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Gina Hinojosa vows to fire TEA chief, reshaping Texas schools
USA Today • • general
Key Points:
- Democrats won the Texas governor’s race for the first time in over 30 years, with Gina Hinojosa pledging to overhaul the state's public education system, starting by replacing Texas Education Agency (TEA) Commissioner Mike Morath.
- Hinojosa announced plans to fire Morath on her first day in office, criticizing his tenure and the state's voucher program, and is actively interviewing candidates for his replacement ahead of her January inauguration.
- Mike Morath, appointed in 2016 by Gov. Greg Abbott, led significant education reforms including the A-F school accountability system and state takeovers of major districts like Houston ISD.
- Democrats are also poised to gain control of the Texas State Board of Education, currently split 7-7, with one key race in District 8 too close to call and likely to determine the board’s majority.
- The State Board of Education collaborates with the TEA commissioner to set curriculum standards, approve teaching materials, and establish graduation requirements, making the potential Democratic majority significant for Texas education policy.
