Hinojosa shows up for proposed debate. Abbott is more than 200 miles away

Democratic nominee Gina Hinojosa challenged Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to a debate at the Governor’s Mansion in Austin, though Abbott never publicly agreed to participate. Hinojosa went to the Governor’s Mansion on Oct. 15 and criticized Abbott for not being there. At the time, Abbott was mor

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What is the story about?

Democratic nominee Gina Hinojosa challenged Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to a debate at the Governor’s Mansion in Austin, though Abbott never publicly agreed to participate.

Hinojosa went to the Governor’s Mansion on Oct. 15 and criticized Abbott for not being there. At the time, Abbott was more than 200 miles away in Tyler for a roundtable with law enforcement.

"I promised that I would show up for her for a debate, to answer questions," Hinojosa said in Austin. "I am happy to answer questions. The governor is hiding."

Abbott was in Tyler, east of Dallas, meeting with local sheriffs, law enforcement, and lawmakers that day about his public safety agenda.

AUSTIN, TEXAS - OCTOBER 15: Texas Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gina Hinojosa speaks during a campaign event at Wooldridge Square on October 15, 2026 in Austin, Texas. Hinojosa invited the current Governor, Greg Abbott to debate but he did not show up.

When asked whether he would debate Hinojosa at a press conference in Tyler after his roundtable,

Abbott said he preferred talking directly to voters in Texas communities, which he said had a proven track record.

"When I go to each of those communities, I learn something new," Abbott said in Tyler. "I am a better governor, I am a better governor candidate by talking to those people."

These latest events in the gubernatorial race come as Hinojosa is within striking distance of Abbott, either trailing by single digits in the summer or, in recent polls, leading Abbott — within the poll's margin of error.

An Oct. 14 Marist poll showed Abbott leading Hinojosa 49% to 45% among likely voters — within the poll’s margin of error, making the race a statistical tie. Among registered voters, the two gubernatorial candidates are separated by 1 point.

Early voting starts in Texas on Oct. 19 and ends Oct. 30. Election Day is Nov. 3.

Recent Texas governor's race polls

Here's what October polls showed:

Marist poll (Oct. 14) — Abbott 49%, Hinojosa 45%
UT/Texas Politics Project (Oct. 13) — Hinojosa 49%, Abbott 48%
ReconMR (Oct. 13) — Abbott 48%, Hinojosa 47%
UMass Lowell (Oct. 8) — Abbott 48%, Hinojosa 44%.
YouGov poll (Oct. 6) — Hinojosa 48%, Abbott 47%.
The New York Times (Oct. 3) — Hinojosa 49%, Abbott 46%.
Fox News(Oct. 1) — Abbott 52%, Hinojosa 47%.

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: Hinojosa shows up for proposed debate. Abbott is more than 200 miles away