Texas governor race: Abbott leads Hinojosa in final polls ahead of Nov. 3 election

Republican Governor Greg Abbott is seeking a record fourth term in the Texas gubernatorial election on November 3, 2026. Democrat Gina Hinojosa, an Austin state representative and civil rights attorney, is campaigning to unseat him.

October polls show Abbott leading Hinojosa in most surveys, though several races fall within the margin of error. Emerson College found Abbott at 49 percent and Hinojosa at 45 percent, while Fox News reported 52 percent to 47 percent. A Pollfinity survey showed Hinojosa ahead 46 percent to 45 percent.

“What Texans are starting to discover is that my opponent, Gina Hinojosa, is actually more progressive than Talarico.”

The candidates differ sharply on public education. Abbott supports education savings accounts for private and homeschool expenses and wants at least 70 percent of district funding directed to classroom instruction. Hinojosa wants to end the program and increase public school funding.

On the Senate race, Democrat James Talarico holds narrow leads over Republican Ken Paxton in several October polls, though some surveys show a tie or a one-point advantage for Paxton.

Election results will begin populating at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, November 3. KSAT will stream live coverage with Myra Arthur and Ernie Zuniga.