Democrats nationwide are going to have a lot on their plates in January as they serve up those big enchiladas they have promised. It’s going to take a lot of hard TEAMwork and genuine solidarity. But right now, we should all allow ourselves to enjoy anticipation of the incoming majorities.

Here in Texas, Tracie and I are overjoyed at the thought that Democrats are taking over the roles of attorney general, lieutenant governor, agricultural commissioner… and the list goes on.

But one of the sweetest victories for our state and all Texans is Maggie Ellis’ win in the election for Texas Supreme Court Justice.

Not only is she the first woman to hold the position. She is also the first openly LGBTQ+ person to hold statewide office in the state.

And she will be joined by six other women, four of them new to the highest court in the state creating a seven-women-to-two-men ratio. All of the new justices are Democrats. They will shift the partisan make up from 100 percent Republican to five Republicans to four Democrats.

As lawmakers in this state begin the process of overturning Abbott’s draconian reproductive rights restrictions, a woman-dominated court is going to be key.

And who knows? Maybe we’ll even get relief from Abbot’s cockamamie edict that all classrooms must post the Texas 12 Commandments. (Yes, 12.)

Please read my piece about Ellis for Southeast Texas Impact Initiative. Her story is so compelling and we are blessed to have her sitting in that chair!

Image via the Maggie Ellis campaign Facebook.