STATEMENT: Hinojosa Calls Out Greg Abbott On Fall Debate Silence

Abbott in weakest position of his political career – refuses to debate

Austin, TX – Today, Democratic nominee for Governor Gina Hinojosa released the following statement after Greg Abbott let the deadline pass for a Texas gubernatorial debate hosted by NBCUniversal Studios in Texas and Hearst Newspapers in Texas. The debate was set to take place on October 15th, and Abbott’s team had weeks to respond following Hinojosa formally accepting the invitation on July 1st.

Hinojosa is now calling on Abbott to join a second gubernatorial debate, hosted by Nexstar on September 25th, giving him another chance to defend his record in front of Texas voters.

“Absent Abbott is scared to debate me because he’s a weak governor who’s afraid to face his failed record,” said Hinojosa. “Right now, Texas leads the nation in the number of people disconnected from their electricity, uninsured residents, uninsured children, and bankruptcies. Texans deserve to hear a vision for Texas where we save our public schools and put money in their pockets.

“While Abbott wants more data centers, fewer neighborhood schools, and endless contracts for his donors, I know that we can rebuild the American Dream in Texas with an economy that works for the people, strong neighborhood schools, and safe communities. Whether he has the courage to debate or not, we will hold Abbott accountable for selling out Texas this November.”

Abbott has debated previous opponents, but recent polling shows Hinojosa is polling stronger against Abbott than any Democrat ever has, especially among independents, Latino voters, and young voters. Hinojosa has remained within single digits this whole cycle, and Abbott is facing some of the worst disapproval ratings of his career.

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