Hinojosa Names Transition Team for Texas Governor
Texas business owners should track the incoming administration's priorities in education, affordability and health care as the new governor prepares to take office.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in People
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Texas Democratic Gov.-elect Gina Hinojosa has named Ernest Bailes, Ryan Pollock and Joe Madden to her transition team as she prepares to take office in January 2027, ending Republican control of the governor's office. The announcement followed her defeat of Republican Gov. Greg Abbott.
Why it matters
A change of administration in the state's top office reshapes which policy priorities and appointments will affect businesses across Texas. Hinojosa has outlined priorities including public education, affordability and health care, and the people she selects to advise her signal where those priorities will be pursued.
Three advisers were named to the transition team following the election. Bailes represented House District 18, covering Southeast Texas counties including Liberty, San Jacinto, Montgomery and Hardin, from 2017 to 2025.
The players
Gina Hinojosa
Texas Democrat who defeated Republican Governor Greg Abbott and is set to take office as governor in January 2027.
Greg Abbott
Republican governor of Texas whose tenure ends with Hinojosa's January 2027 swearing-in, ending Republican control of the governor's office.
Ernest Bailes
Former Republican Texas state representative for House District 18 from 2017 to 2025 who founded Repro Select and now works as a general contractor and project manager.
Ryan Pollock
Transition team member affiliated with the Texas State Building and Construction Trades Council.
Joe Madden
Consultant and former director of public policy for Harris County Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis.
The details
Hinojosa named the three men to her transition team after winning the governor's race over Abbott. Bailes is a former Republican state representative who founded Repro Select, a business providing reproductive services for livestock and deer producers, and now works as a general contractor and project manager. Pollock is affiliated with the Texas State Building and Construction Trades Council, and Madden previously served as director of public policy for Harris County Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis and now works as a consultant. Hinojosa discussed the transition at a news conference Thursday.
Timeline
2017 to 2025: Bailes represents Texas House District 18.
November 5, 2026: Hinojosa's election victory is followed by the transition team announcement.
January 19, 2027: Hinojosa is expected to be sworn in as governor.
Market Landscape
The transition ends Republican control of the Texas governor's office held through Greg Abbott's tenure. Incoming appointees' backgrounds in construction, livestock services and county-level policy indicate the areas where the new administration may focus its early advisory work.
Business owners in Texas should monitor the incoming administration's stated priorities in public education, affordability and health care, as these areas may shape state policy affecting operating costs. Owners in construction and livestock services should note the professional backgrounds of the transition advisers as early signals of where industry perspectives may carry weight.
The takeaway
The transition marks a change in state executive leadership that takes effect in January 2027, so operators should track the incoming administration's appointments and priority announcements as they emerge. Business owners should watch whether the stated focus on affordability translates into concrete policy affecting their costs.
What happens next
Hinojosa is expected to be sworn in as governor on January 19, 2027, which will mark the formal start of her administration.
Further reading
Explore more People coverage to see how Texas leaders and executives shape state business policy.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KPRC.
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