Hinojosa Lies? What Texas Records Reveal To Texans

Income-Tax Contradiction; Seven Legislative Records; What Texas Voters Should Know.

A television interview has brought one of the Texas governor's race's most contentious disputes into sharp focus.

On October 13, CBS Texas confronted Democratic candidate Gina Hinojosa about her 2019 vote against strengthening the state's constitutional income-tax prohibition.

Hinojosa disputed the characterization and suggested she had voted against repealing an existing prohibition.

The problem? The legislation did the opposite of what her explanation suggested.

The official record provides an opportunity to examine not only that contradiction but several other issues central to her campaign against Republican Governor Greg Abbott.

Seven Things the Record Shows

1. Income taxes: Her 2016 statements

During a 2016 KXAN interview, Hinojosa discussed Texas's dependence on property and sales taxes and described income taxation as a missing component of the state's revenue structure.

She now says she opposes a state individual income tax.

Hinojosa explains that her understanding of Texas taxation has changed, arguing that excessive property taxes result from government spending priorities rather than the absence of income taxation.

2. The 2019 constitutional amendment

On May 9, 2019, Hinojosa voted against HJR 38, which strengthened the Texas Constitution's individual income-tax prohibition.

The amendment passed the House 100–42 and subsequently received approximately 76% voter approval.

Before 2019, Texas required voter approval before imposing an individual income tax. The amendment replaced that arrangement with an explicit prohibition.

Hinojosa's CBS explanation conflicts with the amendment's actual purpose. Her vote did not itself impose an income tax, and her current opposition to one is separately documented.

3. Property taxes: The disputed 40 votes

Abbott's campaign identifies 40 Hinojosa votes as evidence that she opposed property-tax relief.

A Houston Chronicle examination found those votes largely involved seven bills and their amendments restricting local governments' taxing authority—not 40 direct increases in property taxes.

Hinojosa opposed several limitations, citing local control and public services.

She now proposes using savings from eliminating corporate subsidies and certain government contracts to reduce homeowners' property taxes.

Both candidates advocate tax relief but propose different approaches.

4. School choice: Senate Bill 2

Hinojosa voted against SB 2 in April 2025.

The legislation established a $1 billion education savings account program, allowing eligible families to use public funds for approved private educational expenses.

Supporters emphasize parental choice. Hinojosa argues the program diverts resources from public education.

5. Public bathrooms and changing facilities

In August 2025, Hinojosa voted against SB 8, governing access to certain public facilities according to sex.

Supporters described the law as protecting sex-designated spaces. Opponents raised discrimination and enforcement concerns.

Her recorded vote was against the legislation.

6. Law-enforcement funding

Hinojosa also voted against HB 192, which requires voter approval before certain law-enforcement funding reductions or reallocations in very large Texas counties.

Supporters called it a safeguard against police defunding. Opponents argued it restricted local budget authority.

The vote does not establish that Hinojosa supports eliminating police departments.

7. Healthcare and abortion

During CBS's October 25 Face the Nation, Hinojosa confirmed that she supports Medicaid expansion, although she said her campaign emphasizes healthcare access rather than that specific policy label.

She also supports abortion rights and has said she would sign legislation repealing Texas's abortion ban, while acknowledging that such legislation is unlikely under the current Legislature.

What Does This Mean for Texas?

The University of Houston's October survey placed Abbott at 49% and Hinojosa at 46% among likely voters, within a competitive statewide race.

Meanwhile, Democrat James Talarico and Republican Ken Paxton are contesting Texas's U.S. Senate seat, an independent choice on the same November ballot.

The essential distinction is between what candidates previously voted for, what they currently promise, and what their political opponents claim those votes mean.

The income-tax amendment, property-tax legislation, education funding, public safety, and healthcare policies involve consequential choices about Texas government.

Those records are publicly available.

Before voting, Texans can examine the actual legislation, compare the candidates' current proposals, and decide which policies reflect their priorities.

Campaign advertisements make accusations. Legislative records establish votes. Knowing the difference is an essential part of an informed election.