Gina Hinojosa won the Texas governor's race, making her the state's first Latina governor. Texas has not had a Democratic governor since 1995. Hinojosa was born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley, is a University of Texas graduate and works as a civil rights and union lawyer. She will take office in January.
Latino leaders and grassroots groups in North Texas have responded with emotion. Angelica Bolanos of Somos Tejas said she might start crying again. Dallas County Commissioner Elba Garcia, the county's first Latina commissioner, said Hinojosa would take the state "to the next level." Thaiss Loaeza, also with Somos Tejas, called the win empowering. Bolanos said Latinos make up about 40% of Texas.
Somos Tejas advocates said the victory also brings expectations. Among their priorities is restoring in-state college tuition for undocumented students. Hinojosa received a larger share of support from Black voters than from Hispanic voters, who were more evenly divided.