Watch now   Texas’s Democratic Candidate for Governor Just Told Us Why She Can Beat Abbott Gina Hinojosa tells Ben Meiselas Texas is ready for change as the governor's race tightens Ben Meiselas and MeidasTouch Network Aug 12 Texas gubernatorial candidate and current state representative Gina Hinojosa recently joined MeidasTouch co-founder Ben Meiselas for an interview and momentum builds behind her candidacy against incumbent Republican Governor Greg Abbott. Recent polling from Fox and Texas A&M shows Hinojosa within just one point of Abbott. Hinojosa told MeidasTouch that the enthusiasm she is seeing on the ground matches the tightening polls. “The facts are that Democrats are winning all across Texas this year, where we haven’t won in a long, long time and sometimes ever,” Hinojosa said. “This is because people want change.” Hinojosa told Ben that the frustration amongst voters extends far beyond Democrats, noting that Republicans and former MAGA voters are growing increasingly upset with Abbott following 12 years as governor and 3 decades in statewide office—especially as the cost of living, healthcare, and education spike, and while small businesses bear the brunt of Trump’s economy. The Texas Dem took particular aim at Abbott’s rapid expansion of data centers across the state. She accused Abbott of helping to fuel their growth through massive tax breaks while leaving ordinary communities to deal with the consequences for electricity, water, and local infrastructure. “Abbott invited the vampires into the house, and now he’s claiming he doesn’t know how they got here,” Hinojosa said, arguing that the governor is attempting to reverse course as public opposition grows. Hinojosa also discussed her proposal to provide $1,500 to every Texas household using excess money from the state’s rainy day fund to provide immediate relief and demonstrate that the state government can materially improve people’s lies. She also emphasized the national implications of the race, especially when it comes to voting rights and congressional redistricting. She made an important pledge that as governor she would step up and veto any of the Republicans’ attempts to right the electoral maps. Hinojosa urged everyone to get involved in the election, whether you live in Texas or are out-of-state. “We are in a moment in history and this might be our last, best chance,” she said. “That’s why I’m running for governor. That’s why all across the state, Texans are working so hard to win for themselves, for their families, for our country.” Watch Ben’s interview with Rep. Hinojosa above and remember to like and re-stack to spread the word. To support our work and allow us to do more interviews like this, consider joining now as a paid subscriber if you haven’t yet. Meidas+ is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.