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Gina Hinojosa’s religion is Catholic. The Texas governor-elect has said so publicly, and she has described her faith as her “moral compass.” Her opponent in the 2026 race, Gov. Greg Abbott, is also Catholic, which made faith an unusual shared point in the campaign.
Early Life and Background
According to Wikipedia, Regina Inez Hinojosa was born December 8, 1973, in McAllen, Texas, and is of Mexican descent. She grew up in Brownsville and spent summers with her grandparents in Mission. Her father, Gilberto Hinojosa, chaired the Texas Democratic Party from 2012 to 2025, and her mother, Crisanta Guerra Lozano, is an attorney. She earned a B.A. from the University of Texas at Austin and a law degree from George Washington University, and has represented Texas House District 49 since 2017.
The sources reviewed for this article do not describe her childhood church or a specific parish, so details of her upbringing in the faith are not documented here. Her professional record does include faith-based work: she worked for the Office of Immigrant Concerns at Catholic Charities USA, per Wikipedia.
Gina Hinojosa’s Religious Views
Hinojosa identifies as Catholic. The Intercept reports that she is Catholic, as Abbott is, and notes that Abbott attacked her by accusing her of supporting “Sharia law” because the political affiliate of a Muslim advocacy group endorsed her.
Asked about her faith, she told EWTN News, as reported by the National Catholic Register: “My faith is my moral compass.” She added that it “grounds me in purpose and gives me the courage to do what is right regardless of obstacles or consequences.”
The Intercept places her within a wider story about Democrats in Texas speaking openly about their faith. Another Texas Democrat who does so is state Rep. James Talarico; see James Talarico’s religion. For a national Democratic figure’s faith background, see Hakeem Jeffries’s religion.
Why Her Faith Is in the News
Wikipedia reports that Hinojosa defeated Abbott in the November 3, 2026 general election, 52.82% to 45.69%, becoming the first Democrat elected governor of Texas since Ann Richards in 1990 and the state’s first Latina governor. She is scheduled to take office January 19, 2027. With two Catholic nominees on the ballot, readers have searched for how each describes their church and beliefs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What religion is Gina Hinojosa?
She is Catholic. The Intercept and the National Catholic Register both report this, and she has described her faith as her “moral compass.”
Is Greg Abbott also Catholic?
Yes. The Intercept notes that Abbott, her 2026 opponent, shares her Catholic affiliation.
Has Hinojosa worked for a Catholic organization?
Yes. Wikipedia lists work for the Office of Immigrant Concerns at Catholic Charities USA, as well as part-time service with the organization.
Did Hinojosa win the Texas governor’s race?
Yes, according to Wikipedia’s account of the November 3, 2026 results, she won and is governor-elect.
