10/16/2026
Gina Hinojosa spent months calling Greg Abbott a coward for refusing to debate her. Yesterday morning she set up two podiums outside the Governor’s Mansion and left one empty for him. He didn’t show. Jenn Mack, a write-in candidate for governor, did.
Mack stepped up to the empty podium and told Hinojosa she came to debate both of them on their records. Hinojosa told her the stage was reserved for Abbott, then had her removed. Mack was walked off the stage by an officer.
So the candidate who says refusing to debate is disqualifying refused to debate the one challenger who actually showed up. Abbott ducks Hinojosa. Hinojosa ducks anyone who isn’t Abbott. Both of them want a two-person race because a real debate is a risk to both of them.
Texans have more than two choices for governor. Pat Dixon, the Libertarian nominee, is on your ballot and ready to debate. Governor Abbott, Representative Hinojosa: the challenge is open. Pat will bring his own podium.