EXCLUSIVE: Gina Hinojosa Talks the Power of the Black Vote In the Second Episode of ‘What’s Popular’

When it comes to winning Texas, Gina Hinojosa insists Black voters aren’t an afterthought—they’re essential to the whole operation. “There is no electability without the African-American vote,” Hinojosa said in an exclusive interview before explaining how she understands the importance of having real conversations with Black voters.

The Democratic gubernatorial candidate sat down with The Root publisher Ashley Allison for the latest episode of “What’s Popular?” digital series, where she got into everything from protecting voting rights and building Black-Latino coalitions to making public schools work for everyday Texans. Check out the exclusive interview here:

As the midterms approach, The Root is going straight to the source, asking candidates how their policy priorities and plans for the future could affect Black Americans. In this second episode, Allison sat down with Hinojosa, who is Mexican American, to discuss her game plan for reinvesting in public schools, quelling the divide between the Black community and the Latino community, and continuing her collaboration with important leaders to push important legislation forward.

Related: The Root Launches What’s Popular? Political Series

“I think we have to be honest about that; that’s where the power is. And so, I have—from the very beginning—engaged Black leaders in this campaign,” she said. “Community leaders, elected leaders, pastors, influencers…which are now a power source! A real power source; we have real relationships.”

To be clear, however, Hinojosa’s work with Black leaders isn’t just some new thing. As she tells Allison, in 2022 she helped to lobby for the John Lewis Voting Rights Act. While it failed to pass in the Senate, Hinojosa explained that by taking the step and engaging in the bold fight, she and other Democrats were able to essentially bully Republicans into doing away with a bill that sought to ban Sunday morning voting—a critical voting timeframe, especially for Black parishioners who’d usually go to the polls after church.

Hinojosa also made it clear that she’s staunchly against her opponent Greg Abbott’s way of dividing communities and making them seem like they’re to blame for the major issues. Instead, she’s more interested in building the coalition between communities, especially the Black and Latino communities, so they all can effect real change and ease some of the tensions that exist between the two.

Elsewhere in their conversation, Hinojosa laid out her vision for improving the public school system in her state, explaining that they’re essential to the American Dream and her desire to help them continue to be gateways to opportunities. The Democratic nominee—who would make history by becoming the first Latina to become governor in the state of Texas—also dished on her plans for affordable housing, dealing with ICE, and her plans for public safety and the mental healthcare system.

Tune in to The Root’s YouTube to watch the full interview.