Republican Gov. Greg Abbott is seeking a fourth four-year term in 2026, and faces Democratic state Rep. Gina Hinojosa (D-Austin) and Libertarian Pat Dixon in November.
Abbott is a prolific fundraiser who has long leveraged the power of incumbency to collect enormous checks from wealthy business interests like energy CEO Kelcy Warren and school voucher supporter Jeff Yass.
In recent years, he’s also been so safe in his position that much of the money could be spent helping other candidates, like the millions he spent knocking out voucher critics in the 2024 GOP primary.
2026 Voter Guide: Who’s running in the midterm elections?
This year public polling shows tight races, however, and Abbott appears to be campaigning accordingly.
Hinojosa is the daughter of longtime Texas Democratic Party chair who signed up for a tough race that most of her party’s ambitious leaders — including former San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg — passed on.
While Democrats’ U.S. Senate nominee James Talarico is bringing in big cash this year, the governor’s race so far hasn’t drawn the same interest. Instead, Hinojosa is campaigning against the political establishment, with a campaign focused on corruption in the Texas Legislature and failing policies for the state’s education system.
If Abbott completes a fourth term, he would become the longest-serving governor in Texas history.
Early voting runs Oct. 19-30.
Voter guide profiles are compiled using candidates’ filing paperwork, campaign materials and past news coverage. Click the links below to read more about the candidates.
