Texas Gov.-elect Gina Hinojosa says outgoing Gov. Greg Abbott has assured her that his administration will cooperate with the transition following his defeat in Tuesday’s election.
Hinojosa discussed her conversations with Abbott during her first post-election news conference Thursday, saying both administrations are committed to ensuring a smooth transfer of power.
“Greg Abbott has been gracious and made sure to make me understand that they are going to fully cooperate with this transition and be helpful as they can,” Hinojosa said.
She said the two had spoken once since Election Day, while their respective teams have continued communicating.
“We are both committed to ensuring there is a smooth transition so that the people of Texas are taken care of,” she said.
The transition marks a significant change in Texas politics. Hinojosa will become the state’s first Democratic governor since Ann Richards, who left office in 1995.
The last transition from a Republican governor to a Democrat occurred in 1991, when Richards succeeded Bill Clements.
Hinojosa announced the first members of her transition team Thursday, including former Republican state Rep. Ernest Bailes, Texas Building Trades Council executive director Ryan Pollock and Joe Madden, a former Harris County government official who will serve as the transition’s executive director.
Hinojosa said additional appointments would be announced as her team continues preparing to assume office.
The governor-elect is scheduled to be sworn in Jan. 19, 2027.
