Greg
Abbott

Abbott's campaign listed endorsements including President Donald Trump, the National Border Patrol Council, Texas Realtors, the Houston Police Officers Union, the Texas Farm Bureau, and the Texas Association of Business, as reported in his October 5 fundraising announcement.

The Latin Times reported Abbott had ignored at least three debate invitations. Hinojosa escalated pressure, saying she would show up at the Governor's Mansion to debate. Early voting is scheduled for October 19–30 and Election Day is November 3, 2026.

The San Antonio Current reported that RealClearPolitics moved the race to 'tossup' and Cook Political Report shifted it from 'likely Republican' to 'lean Republican,' reflecting tightening polls including a New York Times/Siena survey showing Hinojosa narrowly ahead.

Hinojosa renewed her call for a debate, proposing October 15 outside the Governor's Mansion and accepting a debate organized by NBCUniversal/Hearst Texas. Abbott's campaign had not responded to the debate invitations or to press requests for comment.

A YouGov poll of 3,622 likely voters (conducted September 28–October 5) found Hinojosa leading Abbott 48%–47%, within the reported three-point margin of error. Newsweek reported the result on October 7.

Campaign filings showed Abbott raised ~$20.3M vs. Hinojosa's ~$13.2M; Abbott outspent her roughly six to one ($74.1M vs. $12.1M). The Washington Post identified $1M contributions from Airbnb co-founder Joe Gebbia and investor Jeff Yass.

Abbott's campaign committee reported raising approximately $20.3 million for the period July 1 through September 24, with $18.2 million cash on hand after spending $74.1 million during the period. Abbott had spent $141.3 million since the start of the year.

Abbott proposed ending the 'revolving door' for violent repeat offenders, establishing a statewide prosecutor, holding district attorneys accountable for refusing to enforce the law, and giving law enforcement additional tools. These are stated proposals, not enacted policy.

Governor Abbott issued a proclamation designating October 2026 as Law Enforcement Appreciation Month in Texas.

At a manufacturing-sector event in Beaumont, Abbott said Texas should aim to be 'the most affordable state in the United States,' naming property tax cuts, lower health-care and insurance costs, more affordable housing, and reduced college costs as priorities.

A Fox News poll of 881 likely voters conducted September 24–28 put Abbott ahead 52%–47% over Hinojosa.

A public poll reported Hinojosa ahead of Abbott for the first time; three September polls had her narrowly ahead while most surveys showed her within five points. Abbott's strategist called one poll 'bogus' and 'garbage'; Abbott said his internal polling showed a different picture but did not release results.