In the span of two days, Texas voters got a preview of how infrastructure is set to dominate the 2026 governor’s race. Gov. Greg Abbott rolled out a fresh round of state funding aimed at military communities, while Democratic nominee Gina Hinojosa took the microphone in Corpus Christi to warn that water security is on the line for coastal residents.
One side is talking base-readiness and economic growth, the other is hammering household taps and industrial demand, and both are doing it through the same lens: who gets the benefit when the state cuts big infrastructure checks.
Abbott steers grant money toward defense-linked projects
The Texas Military Preparedness Commission’s Defense Economic Adjustment Assistance Grant (DEAAG) program held an awards window in March 2026 to help communities upgrade infrastructure that supports nearby bases and related projects, according to the governor’s office. The Office of the Texas Governor outlines the program’s criteria and mission.
Among the proposals on the table is a move from El Paso to secure a $4,000,000 DEAAG grant for the Kay Bailey Hutchison Desalination Plant. Local utility documents detail a plan to add a sixth treatment “skid” at the facility, a capacity bump that would serve both city customers and Fort Bliss. The same records spell out the matching funds the utility would put up if the grant comes through, according to El Paso Water Utilities.
Hinojosa leans into water rights in Corpus Christi
While Abbott’s team touted military-focused grants, Hinojosa was workshopping a different message along the Gulf Coast. On Wednesday, she gathered more than 70 community leaders, city officials and residents in Corpus Christi and used the visit to put water reliability at the center of her campaign pitch, according to the El Paso Times…