Texas governor-elect Gina Hinojosa has pledged to reverse several policies introduced by her Republican predecessor, Greg Abbott, while promising to end political divisions and pursue a more bipartisan approach to governance.
Hinojosa, who is set to become Texas’s first Latina governor, made the remarks during a news conference in Austin on Thursday, November 5, following her historic victory in the November 3 midterm elections.
She said residents were exhausted by political divisions, constant disagreements and cultural conflicts, adding that her administration would prioritise policies that improve the lives of ordinary Texans.
According to Hinojosa, she had spoken with outgoing Governor Abbott, who assured her of full cooperation during the transition of power.
The Democratic victory represents a significant political shift in Texas, with the party securing every statewide elected office and control of the state House of Representatives. However, Republicans retain a majority in the state Senate, potentially limiting the incoming administration’s ability to implement its legislative agenda.
Hinojosa has urged Republican lawmakers to respect the outcome of the election and work with her administration rather than obstruct proposed reforms.
Among her major campaign promises are measures to reduce the cost of living, including suspending state taxes on petrol and diesel and freezing electricity rates through executive orders.
She has also pledged to introduce a moratorium on new data centres, replace the state’s education superintendent, expand Medicaid coverage and increase funding for public schools, including improved salaries for teachers.
Other proposed reforms include ending state takeovers of local school districts, dismantling Abbott’s school voucher programme and providing each Texas household with $1,500.
The governor-elect expressed confidence that some of her proposals could attract support from Republican lawmakers, pointing to former Republican state representative Ernest Bailes, whom she has invited to join her administration.
However, disagreements between both parties could emerge as the new administration prepares to take office in January.
Some Republican legislators have already called for measures to limit the incoming governor’s executive powers before she assumes office. Republican state representative Brian Harrison, for instance, has urged Governor Abbott to convene a special legislative session to review emergency powers available to the governor.
Meanwhile, Hinojosa’s incoming attorney general, Nathan Johnson, has indicated plans to reverse some legal actions initiated by the outgoing Republican administration.
Johnson has pledged to withdraw a lawsuit targeting a Texas clinic that provides abortion medication by mail and has also said he would not enforce restrictions on transgender people’s access to public restrooms.
Despite her determination to reverse several Republican policies, Hinojosa insisted that her victory should not result in another period of one-party dominance.
She maintained that her administration would represent all Texans, regardless of their political affiliations, and called on elected officials from both parties to prioritise public service over partisan interests.
Hinojosa’s inauguration in January will mark the return of a Democrat to the Texas governor’s office for the first time since 1990, ending nearly four decades of Republican control.
