Gov.-elect Gina Hinojosa announced her transition team Thursday at a news conference in Austin at the Lyndon Baines Johnson School of Public Affairs. It was her first public appearance since defeating Gov. Greg Abbott in this week's midterm elections. Hinojosa said she would have a bipartisan transition and a bipartisan administration and government in Texas.
Joe Madden, former chief of staff to Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, will serve as executive director of the transition team. Former state Rep. Ernest Bailes, who called himself a "conservative Republican," and Ryan Pollock of the Texas State Building and Construction Trades Council also will serve on the team. Tamala Barksdale, a former Austin ISD trustee, will be senior adviser. Bailes said, "We will put partisanship aside."
Asked about possible efforts by the GOP-majority state Senate to hamper the transition or limit the powers of Lt. Gov.-elect Vikki Goodwin, Hinojosa said the people of Texas have spoken and elected leaders should respect that. She said she looks forward to working with Republican leaders in the Legislature.