ODESSA, Texas – Democratic nominee for Texas governor Gina Hinojosa took the stage Tuesday night in West Odessa to lay out her vision for the state’s future. Speaking to a crowd of voters, educators, and community members, Hinojosa framed her campaign as a return to basic government—one that stops the political grandstanding and culture wars that she says have left Texas “broken.”
Education at the top of the agenda
Hinojosa emphasized that the American dream cannot be realized without strong public schools. She asked teachers and school staff in the audience to stand, saying, “If you are an educator or work in a school community, I want you to stand up right now, please stand up.” The gesture was meant to signal her commitment to the education workforce.
Her most concrete pledge was to fire Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath on her first day in office. “Because when I am governor on day one I will fire Mike Morath,” Hinojosa declared, positioning the move as a necessary step to overhaul the state’s education system.
Fiscal priorities and data‑center concerns
Beyond education, Hinojosa warned that Texas taxpayers’ money should not be funneled into data‑center projects owned by the world’s wealthiest individuals. “They are owned by the richest men in the entire world. I believe they can pay for themselves,” she said, suggesting that private capital should shoulder the costs of such infrastructure.
Campaign context and upcoming voting dates
The rally comes as the midterm election season intensifies across the Permian Basin. Early voting in Texas is already underway and will run through October 30, with Election Day scheduled for November 3. Hinojosa’s appearance in Odessa underscores her effort to reach voters in West Texas, a region that has traditionally leaned Republican but is seeing increased Democratic outreach.
While Hinojosa’s proposals have drawn enthusiasm from supporters who share her view that Texas needs a fresh approach to education and fiscal responsibility, they have also attracted criticism from state officials who argue that the Education Commissioner has made progress on school accountability and funding. The Trump administration has not issued a statement on the rally, but the broader Republican establishment in Texas continues to defend Morath’s record.
What voters can expect
Hinojosa’s campaign promises to focus on “delivering for the people of Texas” by cutting what she describes as unnecessary political theater and redirecting resources toward families, schools, and community prosperity. As the election draws near, voters in Odessa and across the state will have the chance to weigh her platform against the incumbent Republican administration’s policies.
For those interested in learning more about Hinojosa’s platform or finding a polling location, the Texas Secretary of State’s website provides up‑to‑date information on early‑voting sites and deadlines.
Original reporting: CBS7 / First Alert 7 KOSA (Gray) — read the source article.
