State Rep. Mihaela Plesa says “bipartisan coalitions” are the key to moving legislation forward.
AUSTIN, Texas — Despite having fewer seats in 2025 than they did in 2023, a north Texas Democrat says her party can still wield influence in the Texas House during the 89th Regular Legislative Session.
State Representative Mihaela Plesa, D-Plano, says the key will be bipartisan coalitions.
“We saw last session when we came together we were able to increase the cost of living for our retired teachers, the first time in two decades. We were able to stop Greg Abbott’s voucher scam. And so, that’s what we’re ready to do this legislative session,” Rep. Plesa told us on Inside Texas Politics.
Despite Governor Abbott endorsing her Republican opponent and spending money to oust her, Rep. Plesa won re-election as a Democrat inside a “red” Collin County.
Republicans still expanded their control of the Texas House with 88 members versus 62 Democrats.
So, why would Republicans have any need to work with Democrats at all this session?
Representative Plesa says it’s not only the “Texas way,” it’s simple math.
“Republicans need 100 votes to pass any constitutional amendment. And the last time I checked, they don’t have 100 Republicans on the House floor. So, they’re gonna have to work with Democrats,” she argued.
