Houston businessman Andrew White dropped out of the Democratic race for governor Monday and endorsed state Rep. Gina Hinojosa, a signal that much of the party is consolidating around a single candidate against Republican incumbent Greg Abbott.
White’s decision gives Hinojosa a clearer path in the March 3, but Democrats still face long odds in a Republican-dominated state against Abbott, whose political cash reserves are expected to top $100 million.
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“Our campaign earned meaningful support across the state,” White said, citing internal polls that placed him second. “But with the primary just weeks away, the responsible choice is to come together to defeat Greg Abbott and protect our schools, hospitals and infrastructure.”
For Hinojosa, White’s exit reduces the risk of a prolonged primary fight and allows her to turn earlier to fundraising, organization and focusing squarely on Abbott’s record.
Texas Rep. Gina Hinojosa, D-Austin, listens as the Texas House Democratic Caucus is recognized during the Dallas County Democratic Party’s 2025 Johnson-Jordan Dinner at Gilley’s Dallas in Dallas on Monday, Nov. 10, 2025.
Juan Figueroa / Staff Photographer
The son of former Texas Gov. Mark White, White was staging his second run for governor. In 2018 he lost the Democratic nomination to former Dallas County Sheriff Lupe Valdez, who Abbott easily beat for reelection.
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During his short-lived candidacy this time, he outlined plans to improve public education, expand access to health care and bolster the Texas economy.
But White, who said he entered the race over concerns about the state’s response to the Central Texas floods that killed at least 137 people, couldn’t gain traction against Hinojosa of Austin, who like Valdez is considered more progressive.
“I look forward to voting for her twice: once in March and again in November,” he said in an email to supporters.
Democratic senate candidate and former U.S. Rep. Chris Bell of Houston during a meeting with the The Dallas Morning News editorial board on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2020, in Dallas. (Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News)
Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer
Hinojosa still faces a competitive primary.
The now eight-person Democratic field includes 2006 Democratic nominee for governor and former U.S. Rep. Chris Bell of Houston.