Where the Texas governor's race stands as Obama visits the state

Former President Barack Obama's surprise visit to Austin with two Democrats atop the Texas ballot this fall marked one of the highest-profile displays of national party support in the state in years.

It comes after polls suggest the Texas governor's race may be tightening, with state Rep. Gina Hinojosa, the Democratic nominee for governor, trailing in single digits as she tries to unseat three-term Republican Greg Abbott.

The last time a Democrat was in the governor's seat was in 1994.

Democrats have tried to unseat Abbott, most recently with former U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke, but have been unsuccessful by an 11-percentage-point margin.

Ahead of the March Republican and Democratic primaries, the University of Houston Hobby School of Public Affairs poll showed a seven-point difference between the two candidates in a potential November 2026 matchup, with Hinojosa trailing.

Both went on to win their respective primaries, making the matchup a reality with Hinojosa polling closely.

However, a recent April poll from Texas Public Opinion Research has the governor's race within five points, 48% to 43%, with Hinojosa scoring high among independents, moderates, Black voters, Latino voters and young voters.

But another April poll from the University of Texas/ Texas Politics Project showed that Hinojosa is trailing Abbott by six points.

While neither is on the Texas primary runoff ticket in May, both are looking to make moves to gain voters in Texas ahead of the November 2026 general election.

Abbott is endorsed by President Donald Trump, while Hinojosa gained the support — but not the endorsement — of former President Barack Obama.

When was the last time a Democrat was governor of Texas?

The last time a Democrat was elected governor was in 1990, when Ann Richards won the office. She lost her reelection bid to George W. Bush in 1994.

It was also in 1994 that a Democrat last won a statewide office.

Mateo Rosiles is the Texas Connect reporter for USA TODAY and its regional papers in Texas. Got a news tip for him? Email him: [email protected].