Democratic candidate for Texas governor Gina Hinojosa is continuing to expand her TV presence with a new ad highlighting why she's seeking the highest office in the state.
The television ad, titled "Her Story," highlighting her path to seeking the governorship and her decision to carry a high-risk pregnancy to term was released on Aug. 31.
Hinojosa's $340,000 cable ad campaign was announced Tuesday, Aug. 4, and begins with “Lone Star,” which airs statewide on cable across Texas. Thirty- and 60-second versions will be part of Hinojosa’s digital ad spending, which began in July.
In her latest ad, Hinojosa recounts how she and her husband celebrated a pregnancy with their first child in 2003. Late in her second trimester, she received devastating
news that the pregnancy was not viable.
"Now, she is running for governor to fight for every Texas family. For the right to send their kids to good neighborhood schools, for an economy where their kids can afford to stay, where the powerful don’t get to tell the rest of us how to live," her campaign said on the latest commercial.
"Texans are forged by fire and made stronger. We deserve a governor who can take the heat, won't back down, and will do what's right for you. That is my prayer for Texas," Hinojosa says in the ad.
Because Texas is state with more than 30 million residents, NBC News political analysts have noted that running a statewide campaign in Texas is akin to running for president of a small country. Since most voters will never meet the candidates in person, TV airwaves serve as the primary battleground where political fortunes are shaped.
Gov. Greg Abbott steps up campaign ad buys
Abbott is no stranger to spending significant advertising spends for media buys for his reelection campaign.
Abbott countered with $10 million TV advertising push of his own.
The statewide television campaign underscores Abbott’s "commitment to defend the commonsense values that make Texas a beacon of freedom and opportunity for all," according to an Aug. 6 campaign announcement.
The statewide television campaign underscores Abbott's "commitment to defend the commonsense values that make Texas a beacon of freedom and opportunity for all," according to an Aug. 6 campaign announcement.
In the ad, Abbott tells voters "the Democrats are trying to take over Texas because I am advancing transformative policies that the Democrats are against."
Abbott has controlled the governor's office for more than a decade. The GOP has controlled the Texas Legislature and public policy for more than 20 years.
Important dates for 2026 Texas election
The last day to register to vote for the General Election is Oct. 5, either online, by mail, or in person.
Early voting starts Oct. 19 and runs through Oct. 30. The absentee ballot request deadline is Oct. 23 for mail requests or Oct. 19 for in-person requests. The absentee ballot return deadline is Nov. 3, by mail or in person on Election Day.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.
Kristian Jaime is the Top Story Reporter for the El Paso Times and is reachable at Kjaime@elpasotimes.com.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Gov. Abbott, Gina Hinojosa increase TV ad time two months before election
