Texas Democrats are preparing to take charge of the governor's office and the Texas House when lawmakers return to Austin in January for the 2027 legislative session. Republicans will still control the state Senate.
Democratic priorities include expanding Medicaid and repealing the state's new school voucher program, according to State Rep. Christina Morales, who leads House Democrats' campaign arm. Morales also said she wants to repeal legislation she says targets immigrants and people of color. Gov.-elect Gina Hinojosa has emphasized more money for public schools and higher teacher pay. State Rep. Gene Wu, chair of the House Democratic Caucus, told The Associated Press that Democrats intend to start work right away.
Repealing vouchers or expanding Medicaid would require bills that pass both chambers, so Democrats would need Republican support in the Senate. Brandon Rottinghaus, a University of Houston political scientist, said the election results were good for Democrats but do not allow them to do whatever they want. The story also points to the powers of incoming Lt. Gov. Vikki Goodwin. Under current rules, the lieutenant governor has significant influence over which bills advance and which senators sit on powerful committees, though those rules can be changed.