gov. Greg Abbott leading Hinojosa 49.0% to 41.5% based on two polls.
They were the University of Texas-Tyler poll from Feb. 27, which showed Abbott leading 49% to 41% statewide among likely voters. A previous poll from the University of Houston from Feb. 11 had Abbott at 49% to Hinojosa’s 42%.
Both polls showed the Democratic challenger gaining on Abbott, as an Emerson College poll from Jan. 15, had Abbott at 50% to Hinojosa’s 42%.
Also going in Hinojosa’s favor, according to a GBAO Strategies poll, Abbott’s favorability in February is waning at 45% favorable and 53% unfavorable. Most notably, he is disliked by independent voters, with only 31% having a favorable view of the current governor.
Finally, the same poll finds Hinojosa surging among Hispanic and young voters.
Hinojosa was leading independent voters by 16 points, 47% to 31%. She also had an overwhelming lead among Hispanic voters (57%) and young voters (57%) compared to Abbott.
In 2022, Abbott faced a surging candidate in Beto O’Rourke, with the final numbers having the Republican incumbent winning 54.8% to 43.9% statewide, according to RealClear Polling.
Important dates for 2026 Texas election
The last day to register to vote for the General Election is Oct. 5, either online, by mail, or in person.
Early voting starts Oct. 19 and runs through Oct. 30. The absentee ballot request deadline is Oct. 23, by mail or Oct. 19, in person. The absentee ballot return deadline is Tuesday, Nov. 3, by mail or in person on Election Day.
Tuesday, Nov. 3, is Election Day in Texas.
Kristian Jaime is the Top Story Reporter for the El Paso Times and is reachable at Kjaime@elpasotimes.com.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Polling on Gov. Greg Abbott, Gina Hinojosa in Texas governor’s race
Reporting by Kristian Jaime, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
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