Overview
- Hinojosa formally announced his campaign on Monday, July 13, 2026, becoming the first official candidate for the November 2027 Dallas mayoral race.
- He is a two-term Dallas ISD superintendent credited with raising graduation rates, cutting failing schools from 43 to 4, and steering the district through COVID-19 challenges.
- Hinojosa has never held elected office but considered a run in 2023 and plans citywide listening sessions while focusing his platform on economic growth, housing, city services and public safety downtown.
- His entry opens a contest framed by clear fiscal pressure in Dallas, including employee furloughs, an eroding downtown tax base and an active debate over whether to expand the mayor’s executive authority.
- The field is expected to grow with possible challengers from business and local government, and the race could reshape how Dallas addresses neighborhood investment, municipal services and governance.