Gov. Greg Abbott's (R) campaign has launched its first attack against Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gina Hinojosa, criticizing her voting record on gender-related legislation and calling her "Gender Bender Gina."
What is Abbott's campaign saying?
The Abbott campaign's attack labels Hinojosa as a supporter of policies it says would allow minors to undergo gender-related medical procedures and allow schools to transition students socially without parental involvement.
Abbott campaign press secretary Eduardo Leal: "Radical Gina would rather trans your kids than protect them, educate them, or prepare them for a successful future."
The campaign also argues Hinojosa supports policies that could subject parents to investigations over disagreements concerning their children's gender identity.
What bills is the campaign pointing to?
The campaign cites Hinojosa's 2023 vote against SB 14, which prohibited certain gender-transition procedures for minors and prohibited public money from being used for those procedures. Hinojosa's recorded vote was against the bill.
The campaign also points to her votes on 2025 legislation. HB 1106 changed the statutory definitions of child abuse and neglect concerning a parent's response to a child's gender identity or sexual orientation. The measure passed the Legislature and was signed into law.
SB 12, another measure cited by the campaign, established requirements involving parental rights in public education and prohibited public school employees from socially transitioning students. Hinojosa voted against the bill during House consideration, according to legislative vote records.
What is the response?
As of this reporting, Hinojosa's campaign has not provided a response to the material released by Abbott's campaign. However, U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett (R) commented that the attacks from opponents could indicate that they are concerned about a candidate.
Rep. Jasmine Crockett: "Some may see this as bad… but this is good… if He’s attacking, that means he’s nervous. People attack or mention an opponent when there’s a problem."
The Bottom Line
Abbott's campaign is making Hinojosa's record on gender-related legislation a central issue in its first major attack of the governor's race.
