Democratic nominee Gina Hinojosa held a one-sided debate outside the Texas Governor's Mansion in Austin on Thursday, challenging Republican Gov. Greg Abbott to defend his record less than three weeks before Election Day.
Hinojosa staged the event after Abbott did not accept four proposed debate invitations from different media organizations. She answered questions and criticized the governor over public education, rising household costs, health care access, and his relationships with wealthy donors.
"If Greg Abbott is not man enough to debate me, then he does not deserve to be the governor of Texas," said Hinojosa.
She added that she would continue traveling across the state to promote her plans to support public schools and reduce costs for Texans.
"The Governor is hiding. He's hiding from his failed record," she said, pointing to Texas' uninsured population, utility disconnections, and business bankruptcies.
Hinojosa also criticized Abbott's support for Tax incentives for data centers, the state's school voucher program, property tax increases, and the use of automated license plate surveillance systems. Her campaign has argued that these policies benefit corporations and wealthy donors at the expense of ordinary Texans.
Abbott has defended his decision not to participate in a debate, saying that direct engagement with voters at campaign events is more beneficial than debating his opponent. The governor is seeking a fourth term after nearly 12 years in office.
The debate dispute comes amid a closely watched gubernatorial contest. Recent independent polling has shown a competitive race, with an October University of Texas/Texas Politics Project survey measuring support among likely voters for both candidates. Hinojosa was shown having 49% of support, while Abbott had 48%.
Hinojosa's campaign has framed the election around affordability, public education, and accountability, arguing that voters deserve a direct comparison between her proposals and Abbott's record. Thursday's event gave her an opportunity to present that message without the incumbent participating.
