In a surprisingly competitive race, new filings reveal that Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) has spent down the majority of his war chest in an effort to preserve his position, while Democratic challenger Gina Hinojosa’s fundraising has ramped up.
In a New York Times-Siena poll conducted in late September, Hinojosa received support from 49 percent of likely voters, versus 46 percent for Abbott. The governor has spent more than $130 million on the race, while Hinojosa has spent $17 million.
Abbott still raised more than Hinojosa in the third quarter, taking in $20 million to her $13 million. The governor was boosted by major technology donors including Joe Gebbia of Airbnb and financier and TikTok investor Jeff Yass, who both gave $1 million in late September.
Hinojosa took in smaller gifts from unions and major Democratic donors including Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, who gave $200,000.
The financial disparity has narrowed since the start of the year. Abbott, who has served as governor since 2015, began 2026 with $105 million on hand, while Hinojosa started with under $1 million.
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