Texas Democratic candidate for governor sues to review emails between Elon Musk and Greg Abbott

Gina Hinojosa, the Democratic nominee for Texas governor and a member of the state House, has taken Republican Governor Greg Abbott to court, seeking unredacted copies of correspondence between his office and billionaire Elon Musk. She announced the suit Monday, October 19, roughly two weeks ahead of Election Day, as she runs a close race against the incumbent. Early voting started in Texas the same day, and she said she had already voted, according to NBC News.

Hinojosa had submitted a public information request in September covering everything exchanged between the governor's office and Musk or his companies. Court documents say Abbott's office replied last Tuesday but kept the full versions back. She contends the material is being shielded because it would be embarrassing, and says she needs it for legislative purposes. Her lawsuit points to ties between the two men, including joint appearances, political giving, and state grants to SpaceX. It puts Musk's contributions to Republicans and allied PACs at about $366 million.

Abbott's press secretary, Andrew Mahaleris, dismissed the case as baseless and a political stunt by an outgoing lawmaker. Musk did not immediately respond to NBC News.

Summarized by PolitiKool from NBC News’s reporting. Read the full story at NBC News →