Tight Race in Texas Governor’s Election: Abbott and Hinojosa Head to Primaries
As Texas gears up for its primary elections on March 3rd, the race for governor is intensifying. Current Governor Greg Abbott and Democratic challenger Gina Hinojosa are both making a final push to secure their party’s nomination ahead of the November general election. Recent polls indicate a tightening contest, despite Abbott currently holding a lead.
Polls Show a Competitive Landscape
Several recent polls paint a picture of a surprisingly competitive race. Emerson College registered an eight-point advantage for Abbott, with 50% of voters supporting him compared to 42% for Hinojosa. The Hobby School at the University of Houston showed Abbott with 49% support, while Hinojosa garnered 43%. Notably, a poll conducted by GBAO Strategies for Hinojosa’s campaign revealed a statistical tie, with Hinojosa gaining traction among independent voters, Latinos, and young Texans.
Hinojosa’s campaign highlights her appeal to key demographics, suggesting a potential path to victory. The GBAO poll showed Hinojosa leading Abbott by 29 points with voters under 30 and capturing 57% of the Latino vote.
Financial Disparity: A Significant Challenge for Hinojosa
Despite the encouraging poll numbers, Hinojosa faces a significant financial disadvantage. As of January 7, 2026, Governor Abbott boasts over $86 million in campaign funds. Hinojosa acknowledged the difficulty of competing with such a substantial war chest, stating, “Greg Abbott can have his campaign dollars, and we’ll have the people of Texas.” She emphasized the need to raise sufficient funds to compete effectively across Texas’s diverse media markets.
Economic Development: Costco Invests in Liberty Hill
On the economic front, Costco is investing $62 million in a new store in Liberty Hill, set to open on March 11, 2026. The 160,000-square-foot warehouse will add to Costco’s existing 45 locations in Texas. Liberty Hill, a rapidly growing city in the Austin metropolitan area, is too attracting other retailers like Target and TJ Maxx, signaling continued economic expansion.
Immigration Concerns: Deportation of Infant and Wife Detention
Immigration issues continue to be a focal point in Texas. Congressman Joaquin Castro recently confirmed the deportation of a two-month-old baby, Juan Nicolás, and his family following their detention in Dilley, Texas. The infant required urgent medical attention for a respiratory infection prior to deportation.
Separately, a man in Dallas is appealing for the release of his wife, a Cuban national, who was detained by ICE during a routine green card interview. The case highlights the challenges faced by immigrant families navigating the U.S. Immigration system.
Research Funding for Alzheimer’s and Dementia
The Texas Department of State Health Services is allocating $500,000 over five years through a BOLD grant to combat Alzheimer’s disease. This funding, part of a larger national initiative, will support local and state programs aimed at reducing risk factors, improving early detection, and enhancing public health infrastructure. Nationally, the fiscal year 2026 budget includes a $100 million increase for research at the National Institutes of Health, with $41.5 million dedicated to the BOLD Act implementation at the Centers for Disease Control, and Prevention.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How close is the race between Abbott and Hinojosa? Recent polls show a tightening race, with some polls indicating a statistical tie and others showing Abbott with a single-digit lead.
- How much money does each candidate have? Abbott has over $86 million in campaign funds, while Hinojosa is working to raise sufficient funds to compete.
- What is being done to address Alzheimer’s in Texas? Texas is receiving $500,000 in federal funding to support Alzheimer’s research and public health initiatives.
Pro Tip: Stay informed about the candidates and their positions on key issues by visiting their official campaign websites and following reputable news sources.
Did you realize? Costco’s investment in Liberty Hill is a sign of the growing economic opportunities in the Austin metropolitan area.
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