Without getting into the freedom argument again... how about waiting until May or June? Cases are down nationally because we're in the short period of time between the second and third waves, but TX happens to have seen an increase in cases and positivity rate since 2 weeks ago. Vaccines are ramping up, but are not yet ramped up. TX has one of the worst vax rates in the country, with 7.5% of the population fully vaccinated and 13.6% given one dose. Their hospital systems also have a history of getting overloaded. It just doesn't seem like awesome timing to me, but what do I know...
It all comes down to the freedom argument because the science behind mask mandates preventing spread is shaky at best. Texas’ mandate did less to prevent COVID than Florida’s lack of a mandate. It comes down to what the constituents believe and follow. If they believe masks are useless then a mandate does nothing. Texas had more spread than Florida and likely less mask compliance despite having a mandate.
Personally I’m not fully against mandates, I think masks should be mandated in public enclosed spaces and essential stores. Everywhere else should be up to the business owner and patrons. You will find plenty of/most private businesses enforcing masks on their own.