Texas has elected its first Latina governor.

Democratic state Rep. Gina Hinojosa defeated Republican incumbent Greg Abbott in the 2026 Texas governor’s race, ending his bid for a fourth term. She will become the state’s first Democratic governor since Ann Richards left office in 1995.

The governor’s mansion turning blue marks a significant change in Texas politics. Republicans have held the office continuously since George W. Bush succeeded Richards, followed by Rick Perry and Abbott. Hinojosa’s victory breaks that three-decade stretch of Republican leadership.

“A new era of government by the people and for the people begins today,” Hinojosa posted on her X account.

When she takes office in January 2027, Hinojosa will become the third woman to lead Texas, following Miriam “Ma” Ferguson and Richards. Ferguson first took office in 1925; Richards served from 1991 to 1995. Hinojosa adds a new milestone to that history as the first Latina elected governor.

An Austin state representative and former school board president who grew up in the Rio Grande Valley, Hinojosa centered her campaign on public education and household affordability. She opposed Abbott’s private-school voucher program and advocated for leadership changes at the Texas Education Agency.

“I want to say something to the powerful people who have gotten very comfortable running this state,” Hinojosa said during her victory speech. “The voters have delivered a mandate for change, and it is change they will get.”