Hinojosa Accuses Abbott Over Uri Energy Profits

Gina Hinojosa says energy companies profited during Winter Storm Uri and that donations to Gov. Greg Abbott undercut accountability and reforms.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Austin state representative Gina Hinojosa, now running for governor, is accusing Gov. Greg Abbott of failing to rein in energy companies that profited greatly during Winter Storm Uri in 2021. Hinojosa argues that the deadly blackout turned into a windfall for parts of the gas industry, while Texans were left with sky-high bills and little accountability. Her campaign has highlighted industry donations to Abbott's political operation and alleged instances of energy companies diverting or withholding gas supplies during the emergency to sell fuel at higher prices.

Why it matters

The fallout from Winter Storm Uri has become a major political issue in the 2026 Texas governor's race, with Hinojosa trying to convert lingering anger over storm-related costs and corporate influence into voter turnout. The clash over donations, oversight, and grid reliability is now shaping endorsements and campaign rhetoric heading into the spring primaries.

The details

Hinojosa's campaign has accused energy companies like Energy Transfer of booking huge profits during the storm, while many power generators and utilities lost billions. Analyses estimated about $11 billion in total windfalls for gas sellers during the emergency. Hinojosa's team has linked those gains to $1 million in campaign contributions from pipeline executive Kelcy Warren to Gov. Abbott's committee, as well as industry-aligned endorsements for the governor. In response, Hinojosa is calling for tougher rules for the grid and gas supply chain, including stronger winterization standards, more aggressive oversight, and penalties to curb disaster profiteering.

  • Winter Storm Uri hit Texas in February 2021, leading to widespread blackouts and high utility bills.
  • Hinojosa is now running for Texas governor in the 2026 election cycle.

The players

Gina Hinojosa

A Texas state representative who is now running for governor and has accused Gov. Greg Abbott of failing to hold energy companies accountable for profiting during Winter Storm Uri.

Greg Abbott

The current governor of Texas, who Hinojosa's campaign has accused of being too cozy with the energy industry and failing to enact meaningful reforms after Winter Storm Uri.

Energy Transfer

A pipeline operator that Hinojosa's campaign has singled out for booking huge profits during Winter Storm Uri, reportedly around $2.4 billion in earnings tied to the freeze.

Kelcy Warren

A pipeline executive associated with Energy Transfer who contributed $1 million to Gov. Abbott's campaign committee, according to Hinojosa's team.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.