Eight Democrats compete for Texas House District 49 seat representing UT and West Campus

March 3, 2026

Eight Democrats are competing Tuesday to represent Texas House District 49, a seat that covers the University of Texas campus and surrounding West Campus neighborhoods. The current holder of the district, State Representative Gina Hinojosa, has stepped away from re-election to run for governor, leaving an open contest.

If any candidate wins more than half the primary vote on Tuesday, that person will move on to face Green Party candidate Arshia Papari, a UT student, in November's general election. If no candidate reaches a majority, the top two vote-getters will head to a runoff election in May.

Fundraising has been a major element of the race. Campaign finance filings show Montserrat Garibay leads with just over $241,000 raised, Kathie Tovo has pulled nearly $163,000, and Josh Reyna has collected about $126,000. Combined, the eight campaigns have raised more than $818,000.

Experts say most of the money is being used to build field operations. Joshua Blank, research director at the Texas Politics Project, noted campaigns at this level focus on identifying and mobilizing likely voters, especially during early voting and on Election Day. Mark Strama, director of the Annette Strauss Institute for Civic Life, described fundraising totals as a sign of campaign health, but he cautioned that higher receipts do not guarantee victory.

Endorsements have landed for several contenders. Garibay has been endorsed by the Austin American-Statesman and by the Texas AFL-CIO, the state labor federation with more than 250,000 members. Tovo has won support from Central Austin Democrats and State Representative Sheryl Cole.

On the University of Texas campus, students expressed differing priorities. Mariana Castillo, a sophomore, said Garibay's stance opposing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Garibay's immigrant background, make her the best representative for many Texans. Luke Carnine, a graduate student, pointed to Tovo's Austin City Council experience and past work as an adjunct at UT as reasons to back her, citing concerns about recent consolidations of ethnic and gender studies programs.

Supporters of Josh Reyna highlighted his State House experience. Reyna, who served as chief of staff and general counsel for State Senator César Blanco, has emphasized relationships and legislative know-how, a point that American studies junior Mario Perez said is important for advancing campus priorities like affordability and free speech.

Election officials expect primary results by Wednesday, and campaigns are preparing for either an immediate November matchup or a May runoff. With many viable candidates vying for the seat, observers say the outcome will hinge on turnout and targeted voter outreach in the days ahead.