Texas Democrats Sweep Statewide Offices, Face Healthcare Agenda Test
Texas Democrats won statewide races on Nov. 3, including the governorship for the first time since Ann Richards left office in 1995, with voter anger over healthcare costs and access cited as a factor. Gov.-elect Gina Hinojosa and Lt. Gov.-elect Vikki Goodwin, both current state lawmakers, take office Jan. 19, a week after the legislative session opens; Goodwin has proposed a state health insurance plan funded through the state's rainy day fund. As House members, Goodwin filed bills to expand Medicaid and restore abortion rights, while Hinojosa filed or signed onto bills broadening abortion-ban exemptions and adding doulas to the maternal mortality review committee, though few got floor votes. Texas remains one of 10 states that has not expanded Medicaid, with about 5 million residents, including 1 million children, uninsured, and Republicans still hold the state Senate majority.