Speaking at the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs, Hinojosa cast the appointments as an effort to bridge partisan divides after a closely contested race and to build an administration she said would answer to all Texans.

"We are forging a new way forward," Hinojosa said. "This isn't about a Democratic administration. I am going to be a governor for all of Texas."

Hinojosa said she has not spoken directly with outgoing Gov. Greg Abbott since their election-night concession call, but that staff-level transition teams are in communication to ensure an orderly transfer of power ahead of her January inauguration.

"Greg Abbott has been gracious and made sure to make me understand that they will cooperate with this transition, and make sure Texans are taken care of," she said.

She said the election results amount to a mandate for change and urged lawmakers of both parties not to stand in the way. "The people of Texas have spoken, and it's important that, as elected leaders, we respect what Texans want. They want change," Hinojosa said. "I would hope elected leaders of both parties don't get in the way of the change we can make. I look forward to working with Republican leaders in the legislature."

**Education leadership in flux**

Fulfilling a central campaign promise, Hinojosa confirmed her team is interviewing candidates to lead the Texas Education Agency, the post currently held by Commissioner Mike Morath. During her victory speech, she pledged to fire Morath and dismantle the state's school voucher program.

"We are actively interviewing people for that position," Hinojosa said, describing her intent to steer state education priorities toward public school funding and away from vouchers.

**Boca Chica pause**

Hinojosa also addressed a proposed land transaction involving Texas Parks and Wildlife land at Boca Chica Beach in the Rio Grande Valley and aerospace manufacturer SpaceX. She said she intervened directly with state wildlife officials to keep any decision off the agenda during the transition.

"It's such an important resource. The Valley is so important to me as the place I am from, and I will never forget it," Hinojosa said. "This morning I was pleased to talk to the executive director of Texas Parks and Wildlife to confirm that this issue was not on today's agenda and to request that no action be taken in respect out of this transition."

**Transition team named**

Hinojosa introduced four leaders who will organize the incoming administration:

- **Tamala Barksdale**, senior advisor, who served with Hinojosa on the Austin ISD school board more than a decade ago. "We worked together to cut the tax rate and balance the budget, meet state accountability standards and protect schools," Barksdale said. "Gina was brave, brilliant, commanding and full of heart." - **Joe Madden**, executive director of the transition, who has worked in and around government for 23 years and has overseen emergency management issues in Harris County. "I'm deeply honored to serve as the executive director of this transition," he said. - **Ryan Pollock**, executive director of the Texas Building Trades Council, who will serve as co-chair and focus on workforce, labor and economic policy for working families. "Union trades workers like myself are so proud and grateful for Governor-elect Gina Hinojosa," Pollock said. "This is about an economy that works for all Texans, and we do that by ensuring that working Texans get the high quality training that they need to do the work that needs to be done." - **Ernest Bailes**, a small-business owner and former Republican state representative who opposed school voucher legislation in the Legislature. Hinojosa called him a key bipartisan ally on public education. "I believe in Gina and I have faith that we will be able to do good things for the state of Texas," Bailes said. "We will put partisanship aside. We'll work together for what is best for the kids of the state."

Hinojosa noted the team includes graduates of both Texas A&M and the University of Texas, saying the mix reflects her commitment to a transition "reflective of all Texans."

**A historic win**

Hinojosa, a former school board member and state representative, claimed victory Tuesday night, becoming the first governor elected from Brownsville. In her speech, she framed the win as a rejection of political corruption, corporate influence and single-party dominance, and pledged to end no-bid state contracts and restore ethics standards.

"The days of treating our public schools like they're for sale are over," she said then. "It is a victory for teachers who will be paid what they are worth, and we will work tirelessly to repair the damage of the Texas vouchers scam."

She also pushed back on national pundits who, she said, would reduce her win to a partisan story. "This victory is so much bigger — it belongs to Texas," she said.

Hinojosa said more announcements are coming in the weeks ahead on lowering costs for Texas families, strengthening public schools and restoring accountability in state government.