Houston businessman Andrew White has ended his democratic campaign for Texas governor and thrown his support behind state Rep. Gina Hinojosa, consolidating the field as the primary election draws closer.
White, the son of former Texas Governor Mark White, said the decision was driven both by timing and strategy, arguing that Democrats must unify to mount a serious challenge to Republican Gov. Greg Abbott in November.
"With the primary just weeks away, the responsible choice is to come together to defeat Greg Abbott and protect our schools, hospitals, and infrastructure," White said in a statement. "I'm proud to endorse Gina Hinojosa for governor, and I look forward to voting for her twice: once in March and again in November."
White has entered the race promising to run as an independent-minded Democrat, capable of appealing across party lines. However, his withdrawal marks his second unsuccessful attempt to secure the Democratic gubernatorial nomination, after losing a runoff in 2018.
In a video posted on social media, White acknowledged financial challenges as a key factor in his decision. He said his campaign had not raised sufficient funds to remain competitive, despite internal polling that placed him second in the nine-candidate race.
White previously pledged to personally cover his campaign's overhead costs.
"Instead of fighting this fight against Gina, I think it's better for me to step aside and Gina save her resources so she can beat Greg Abbott in November," said White.
White's exit leaves Hinojosa, former U.S Rep. Chris Bell, retired firefighter and rancher Bobby Cole, and several others competing for the Democratic nomination.
Public polling conducted by Texas Southern University in mid-December showed Hinojosa leading the field with 41% support among likely Democratic primary voters. White trailed with 6%, while Bell and other candidates each polled in the single digits.
Hinojosa welcomed White's endorsement, praising his decision to step aside in the interest of party unity.
"I am incredibly grateful to Andrew White for his leadership and for this show of support," said Hinojosa. "It takes incredible courage to enter the ring and run for statewide office in Texas, and it takes even more to step down when you know what's at stake."
With the primary approaching, White's endorsement signals a push by Democratic leaders to consolidate support behind Hinojosa as they prepare for a general election challenge against Abbott.
