Abbott urged to cut governor powers
A Republican house member wants a special session to strip emergency authorities before Hinojosa is sworn in January.
By Marta Gray ·
Texas House Representative Brian Harrison urged Governor Greg Abbott to convene a special legislative session to reduce the emergency powers of the governor's office before the new administration takes over.
Harrison, a Republican representing parts of Ellis County, wants the legislature to pass restrictions that would prevent the governor from suspending or modifying state statutes. He views these changes as a necessary check on executive authority.
In a Zoom interview with FOX 4, Harrison argued that Abbott should act now to ensure his successor does not inherit excessive control. He described the current emergency powers as effectively granting the governor the authority of a dictator. Harrison stated that Abbott should respond immediately to this move to protect the state's constitutional system.
Harrison is not new to this push. In 2022, he authored a bill aiming to limit the scope of the governor's office. That measure did not advance. A section of that earlier draft described never-ending emergency powers as contrary to representative government. It warned that allowing one executive official to write and enforce laws threatens the divided government system regardless of which party holds the office.
The proposal faces opposition from incoming Democratic officials. Attorney General-elect Nathan Johnson called Harrison's statement irresponsible. Johnson told FOX 4 that he believes Harrison genuinely views the situation as a calamity. He suggested that Harrison is willing to use illegitimate methods to retain power, which Johnson considers the wrong approach.
Johnson also argued that the move would be unpopular with the public given the scale of the recent election results. He warned that such an action could jeopardize the reputation of the Republican Party for a generation. Johnson emphasized that the voters sent a clear message that should be respected.
Behind the scenes, Senate Republicans are also discussing internal changes. The Quorum Report cited sources saying that Senate members met on Wednesday to talk about reorganizing the chamber. They are considering stripping newly elected Lieutenant Governor Vikki Goodwin of certain legislative powers. Goodwin, a Democrat, will serve as the presiding officer of the Senate.
Political experts suggest caution is warranted. TCU political science professor Keith Gaddie noted that similar moves have occurred in other states. However, he believes it may be better for Republicans to keep the governor's powers intact for now. Gaddie pointed out that having a lieutenant governor who understands Senate norms could be beneficial during a period of split control in the General Assembly. He added that keeping institutions stable might be useful if Republicans need those powers in the future. Hinojosa will be sworn in on January 19, 2027. The legislative session begins one week before that date.
