Why Gina Hinojosa wants to fire Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath

Key Points:

• Democratic Gov.-elect Gina Hinojosa has pledged to replace Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath shortly after taking office in January, signaling a priority shift in the state's education leadership.
• Mike Morath, appointed in 2016, oversees the Texas Education Agency (TEA), which manages public school funding, standardized testing, accountability ratings, and has authority to intervene in struggling districts.
• Hinojosa criticizes Morath's leadership, particularly the state's A-F school accountability system and TEA’s authority to take over local school districts, such as the controversial state takeover of Houston ISD.
• While Hinojosa can appoint a new commissioner after Morath’s term ends on January 10, her nominee requires confirmation by the Republican-controlled Texas Senate, and significant policy changes would need legislative support amid a divided Legislature.
• Hinojosa's broader education agenda includes restoring local control to districts like Houston ISD, increasing public school funding, raising teacher pay, and opposing the state's private school voucher program.