Visitors await change from new governor

Gina Hinojosa begins her tenure as Texas governor on January 19. Visitors to the Austin state capitol this week expressed specific expectations for the incoming leader. Many hope she will prioritize public education, a field where her political career began.

Hinojosa first ran for office to save Pease Elementary, her child's school. That background resonated with Dawn Becker, an international teacher who returned to the United States after living in Germany for twenty years. Becker moved away from Texas because she felt the public school system treated teachers poorly.

"Having the election go the way it did is helpful, basically, if we ever wanted to come back to teaching here," Becker said. She believes the new administration might make it easier for educators to return to the classroom in the coming years. Becker noted that Hinojosa's start in education signals that the state values the profession. "That's super important to me that somebody thinks public education is important enough to serve on the school board," she said.

Linda Leon, a social worker who visited the capitol, focused on the symbolic power of Hinojosa's identity. Hinojosa is the first Latina and the next female governor of Texas. Leon works as an advocate for marginalized communities. "Definitely, representation is a huge piece of it," Leon said. She believes Hinojosa will be able to support those communities moving forward.

Visitors left the building with mixed but positive sentiments. Becker expressed happiness at seeing Hinojosa in office and hopes to see tangible change. The group agreed that the new leadership should excel in its duties. Hinojosa is scheduled to take the oath of office on January 19.