Texas governor candidates differ on property tax reduction approach
Republican Governor Greg Abbott and Democrat Gina Hinojosa, candidates in the 2026 Texas governor race, have announced different approaches to reducing property taxes. Abbott proposes a four-point plan including spending limits, requiring two-thirds voter approval for tax increases, capping appraisal increases at 3%, and ending school districts' reliance on homeowner property taxes. Hinojosa aims to cut property taxes by using savings from ending corporate subsidies and eliminate residential property taxes entirely.
- Where
- Statewide
- When
- October 5, 2026
- Sources
- One outlet
Taxes and money
Abbott proposes to cap appraisal increases at 3% and require two-thirds voter approval for local tax increases; Hinojosa aims to cut property taxes using corporate subsidy savings and eliminate residential property taxes.
Who's involved
- Greg AbbottRepublican Governor, candidate for fourth term
- Gina HinojosaDemocrat state representative from Austin, gubernatorial candidate
- Tarrant County Commissioners CourtPraised by Abbott for reducing tax rate four years in a row
The facts
- Texas does not collect a state property tax; homeowner bills based on appraised value and local tax rates.2
- Abbott visited Tarrant County in August to promise lower property taxes.2
- Abbott praised Tarrant County Commissioners Court for reducing tax rate four years in a row.2
- Hinojosa voted to lower Austin school board property tax rate three times from 2012 to 2016.2
- Lawmakers in Austin indirectly impact tax burden through homestead exemptions and limiting growth of local tax rates.2
Who said what
These are statements and claims made by the people involved. They are reported, not verified.
- Greg Abbott Every other county in Texas should follow Tarrant County's lead on reducing tax rates.2
- Greg Abbott His property tax plan would force local governments and school districts to be more responsible with budgeting.2
- Gina Hinojosa's campaign She aims to eliminate residential property tax altogether.2
- Gina Hinojosa's campaign She wants to reduce property taxes without hurting the Texas economy, public schools, and working families.2
How they headlined it
The same event, as each outlet put it. Marked words appear in only one outlet's headline.
Fact check: Where Texas governor candidates stand on property taxes
Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Yahoo, Hanford Sentinel, Texarkana Gazette
Fact check: Where U.S. Senate candidates in Texas stand on Iran war
Sources
Outlets: 1 left-leaning, 1 not rated Only left-leaning outlets reported this Who's covering Texas →
These outlets were found through Google News headlines. Google decides which outlets appear there, and they lean mostly one way, so this sheet can only be as balanced as the reporting it was built from. Leanings are AllSides Media Bias Ratings.
- Fact check: Where Texas governor candidates stand on property taxes
- Fact check: Where Texas governor candidates stand on property taxes
Also reported by Hanford Sentinel, Texarkana Gazette.
This sheet was written by AI from the sources above and adds nothing they don't state. Read the originals for full context.