Gina Hinojosa (D) was elected governor of Texas in a midterm election that saw Democrats win all statewide races. Hinojosa, a state representative from the Rio Grande Valley, will become the first Latina to hold the state's top office. Her victory marks the conclusion of 30 years of Republican control of the governorship.
Hinojosa previously served as the president of the Austin school board and worked as a civil rights and labor lawyer. She entered public life in 2011 to oppose the closure of her son’s elementary school. During her tenure in the Texas House, she was known for her focus on public education and for participating in a legislative walkout intended to stall Republican-led redistricting efforts.
In a press conference following the election, Hinojosa stated she intends to focus on "delivering for the people of Texas" rather than engaging in "culture wars." She named former state representative Ernest Bailes, a Republican, to her transition team. During the campaign, Hinojosa utilized a strategy of allowing rural Republicans to lead the public debate against private school vouchers to build broader opposition to the measure.
For the students, parents, and educators in Texas, the transition of power may lead to changes in state-level education policy. While specific dollar amounts for new programs were not reported, the governor-elect's background as a school board president suggests a focus on the daily operations and funding of local districts. Additionally, the inclusion of a Republican on the transition team indicates how the incoming administration intends to interact with a legislature where Republicans have previously held a majority.
The practical effects of this win will begin to be felt in January when the new governor takes office and begins proposing a state budget. This transition sets a precedent as the first time a Latina will lead the Texas state government, a milestone noted by supporters as a significant shift in the state's political representation. Hinojosa is scheduled to be inaugurated as the governor of Texas on January 19.