I covered the Colorado statehouse for several years during an era of divided government. It was a gift to then-Gov. John Hickenlooper, a Democrat. It allowed him to duck ultra-partisan bills. If the Texas House flips, but not the Senate, Hinojosa would see a similar benefit if she is also elected.

Nic Garcia works with teams of editors and reporters who live across the state to tell the story of Texas and their local communities from city halls, classrooms and farm-to-market roads. He is a proud...