Hinojosa Holds 55% Lead Over Abbott in Texas Early Vote
Data from 6% of reported precincts shows Democratic candidates leading in the governor and lieutenant governor races.
By Jack Weber ·
Texas voters saw Democratic candidates take early leads in the state's top two races as polls closed on Nov. 3. The preliminary data offers an early look at the contest between incumbent Republican Gov. Greg Abbott and Democratic state Rep. Gina Hinojosa.
According to secretary of state data, Hinojosa held 55% of the reported early and Election Day vote as of press time on Nov. 4. Abbott trailed with 44% of the vote. Libertarian Pat Dixon captured the remaining 1%. The figures reflect results from 6% of precincts across the state.
In the lieutenant governor's race, Democratic state Rep. Vikki Goodwin of Austin led Republican incumbent Dan Patrick of Houston. Goodwin secured 53% of the reported vote, while Patrick received 45%. Libertarian Anthony Cristo and Green Party candidate Kevin McCormick each garnered 1% of the support.
Hinojosa is seeking to become the state's first Latina governor. She is also aiming to be the first Democrat to hold the office in over 30 years. Abbott is running for a fourth term. Patrick is seeking a fourth term as the leader of the Texas Senate and the state's second-highest elected official.
No Democrat or third-party candidate has won a statewide office in Texas since 1994, according to election records. Republicans currently hold all statewide seats on the ballot. The reported numbers represent a subset of the total votes cast as the full count continues.
