Gina Hinojosa

Regina Inez Hinojosa is an American lawyer and politician currently serving as a member of the Texas House of Representatives, representing the 49th district. A member of the Democratic Party, she has been in office since January 10, 2017, after winning the general election in November 2016. Hinojosa has a background in civil rights law and public service, including a tenure on the Austin Independent School District's school board. In addition to her legislative work, she has announced her candidacy for governor in the upcoming 2026 Texas gubernatorial election.

Early life and career

Gina Hinojosa was born on December 8, 1973, in McAllen, Texas. She hails from the Rio Grande Valley, a region known for its cultural diversity and political engagement. Hinojosa is the daughter of Gilberto Hinojosa, a notable figure in Texas politics, which may have influenced her interest in public service. She spent her formative years in Brownsville, Texas, and often visited her grandparents in Mission during the summer months.

Hinojosa completed her secondary education at Homer Hanna High School in 1992. She then pursued higher education at the University of Texas at Austin, where she majored in Plan II Honors and Government. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1996. Following her undergraduate studies, Hinojosa attended George Washington University Law School, earning her Juris Doctor degree in 1999. During her time in law school, she spent a semester at the University of Texas School of Law, where she met her future husband.

After completing her education, Hinojosa began her professional career as a civil rights lawyer, focusing on representing union members. Her legal work included significant cases, one of which involved a lawsuit against U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay in 2005. Hinojosa's commitment to public service led her to work for various organizations, including the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, Catholic Charities USA, Texas Rural Legal Aid, and the Equal Justice Center.

In 2012, Hinojosa was elected to the Austin Independent School District's school board, motivated by concerns over the district's decision to close schools, including her son's school, Pease Elementary. She served on the board for four years, during which she gained valuable experience in educational policy and governance. In 2016, she decided to run for the Texas House of Representatives, seeking to represent the 49th district after the incumbent, Democrat Elliott Naishtat, chose not to seek re-election.

Legislative service

Hinojosa was sworn into the Texas House of Representatives on January 10, 2017, marking the beginning of her legislative career. During her time in office, she has been an active participant in various legislative sessions, focusing on issues such as healthcare, education, and civil rights.

In the 85th Texas Legislature, Hinojosa proposed a measure to allocate $3 million to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to assist victims of human trafficking. Although the proposal received bipartisan support and passed the House with a significant majority, it was ultimately removed from the budget during negotiations with the Senate.

In 2019, Hinojosa pledged to introduce legislation aimed at providing comprehensive healthcare services to all Texas residents as part of the Healthy Texas Act campaign. While her efforts in this area did not result in the passage of a bill, she successfully authored House Bill 1307, which established a system for individuals affected by disasters to apply for assistance. This legislation was signed into law, demonstrating her commitment to addressing the needs of Texans in times of crisis.

During the 87th Texas Legislature in 2021, Hinojosa filed House Bill 73, which sought to prohibit the use of the gay/trans panic defense in criminal cases. This defense allows perpetrators to claim diminished responsibility based on a victim's sexual orientation or gender identity. The bill was not advanced by the House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence. Additionally, Hinojosa was part of a group of Democratic legislators who left the state to prevent the passage of controversial voting restriction legislation. Although the bill was eventually passed, significant provisions were removed during the legislative process.

In 2023, Hinojosa authored the Fully Fund Our Future Act, a proposal aimed at significantly increasing funding for Texas public schools. The bill sought to provide substantial raises for teachers and support staff, as well as increase per-student funding and allocate additional resources for special education. However, the bill faced opposition from Governor Greg Abbott, who indicated that he would not support increased funding for public education without the passage of school voucher legislation. Consequently, public school districts did not receive the anticipated funding increases that year.

In early 2025, Hinojosa highlighted the potential financial impact of proposed school voucher legislation on local school districts through an interactive website. This initiative was part of her broader efforts to advocate for public education funding. Later that year, she participated in a quorum bust along with other Democratic members of the Texas House to delay the passage of new congressional maps. This action led to legal challenges, but the Texas Supreme Court ultimately ruled that it did not have jurisdiction in the matter.

Policy focus and district

As a member of the Texas House of Representatives, Hinojosa has focused on a range of policy issues that reflect her commitment to social justice, education, and healthcare. Her legislative priorities often center on improving the lives of her constituents in the 49th district, which includes parts of Austin and surrounding areas.

Hinojosa's work in the legislature has included efforts to enhance public education funding, advocate for comprehensive healthcare access, and protect the rights of marginalized communities. Her background as a civil rights lawyer informs her approach to policy-making, as she seeks to address systemic inequalities and promote equity in various sectors.

In addition to her legislative duties, Hinojosa has announced her candidacy for governor in the 2026 Texas gubernatorial election. This decision reflects her ambition to expand her influence and address broader issues affecting the state of Texas. As she campaigns for this higher office, Hinojosa continues to engage with her constituents and advocate for policies that align with her values and the needs of the communities she represents.

Through her legislative service and upcoming gubernatorial campaign, Hinojosa aims to make a lasting impact on Texas politics and the lives of its residents.