Texas Gov.-elect Gina Hinojosa, a Democrat, defeated Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, ending 36 years of Republican control of the governor's office. She will be the first Latina elected to lead the state. Hinojosa, 52, is an Austin legislator. She entered the race as an underdog. Abbott had significantly outraised her and was seeking a fourth term.
At her first news conference since Tuesday's election, Hinojosa said Thursday that she plans to build a bipartisan administration. She named public education and affordability as priorities. She said voters want less division and less conflict.
Hinojosa is assembling a transition team with members from both parties, education and organized labor. According to the Texas Tribune, Joe Madden, former chief of staff to Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, will serve as executive director. Other members include former Republican state Rep. Ernest Bailes, labor representative Ryan Pollock and former Austin ISD trustee Tamala Barksdale.
Hinojosa will be the first Democrat elected Texas governor since Ann Richards won in 1990. Her win came amid Democratic gains nationwide, including James Talarico's win over Republican Ken Paxton in the U.S. Senate race.