Gina Hinojosa attacks Abbott over Texas' expanding Flock camera network

In a new campaign ad, Democratic nominee Gina Hinojosa targets Gov. Greg Abbott for authorizing a $26 million deal with surveillance firm Flock, resulting in about 10,000 license-plate cameras throughout Texas. The short spot, broadcast in college markets such as College Station, San Marcos, Lubbock, Denton, Waco, Fort Worth and Austin, claims the technology logs citizens' movements without a warrant. Hinojosa’s press release points to the contract signed by the Texas Department of Public Safety, which the governor says helps combat illegal immigration and border crossings.

Abbott’s team has remained largely silent on the criticism. The controversy reflects a growing national discussion about the privacy implications of automated plate readers. Abbott currently leads Hinojosa by single digits in most polls, and the race was recently re-rated as likely Republican by the Cook Political Report. The ad adds another flashpoint to the tightly contested gubernatorial contest.