Gina Hinojosa Holds Two-Digit Lead in Democratic Race For Texas Gov. Candidate, New Poll Shows

State Rep. Gina Hinojosa holds a solid lead in the Democratic race to become the party's candidate for the Texas gubernatorial race, according to a new poll.

The survey, conducted by the Barbara Jordan Public Policy Research and Survey Center at Texas Southern University, shows Hinojosa with 41% of the voters' support.

The runner-up is Andrew White, a Houston businessman and son of former governor Mark White, who is trailing behind with 6%. Former congressman Chris Bell received 5% of the support from 1,600 likely primary voters surveyed.

Hinojosa reacted to the poll, saying the result gives her "satisfaction" as her "work over almost a decade has been appreciated by Democrats across this state."

Border Report described Hinojosa as a vocal proponent for public schools during her time as a state lawmaker. "I have fought hard for our public schools. I have fought hard for working Texans. And what the polling shows is that people have noticed and people appreciate it, and I'm just so grateful for that," she added.

The caveat from the poll is the fact that 42% of respondents said they are not sure how they will vote. White said he will run as an "independent Democrat who will unite progressives and moderates together and invite independence into our party."

He went on to reference his father, saying he "used to say, if you want to have a different result, you've got to do something different." "Greg Abbott is undefeated running against politicians. I'm different. I'm a businessman, and I'm ready to do the job," he added.

Bell, who was the Democratic nominee in 2006, said he is returning to the political scene because it's a critical time for the state. "I really do believe that Greg Abbott and others have basically declared war on public school education, and public schools have been the keys to so many futures for Texans," he said.

"[We need] to make sure that when kids graduate high school, they're one of two things; either ready to go to college or ready to go to work. And I assure you that's my number one goal," he added.