In response to the shifting race dynamics, Abbott launched a $12 million advertising campaign targeting Hinojosa. A significant portion of this campaign focuses on her voting record concerning property taxes. Abbott's campaign claims Hinojosa has voted multiple times for higher property taxes, a charge Hinojosa vehemently denies, stating she has never voted to increase property taxes and that the cited votes are taken out of context.
The governor's attacks have expanded beyond property taxes to include education, public safety, and issues related to transgender Texans. Abbott's campaign has also used social media to criticize Hinojosa's policy positions, including sharing an altered image of her with a transgender pride flag superimposed over an American flag.
Political analysts suggest Abbott's shift in strategy is a response to Hinojosa's rising poll numbers and an effort to define her for voters. The increased competitiveness of the race is attributed partly to Hinojosa's focus on affordability and her successful efforts to introduce herself to voters during the summer months when Abbott was not actively campaigning against her.
Despite the tightening race, Governor Abbott has publicly dismissed the poll numbers, stating that "polls don't win elections, and polls are often wrong." He expressed confidence in his campaign's standing and his expected victory. However, the current political climate, marked by economic concerns and other statewide races showing surprising Democratic strength, presents challenges for Republican candidates.