Hinojosa names transition leaders as Austin prepares for new governor
The team includes a former Republican representative and focuses on public education ahead of the January 19 inauguration.
By Sergio Ramirez ·
Gina Hinojosa named her transition team on Thursday afternoon following her Tuesday election victory.
The win ended Greg Abbott's tenure as governor. Abbott took office in January 2015 after Rick Perry. No other change in state leadership has occurred since then.
Hinojosa, the state representative from Austin, will become the first Democrat since Ann Richards and the first Latina to hold the office.
Joe Madden of Houston will serve as executive director. Tamala Barksdale will act as senior advisor. The team also includes Ryan Pollock, a union trades worker, and Ernest Bailes, a former state representative and Republican.
Public education dominated the team's announcements. Madden said he works for Hinojosa to fulfill her promise to Texas children. Bailes added that the group will support and listen to people while taking care of education.
Hinojosa described Bailes as a close ally in delivering for public schools. She noted that their positions on education are very similar.
On election night, Hinojosa said she would fire Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath on her first day. On Thursday, she stated that her team is actively interviewing candidates for that role.
Hinojosa will be inaugurated governor on Tuesday, January 19.
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