Governor-elect Gina Hinojosa has officially opened the doors to her future administration, launching an open application portal for Texans who want to serve in state government. The move, announced through her transition team, is part of her pledge to build an inclusive administration under the motto “By and For the People.”
In a post on X, Hinojosa’s team laid out the vision: “It will be of and for the people of Texas. We are going to build a government that opens the doors of power.” That message is already resonating across the state, with the portal seeing high engagement in its first hours.
What positions are open?
The transition team has identified several key sectors where they’re seeking professional talent. These include:
- Finance: Experts to oversee budget planning and public expenditure tracking.
- Infrastructure and transportation: Project managers to direct highway development and regional projects.
- Legal and social services: Policy specialists to strengthen support for vulnerable communities.
- Press and communications: Media specialists to manage public transparency and press relations.
- Agriculture and education: Leaders to drive rural development and public school reform.
These roles are central to Hinojosa’s agenda, which includes a $1,500 refund plan that has already sparked debate in the legislature.
A bipartisan transition
During her first post-election press conference on November 5, Hinojosa introduced her transition team co-chairs: Joe Madden as executive director and Republican leader Ernest Bales. She emphasized the collaborative nature of her leadership, stating, “We will have a bipartisan transition and we will have a bipartisan administration and government in Texas.”
She also acknowledged outgoing Governor Greg Abbott’s cooperation, saying, “Abbott has been very gracious and assured me that he will cooperate with this transition and help however they can. We are both committed to ensuring a smooth transition to take care of the people of Texas.”
One early action involves the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, where Hinojosa’s team has requested a hold on decisions regarding sensitive lands in the Rio Grande Valley—a region with deep cultural and ecological significance for many Latino communities.
Timeline and next steps
The official transition is moving quickly. According to the Texas Legislative Council, the 90th Texas Legislature will convene on Tuesday, January 12, 2027, at noon. The formal inauguration is set for Tuesday, January 19, 2027, marking the start of Hinojosa’s term.
For those interested in applying, the portal is now live and will process resumes while also collecting citizen priorities. This open approach reflects Hinojosa’s commitment to making government accessible—a theme that resonated with voters, including the Latino voters who helped flip Texas in the 2026 midterms.
As the transition unfolds, all eyes will be on how Hinojosa builds a team that reflects the diversity of Texas. Her emphasis on bipartisanship and public participation suggests a break from the past, and many are watching to see if she can deliver on her promise of a government that truly works for everyone.
