Texas Governor-Elect Hinojosa Launches Bipartisan Transition, Vows to Reverse Education Policies

Key points

• Hinojosa named former Republican Rep. Ernest Bailes to her transition team, signaling a desire for bipartisan cooperation despite recent partisan conflicts.
• She plans to fire TEA Commissioner Mike Morath on her first day, though Senate confirmation of his replacement requires a two-thirds majority, a hurdle Republicans control.
• The new administration intends to eliminate the Student Success Tool standardized tests and end state takeovers of seven districts, including Fort Worth and Houston, though these changes require legislative action.
• Hinojosa opposes the $1 billion education savings account voucher program, which she called a 'scam,' and plans to use line-item vetoes to block funding for it in the upcoming budget.
• Democrats now control the state House, attorney general, and comptroller offices, but Republicans maintain a majority in the state Senate, which will influence appointments and legislation.

Background

Hinojosa’s victory marks a historic shift in Texas politics, reversing decades of Republican dominance in statewide offices. Her campaign focused on public education and economic issues like data center expansion and property taxes, which energized voters in the 2026 midterms. The race was closely contested, with polls showing a narrow margin before Hinojosa’s eventual win. Her administration faces the challenge of implementing sweeping changes in a state where many policies are enshrined in law, requiring legislative approval that may be difficult to secure with a Republican-controlled Senate.

How outlets are covering it

The Washington Post emphasizes Hinojosa’s vow to undo divisive policies and her hope for bipartisan support, while noting Republican efforts to block her before she takes office. The Texas Tribune provides a detailed analysis of how her education agenda could change K-12 policy, highlighting the legal and legislative hurdles she faces, such as the need for a two-thirds Senate majority to confirm her TEA commissioner and the federal constraints on eliminating standardized tests. Yahoo focuses on the bipartisan nature of her transition team, particularly the inclusion of former Republican Rep. Ernest Bailes, and frames her approach as a move to 'forge a new way' by putting partisanship aside. Analysts like Scott Braddock warn that the split control of the legislature will create a 'tug of war' over appointments and policy, while others note the significant impact of the Democratic sweep on statewide offices, including the attorney general and comptroller, which will affect education oversight and funding.

Why it matters

Hinojosa’s administration represents a potential paradigm shift in Texas education and governance, with implications for millions of students and families. Her efforts to reverse policies like school vouchers and state takeovers could reshape the state’s approach to public education, while her bipartisan transition team signals a new tone in Texas politics. However, the legislative gridlock between the Democratic-controlled House and Republican-controlled Senate may limit her ability to implement her agenda, creating a dynamic that could influence future policy debates and elections. The outcome of her transition will also set the stage for how Texas navigates issues like standardized testing, school funding, and religious instruction in public schools.

What to watch

Hinojosa will be sworn in as governor in January, at which point she will formally remove TEA Commissioner Mike Morath and begin the process of appointing a replacement. The Texas Senate will then vote on her nominee, with a two-thirds majority required for confirmation. In the upcoming legislative session, she will push to eliminate the Student Success Tool standardized tests and end state takeovers of school districts, though these efforts will face resistance from Republicans. She will also use her line-item veto power to block funding for the school voucher program in the state budget. The transition team will continue to interview candidates for key positions, and Hinojosa will focus on lowering grocery and gas prices, as well as fixing public schools, in her early days in office.