AUSTIN, Texas — The drought to control the Texas governor’s mansion has ended after more than three decades of failure.
Abbott announced shortly after 10 p.m. Central Time that he had called Hinojosa to congratulate her on winning the race.
“After looking at all the details of every county in the entire state, I made the decision to go ahead and call Gina Hinojosa and congratulate her on winning this race for governor of the state of Texas,” Abbott said. “There are still those to be counted, but mathematically, we're not going to be able to win this election.”
Hinojosa’s victory marks the first time a Latino has been elected Texas governor and the first Democratic victory in the race since Ann Richards won in 1990.
“I love our state. It's been an
honor to serve, and know that we are leaving Texas in far better shape than it ever is. Together, we've accomplished a lot. Texas was just recognized as having the best business climate of any state in the United States,” Abbott said.
“Always remember this: Texas was built by the bold men and women who believed they could transform a vast wilderness into a land of opportunity and prosperity. We are the sons and daughters of the liberty they fought for,” he added.
Hinojosa, who pulled off one of the most stunning political defeats in Texas history, accepted her victory with another call for unity and a return to integrity in state politics.
"Tonight, I make a solemn promise to every single Texan. Whether you voted for me or Governor Abbott, or felt so betrayed by a broken politics that you did not vote at all," Hinojosa said in a social media post. "Hear what Texas said today, loud and clear: Your government belongs to you. And as your governor, I will never forget it. There will be no special set of rules for the wealthy and powerful. No looking the other way when someone in my own party does wrong."
Hinojosa ran a campaign that appealed to Texans' hardships, as most said the affordability crisis was the key issue driving them to the polls.
She also pressured the governor over growing concerns about data centers being built in communities across Texas, even though Abbott directed state regulators to address some of those concerns. Abbott even imposed a moratorium and ordered an audit of proposed projects.
Like the last Democratic governor, Hinojosa also ran on a platform of reinvesting in the state’s public education system, while also harshly criticizing the state school voucher system that Abbott advocated for and called special sessions to ensure it would pass in the state legislature.
"The trust you have placed in me tonight is not a blank check. It is a sacred responsibility. And I intend to earn it every single day," Hinojosa added.
Mateo Rosiles is the Texas Connect reporter for USA TODAY and its regional papers in Texas, based in Austin. Got a news tip for him? Email him at mrosiles@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Texas rejected GOP in governor's race flipping state for Democrats
