safety
Texas Republicans’ refusal to participate in debates follows broader trend in GOP politics
By Michael Karlis at San Antonio Current (alt-weekly)
· July 17, 2026
· 1 min read
Two high-profile Republican candidates in Texas are under fire from their Democratic opponents for declining to participate in debates, long considered a cornerstone of U.S. democratic traditions. On Friday, State Rep. Gina Hinojosa, the Democratic gubernatorial candidate, lambasted Gov. Greg Abb...
Key takeaway Gina Hinojosa, the Democratic gubernatorial candidate, lambasted Gov.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
In Bexar County, where San Antonio is located, voters may be particularly interested in the willingness of candidates to engage in debates, given the diverse range of issues affecting the community, from public safety to education and transportation. The decision by high-profile Republican candidates to decline debates could impact local voters' perceptions of their commitment to transparency and accountability. As the city's residents consider the candidates' positions on key issues, such as crime prevention and school funding, the absence of debates may leave them without a clear understanding of the candidates' stances and policy proposals. This trend could also have implications for down-ballot races in San Antonio, where voters often rely on debates and forums to inform their decisions on local contests.
About this story
Original reporting by San Antonio Current (alt-weekly) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit San Antonio Current (alt-weekly) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 17, 2026 ·
Source: San Antonio Current (alt-weekly) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Two high-profile Republican candidates in Texas are under fire from their Democratic opponents for declining to participate in debates, long considered a cornerstone of U.S. democratic traditions. On Friday, State Rep. Gina Hinojosa, the Democratic gubernatorial candidate, lambasted Gov. Greg Abb...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 17, 2026 by San Antonio Current (alt-weekly) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Michael Karlis at San Antonio Current (alt-weekly). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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