Democrat to become Texas governor for the first time in 30 years — a Republican stronghold
Democrat Gina Hinojosa, of Mexican descent, defeated Texas Governor, Republican Greg Abbott, who served three terms in office.
Gina Hinojosa. Photo: Brandon Bell/Getty Images
The last Democrat to hold the governor's office was Ann Richards (1991–1995)
Texas is one of the most consistently Republican states in the USA, though historically it was not always so. For a long time, Democrats dominated state politics, but in the 20th century, Texas gradually transformed into a Republican Party stronghold.
Regina ("Gina") Inez Hinojosa was born in Texas. She is the daughter of politician Gilberto Hinojosa, former chairman of the Texas Democratic Party, and Crisanta Guerra Lozano, an attorney who provided legal aid to the public. Gina Hinojosa is of Mexican descent. She holds a Juris Doctor degree.
In 2012, when her son's school, Pease Elementary, faced closure, she decided to run for the Austin school district board. After winning the election, she addressed the issue of saving the school and ultimately managed to prevent its closure.
She served on the school board for four years — until 2016. Then Hinojosa announced her candidacy for the Texas House of Representatives for the 49th electoral district and won.