Governor-elect Gina Hinojosa announced Thursday that Joe Madden, former chief of staff to Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, will serve as executive director of her transition team. Hinojosa won the governor's race with 57% of the vote, defeating Republican Gov. Greg Abbott.
Madden, a public affairs consultant from Houston, was Hidalgo's chief of staff for two years beginning in 2019. He said he specializes in transitions and in building governments that deliver on campaign promises. Hidalgo did not immediately return a request for comment.
In 2022, Madden was one of Hidalgo's staffers investigated by former Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg over an alleged scheme to steer an $11 million COVID-19 vaccine outreach contract to a preferred vendor. Three other staffers were indicted on felony charges, which were later dropped. Madden was not indicted. Also on the transition team are Ryan Pollack, Ernest Bailes and Tamala Barksdale. Hinojosa said the team had been preparing for months to govern.