Democrat Gina Hinojosa is Texas's governor-elect, and Vikki Goodwin will serve as lieutenant governor. Traci Gibson, chair of the Harris County Democratic Party, said education and other public issues are a major focus. Hinojosa said in her victory speech that on her first day in office she would fire Mike Morath, the state's education commissioner. Morath's term ends before Hinojosa takes office, so she could appoint a new commissioner in January. Morath has led the Houston Independent School District, which has been under state control for more than three years.
As governor, Hinojosa will be able to appoint leaders of some of the state's major agencies and the boards that oversee public universities. Gibson said Goodwin has said she would legalize marijuana. As lieutenant governor, Goodwin will preside over the Texas Senate and influence which bills are considered.
Democrats are set to control the Texas House for the first time in more than 20 years. Republicans are expected to keep control of the Senate, so they would need to agree to pass new laws on issues discussed during the campaign, including abortion, gambling and marijuana. Republicans still have two months with full control of the Legislature, and some are already talking about passing new laws that would limit future power.