Brownsville, TX (KRGV) — Residents are celebrating Gina Hinojosa's win as Texas' first Latina governor after the Brownsville native defeated Republican incumbent Greg Abbott.

Brownsville voter Vanessa Buentello watched the results with her family Tuesday night. She then drove through Brownsville looking for others who wanted to celebrate.

"It felt like a miracle," Buentello said.

Buentello said an older Hispanic man waving a Mexican flag caught her attention and reminded her of her grandfather.

"That was a sign of relief, like the town feels they can be very proud of their culture and not be afraid to be Hispanic," Buentello said.

Buentello said her mother attended Hanna High School with Hinojosa, and Buentello later attended the same school. That connection brought her comfort, Buentello said.

"It feels like somebody as comforting as my mom is, taking care of me, and is going to take care of all of us, and it makes me so emotional," Buentello said.

Buentello said she puts education high on her list along with the cost of groceries and housing. She wants the hope she feels today to lead to changes her family can feel.

Hinojosa's cousin Laura Martinez said the celebration woke her 9-year-old.

"My 9-year-old woke up and asked, 'What's going on?' I said, 'We just made history. Our cousin is the next governor of Texas,'" Martinez said.

Martinez works in education and said she wants Hinojosa to listen to Rio Grande Valley teachers and address the resources their students need.

Buentello said many children in Brownsville who believe coming from a border town would limit their opportunities have new possibilities.

"If you want to be the president, if you want to be the Texas governor, you sure can," Buentello said.

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