Abbott Attacks Hinojosa on Sharia Law Ahead of Vote
The Republican incumbent governor labeled his Democratic challenger the farthest left candidate on the Texas ticket days before Election Day.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Terrorism
Texas Governor Greg Abbott, a Republican seeking a fourth term, said in a Fox News interview on Monday that Democratic nominee Gina Hinojosa is the farthest left candidate on the Texas ticket and makes Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico look almost conservative. Abbott has repeatedly tied Hinojosa to Sharia law.
Why it matters
Abbott's attacks center on Hinojosa's vote against a bill designating the Council on American-Islamic Relations and the Muslim Brotherhood as foreign terrorist organizations, a vote that has become central to the race. The race is competitive, with a recent poll showing Hinojosa two points ahead, while Decision Desk HQ gives Abbott a 69 percent chance of winning.
A New York Times/Siena University poll shows Hinojosa ahead of Abbott by two points, while Decision Desk HQ estimates a 69 percent chance Abbott wins. Polls in most of Texas close at 8 p.m. local time, and the final result is not yet known.
The players
Greg Abbott
Republican governor of Texas seeking a fourth term, and the longest-serving governor in state history if he wins.
Gina Hinojosa
Democratic nominee for Texas governor who voted against a bill designating CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood as foreign terrorist organizations.
James Talarico
Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Texas, whom Abbott contrasted with Hinojosa.
The details
Abbott made the remarks in an interview with Fox News on Monday, tying Hinojosa to Sharia law based on her vote against the bill targeting CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood. Hinojosa has said she does not support Sharia law, and Abbott has frequently made the accusation throughout the campaign.
Timeline
Monday, November 2, 2026: Abbott gives Fox News interview attacking Hinojosa.
Tuesday, November 3, 2026: Election Day in Texas; polls close at 8 p.m. local time.
Political Context
Hinojosa's opposition to the bill targeting CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood has become the basis for Abbott's charge that she supports Sharia law, a claim she has denied. Should Abbott win, he would become the longest-serving governor in Texas history.
Texas voters will decide the governor's race on Election Day, with polls closing at 8 p.m. local time. The outcome will determine whether Abbott secures a fourth term, which would make him the longest-serving governor in state history.
The takeaway
The Texas governor's race highlights how votes on specific legislation can become central campaign arguments, so voters may want to review candidates' records on those bills before casting ballots.
Further reading
Explore more Terrorism coverage for Texas context on this campaign debate.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Hill.
