Texas Gov.-elect Gina Hinojosa says she intends to govern across party lines, despite Democrats’ victories in Tuesday’s election.
Hinojosa outlined that approach Thursday during her first post-election news conference, where she introduced several members of her transition team, including former Republican state Rep. Ernest Bailes.
When asked why she was prioritizing bipartisanship following the election, Hinojosa said her decision reflected the promises she made during her campaign.
“People are tired of the divisions, of the fighting, tired of culture wars,” Hinojosa said. “This is a time to come together.”
She pointed to her working relationship with Bailes, a conservative Republican who served in the Texas House from 2017 to 2025.
Hinojosa said the two worked closely together on public education issues while serving in the Legislature.
“I count him as one of my best allies for public schools,” she said.
Bailes also spoke during the news conference, describing himself as a conservative Republican who believes he can work with the incoming Democratic administration.
“We will put partisanship aside,” Bailes said. “We will work together for what is best for the kids of the state of Texas.”
Hinojosa said she expects to find common ground with other Republican lawmakers, particularly on issues where they have previously worked together.
She also said the bipartisan approach would extend beyond the transition team to her administration itself.
“We will have a bipartisan transition, and we will have a bipartisan administration and government in Texas,” Hinojosa said.
The governor-elect did not announce specific cabinet appointments Thursday but said additional transition leaders would be named in the coming weeks.
“I’m not going to be the governor for just Democrats,” Hinojosa said. “I am going to be the governor for all the people of Texas.”
Hinojosa is scheduled to take office Jan. 19, 2027.
