Overview
- Gov.-elect Gina Hinojosa announced early transition hires Thursday that include former Republican state Rep. Ernest Bailes, labor leader Ryan Pollock, and transition director Joe Madden.
- Hinojosa said she has spoken with Gov. Greg Abbott and that his office pledged to cooperate with the transfer of power while she asked Texas Parks and Wildlife to pause Boca Chica land actions linked to SpaceX.
- Republican state Rep. Brian Harrison publicly urged Abbott to call a special session to limit the governor’s emergency powers before Hinojosa takes office but any pre-inauguration law change would require Abbott to convene lawmakers.
- Political analysts say Hinojosa is likely to prioritize public education and immigration after taking office, including the possible replacement of the Texas education commissioner and changes to Abbott’s border emergency declaration.
- Hinojosa’s victory ends three decades of Republican governors and now faces practical limits from a divided Legislature and ongoing oversight questions from the campaign, such as disputed Abbott–Musk records and Boca Chica matters.