Former President Barack Obama bolstered Texas Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gina Hinojosa’s campaign during an Austin visit.
Obama joined Hinojosa and U.S. Senate Democratic candidate James Talarico on Tuesday, May 12, to greet members of the public and discuss how Texas is experiencing the makings of a blue wave. For weeks now, Hinojosa has cited several polls showing that the governor race is tight and even shows it statistically tied.
Obama greeted Hinojosa as “Madame governor to be,” and discussed voter outreach for the November midterm election.
Hinojosa has been active on the campaign trail, hammering Gov. Greg Abbott on everything from education to the economy, never letting up on what she has called the “Abbott corruption tax” working families in the state are paying.
Most recently, she cited President Donald Trump’s support for a temporary suspension of the federal gas tax. She characterized Abbott’s unwillingness to follow suit as one more example of “not putting working Texas families first,” she said in a Monday, May 11, news release.
“While Donald Trump backs a federal gas tax suspension, Greg Abbott is standing between Texas families and relief at the pump,” she said. “Suspending the gas tax to lower costs for working families isn’t partisan, but Abbott still won’t lift a finger to do it. Working Texans could save more than $5 every time they fill up if we suspend both the federal and state gas taxes.”
Hinojosa jabbed at Abbott and claimed he was “playing politics instead of lowering costs.”
Gov. Greg Abbott pushes phone app for ‘impact’
Gov. Greg Abbott took to social media to push supporters to have a greater impact this midterm election.
Abbott posted a link to the Impact App on Tuesday, May 12, calling on Texans to vote for him in the midterm elections.
“If you care about Texas, this is for you. Join Gov. Greg Abbott in defending the future of Texas,” the post said.
The app promises up-to-the-minute updates from the campaign as well as access to information for voters.
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.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.
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: Texas governor race: Obama supports Hinojosa, Abbott rallies voters
Reporting by Kristian Jaime, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
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