At a Glance
- Gina Hinojosa leads the Democratic primary with 41% support
- 42% of likely voters are still undecided
- Primary election set for March 3
Why it matters: Texas voters will shape the next governor race against incumbent Greg Abbott.
Texas Democrats are preparing for a March primary that could set the stage for the 2024 governor contest. A recent poll shows State Rep. Gina Hinojosa pulling ahead with 41% of the vote, while 42% of voters remain undecided.
Polling Snapshot
The Barbara Jordan Public Policy Research and Survey Center at Texas Southern University surveyed 1,600 likely Democratic primary voters. Gina Hinojosa received 41% of the vote, while Andrew White and Chris Bell trailed at 6% and 5% respectively.
- Gina Hinojosa – 41%
- Andrew White – 6%
- Chris Bell – 5%
- Bobby Cole – 0% (no data)
Candidates’ Campaign Themes
Gina Hinojosa, a former Austin school-board president, has championed public schools and opposed Gov. Abbott’s Education Savings Account plan.
> Gina Hinojosa said:
> > “I don’t take anything for granted. It is a feeling of satisfaction to know that my work over almost a decade has been appreciated by Democrats across this state.”
> Gina Hinojosa added:
> > “I have fought hard for our public schools. I have fought hard for working Texans. And what the polling shows is that people have noticed and people appreciate it, and I’m just so grateful for that.”
Andrew White, a Houston businessman and son of former Governor Mark White, positions himself as an “independent Democrat” aiming to unite progressives and moderates.
> Andrew White said:
> > “My dad used to say, if you want to have a different result, you’ve got to do something different. Greg Abbott is undefeated running against politicians. I’m different. I’m a businessman, and I’m ready to do the job.”
Chris Bell, a former congressman and lawyer, calls himself a “recovering politician” and stresses the importance of public education for future Texans.
> Chris Bell said:
> > “I really do believe that Greg Abbott and others have basically declared war on public school education, and public schools have been the keys to so many futures for Texans.”
> Chris Bell added:
> > “[We need] to make sure that when kids graduate high school, they’re one of two things; either ready to go to college or ready to go to work. And I assure you that’s my number one goal.”
Bobby Cole, a firefighter and farmer, presents himself as an “everyday ordinary Texan” focusing on ordinary citizens’ interests.
> Bobby Cole said:
> > “I think we’ve been left behind by a leadership in Austin that is catered to their big donors and big corporations.”
> Bobby Cole added:
> > “I have been a farmer. I’ve worked in warehouses and stocked shelves. I’ve worked as a career firefighter. And most importantly, I’ve been a husband and a father and a grandfather, and I’m concerned about the legacy that I’m leaving them. That’s why I’m running for governor.”
White noted it has been more than 30 years since a Texas Democrat won a statewide office.
Election Timeline
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Primary election | March 3 |
| Last day to register | February 2 |
Key Takeaways
- Gina Hinojosa holds a commanding lead with 41% support.
- 42% of voters are still undecided, giving other candidates room to move.
- The primary election is on March 3, with registration closing on February 2.
The March primary will decide which Democrat faces Gov. Abbott in the November gubernatorial race, making the outcome a key moment for Texas politics.
