Two East Texas state representatives say Gov.-elect Gina Hinojosa and U.S. Sen.-elect James Talarico are not as moderate as they appeared during the campaign. Rep. Cody Harris (R-Palestine) said the pair presented themselves as moderate Democrats, and that they are "hard left progressives" at their core. Harris said he expects they will try to undo much of what the Legislature has done in recent years.
Rep. Cole Hefner (R-Mount Pleasant) called the two "smart people" whom he likes personally. He said their record has been more partisan than their campaign message, and that he will see how things turn out. Hefner and Harris both served with Hinojosa and Talarico on the House Committee on Public Education during the 88th Legislature.
Hefner said he and his colleagues will work with the pair where they agree and push back where they do not. Harris said he also has a mandate from his voters and plans to fight for their positions.