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Texas Democratic gubernatorial nominee Gina Hinojosa filed a lawsuit Monday against Governor Greg Abbott, demanding access to unredacted emails exchanged between Abbott’s office and billionaire Elon Musk. Hinojosa, a state representative who is challenging Abbott in a competitive race, announced the legal action at a news conference. She argued that Abbott has refused to release the documents because they are, in her words, “intimate and embarrassing.”
Hinojosa Demands Unredacted Abbott-Musk Communications
Hinojosa filed a public information request last month seeking all documents exchanged between Abbott’s office and Musk and his companies. In a September 29 letter to the governor’s office, she wrote that Texans are “concerned over the growing power of tech giants in Texas regarding our tax dollars, resources, and data.”
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Her request came after The Texas Newsroom received nearly 1,400 pages of related records through its 2025 reporting. However, according to Monday’s lawsuit, all but around 200 of those pages were redacted or completely blacked out. Abbott’s office responded to her request last Tuesday but refused to provide the unredacted versions.
The lawsuit states directly: “Governor Abbott has failed and refused to comply with the law by allowing Representative Hinojosa access to the Abbott-Musk communications.” Her attorney, Cris Feldman, added that the governor’s office “has continued to obstruct her ability to review these intimate and embarrassing emails, despite clear statutory language.”
Lawsuit Highlights Musk’s Ties to Abbott and Texas
The lawsuit alleges that the connections between Abbott and Musk are extensive. It points to personal interactions, joint public appearances, large political contributions, economic development incentives, and public praise between the two men.
Hinojosa also claims that Abbott and Musk speak frequently. Furthermore, the lawsuit notes that Musk has contributed approximately $366 million to Republicans and Republican-supported PACs, including significant amounts directed toward Abbott. In recent months alone, Musk donated around $250 million to Republican groups, with much of that money flowing into Texas races.
In addition, the lawsuit details millions of dollars in grant funding awarded to SpaceX for its operations in Texas, which is also Musk’s home state. Musk, who serves as CEO of both Tesla and SpaceX, did not respond to a request for comment.
Abbott’s Office Calls Lawsuit a Political Stunt
Abbott’s press secretary, Andrew Mahaleris, dismissed the lawsuit as “baseless.” He called it “nothing more than an act of desperation” and accused Hinojosa of abusing her position as an outgoing lawmaker to generate political headlines.
“Texans see this for what it is: a political stunt,” Mahaleris said in a statement.
Hinojosa pushed back firmly at the news conference. “The people have a right to know, and I, as their representative, have a right to see them,” she said. In an affidavit, she stated that she seeks the records for legislative purposes.
Meanwhile, early voting in Texas began Monday. Hinojosa confirmed she has already cast her ballot as the gubernatorial race enters its final stretch.
