'Forging a new way forward': Texas Governor-elect Gina Hinojosa discusses transition

AUSTIN - Governor-elect Gina Hinojosa introduced key members of her transition team during her first post-election press conference, emphasizing bipartisanship and signaling immediate administrative changes in public education and state land management.

Speaking at the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs, Hinojosa framed her administration’s early appointments as a deliberate effort to bridge partisan divides following a closely contested campaign.

Gina Hinojosa speaks on the new transition

What they're saying:

Texas Gov.-elect Gina Hinojosa spoke about building a government that is reflective of all Texans. 

"We are forging a new way forward," Hinojosa said. "This isn't about a Democratic administration. I am going to be a governor for all of Texas."

Regarding coordination with outgoing Governor Greg Abbott, Hinojosa stated that while the two have not spoken directly since their concession call on election night, staff-level transition teams are in communication to facilitate an orderly transfer of power.

"Greg Abbott has been gracious and made sure to make me understand that they will cooperate with this transition, and make sure Texans are taken care of," she said. 

Hinojosa spoke about how important it is for her to respect the people of Texas. She said she understands that people want change in this new transition. 

"The people of Texas have spoken, and it's important that, as elected leaders, we respect what Texans want. They want change," Hinojosa said. 

Transition operations are set to begin immediately ahead of Hinojosa's inauguration in January. She said she is ready to work with both parties ahead of the legislature next year. 

"I would hope elected leaders of both parties don't get in the way of the change we can make. I look forward to working with Republican leaders in the legislature," she said. 

Immediate policy priorities: Education and State Lands

Big picture view:

Beyond staffing announcements, Hinojosa moved quickly on two major policy issues:

Texas Education Agency Leadership

Fulfilling a central pillar of her campaign platform, Hinojosa signaled an imminent leadership change at the Texas Education Agency (TEA), confirming that the position held by current Commissioner Mike Morath is being actively recruited.

"We are actively interviewing people for that position," Hinojosa said, underscoring her intent to redirect state education priorities toward public school funding and away from voucher programs.

Boca Chica Beach Land Swap

Hinojosa also addressed ongoing deliberations regarding a proposed land transaction involving Texas Parks and Wildlife land at Boca Chica Beach in the Rio Grande Valley and aerospace manufacturer SpaceX. She confirmed that she directly intervened with state wildlife officials to pause any pending decisions.

"It's such an important resource. The Valley is so important to me as the place I am from, and I will never forget it," Hinojosa said. "This morning I was pleased to talk to the executive director of Texas Parks and Wildlife to confirm that this issue was not on today's agenda and to request that no action be taken in respect out of this transition."

Gina Hinojosa's transition team

Big picture view:

Hinojosa announced four primary leaders tasked with organizing the upcoming administration, deliberately highlighting diverse political and professional backgrounds:

The transition team included Tamala Barksdale, Joe Madden, Ryan Pollock and Ernest Bailes.

Tamala Barksdale

Tamela Barksdale will serve as senior advisor. Barksdale and Hinojosa served on the Austin ISD school board more than 10 years ago. 

"We worked together to cut the tax rate and balance the budget, meet state accountability standards and protect schools," Barksdale said. "Gina was brave, brilliant, commanding and full of heart."

Joe Madden

Joe Madden has worked in government for the past 23 years and is the executive director of the transition. 

Hinojosa said he has legislative experience and has been active overseeing emergency management issues in Harris County. 

"I've worked in and around government for 23 years. I'm deeply honored to serve as the executive director of this transition," Madden said.

Ryan Pollock

Ryan Pollock is the executive director of the Texas Building Trades Council. He will serve as co-chair. 

Hinojosa he said will focus on workforce policy, labor, and economic initiatives aimed at working families.

"Union trades workers like myself are so proud and grateful for Governor-elect Gina Hinojosa," Pollock said. "This is about an economy that works for all Texans, and we do that by ensuring that working Texans get the high quality training that they need to do the work that needs to be done."

Ernest Bailes

Bailes is a small-business owner and former Republican state representative who notably opposed school voucher legislation during his tenure. 

Hinojosa identified Bailes as a key bipartisan ally for public education.

"I believe in Gina and I have faith that we will be able to do good things for the state of Texas. We will put partisanship aside. We'll work together for what is best for the kids of the state. Texas, we will be able to take care of education, and we will support and listen to the people. And that is why I'm honored to be part of this transition," Bailes said.

Hinojosa also highlighted the cross-institutional makeup of the team, noting, "In furtherance of my commitment to making sure that this is a transition that is reflective of all Texans, is that we both have an Aggie and a Longhorn leading up this effort."

Governor-elect Hinojosa declares victory Tuesday night

What they're saying:

Declaring that "Texas belongs to the people of Texas," Governor-elect Gina Hinojosa formally claimed victory in the 2026 Texas gubernatorial race Tuesday night, framing her historic win as a decisive mandate against political corruption, corporate influence, and single-party dominance in the state.

Addressing a crowd of supporters in Austin, Hinojosa, a former school board member and state representative, recounted her journey from a childhood in the Rio Grande Valley to becoming the first governor elected from Brownsville.

"Everything is bigger in Texas — and so is this win," Hinojosa said. "Texas, we have shocked the world tonight. With a Texas chip on our shoulder, we showed that anything is possible."

Hinojosa confirmed she spoke with outgoing Governor Greg Abbott, who called to offer his congratulations and assist with the executive transition. She extended her thanks to Abbott and his family for their years of public service before launching into a sharp critique of the state's political status quo.

Tracing her political roots back to her initial run for school board to protect her own children's education, Hinojosa made public education the central pillar of her victory speech. She pledged sweeping administrative shifts on her first day in office, promising to fire Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath and dismantle the state's school voucher program.

"The days of treating our public schools like they’re for sale are over," Hinojosa declared. "It is a victory for teachers who will be paid what they are worth, and we will work tirelessly to repair the damage of the Texas vouchers scam."

Throughout her address, Hinojosa rejected national narratives framing her win solely through a partisan lens, pitching her campaign as a populist coalition of working families, teachers, oilfield workers, and small-business owners across urban and rural divides.

"The same national pundits and political class who ignored and then misunderstood this campaign will declare this a victory for Democrats," she said. "They continue to misunderstand. This victory is so much bigger — it belongs to Texas."

Hinojosa committed to ending no-bid state contracts, restoring ethics standards, and maintaining accountability within her own party, warning that "corruption does not become right when our side does it."

In her closing remarks, Hinojosa evoked the advice of her grandmother—"No te dejes," or "know your worth and fight for it"—thanking her family, campaign staff led by manager Amy Friedman, and political ally U.S. Senator-elect James Talarico.

What's next:

In the coming weeks, Hinojosa will have more announcements about the transition and her focus on lowering costs for Texas families, strengthening public schools, and restoring accountability and integrity in state government.

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