Gina Hinojosa, the Democratic candidate for Texas governor, rallied voters and students during two stops in Corpus Christi as part of her “One Fight” Get-Out-the-Vote tour on Oct. 26.
Hinojosa, the state representative for District 49, is challenging incumbent Gov. Greg Abbott, who has remained in office since 2014.
About 200 Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi students showed up to hear Hinojosa speak during a College Democrats of A&M-Corpus Christi open forum at Bay Hall.
The forum included discussions with local candidates and advocates, including Aidee Hernandez, Isabel Araiza and Armon Alex, on behalf of Proposition B, a proposed City Charter amendment that would undo a drought surcharge exemption fee for industry.
Even more people showed up
at the subsequent rally held at the Holiday Inn Downtown Marina.
The rally featured musical performances by Los Mariachis Corpus Christi, Cezar Martinez from David Lee Garza y Los Musicales and Little Joe with Latin Express.
Cristela Alonzo, actress and comedian, spoke before introducing Hinojosa.
Hinojosa spoke about some of her priorities if elected governor, including increasing teacher pay, firing Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath, suspending gas and diesel tax, and giving $1,500 to every Texas household, among others.
She criticized Abbott, claiming that he has received millions of dollars from billionaire industry interests and that Texans are paying a "Greg Abbott Corruption Tax."
Hinojosa also spoke about a pending lawsuit against Abbott to release communications between him and Elon Musk. Travis County state District Judge Catherine Mauzy ruled that Abbott must release more than 1,000 related documents to Hinojosa on Oct. 26, a news release from Hinojosa's campaign said.
Lastly, Hinojosa referenced President Donald Trump's scheduled visit on Oct. 27, saying that Corpus Christi is "ground zero" in the midterm election.
"The fact that the president has been here time and time again, the fact that people are coming here, tells you your power. Use it," she said, encouraging attendees to get others to vote.
"Turn out like you've never turned out before."
All Nueces County early voting locations will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Oct. 30. Election Day is on Nov. 3.
Felicity Guajardo covers breaking news and public safety. Contact her at felicity.guajardo@caller.com.
This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Gina Hinojosa makes campaign stops in Corpus Christi, draws hundreds
