Michael Minasi / KUT News
Republican Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, left, and Democratic state Rep. Vikki Goodwin face off in the 2026 election for Texas lieutenant governor. Patrick is seeking a fourth term, while Goodwin seeks to become the first Democrat elected to the position since 1994.
Democratic state Rep. Vikki Goodwin won the race for Texas lieutenant governor, unseating Republican incumbent Dan Patrick and becoming the first woman elected to the position.
The Associated Press called the race in his favor early Wednesday morning. At 4:50 a.m., she held nearly 52% of the vote to Patrick’s 46%.
Goodwin’s victory came amid a wave of Democratic victories across Texas, including James Talarico’s victory in the U.S. Senate race and Gina Hinojosa’s loss to Gov. Greg Abbott.
At a Democratic watch party in downtown Austin, Goodwin declared victory as his supporters celebrated the results across the state. The crowd went wild after the announcement of Talarico’s victory, followed by that of Hinojosa. The cheers became so loud that parts of Goodwin’s speech were muffled.
Goodwin also highlighted Sarah Eckhardt’s victory in the race for comptroller as she reflected on that historic evening.
“I can’t help but think of Governor Ann Richards and the great Barbara Jordan sitting in heaven and applauding,” Goodwin said. “After 30 long years, a new generation of women has come forward to demand change. We are ready to lead Texas.”
Patrick conceded the race in a statement Tuesday evening.
“This was a wave election in Texas and across the country. Whether it was affordability, gas prices, data centers, 765 kV lines or any other issue important to them, I respect the way people voted,” Patrick said. “It was a fair election and I accept the majority will of the voters.”
Patrick was first elected lieutenant governor in 2014 and was seeking a fourth term. Goodwin has represented a Texas House district based in Travis County since 2019 and was seeking to become the first Democratic-elected lieutenant governor since 1994.
The race took place during a particularly competitive year for Texas statewide elections. Republicans have won every statewide elected office since the 1990s, but Goodwin’s campaign has gained attention in recent weeks as polls showed a closer-than-usual vote. Patrick entered the race with significant advantages in fundraising and notoriety.
A powerful office at the Texas Capitol
Despite his title, the lieutenant governor’s most important role is not to replace the governor. The lieutenant governor presides over the Texas Senate and has significant influence over legislation that advances in the chamber.
The lieutenant governor appoints chairmen and members of Senate committees, refers bills to committees, and helps determine the Senate’s legislative priorities. The office also co-chairs the Legislative Budget Council, which plays a major role in crafting the state budget.
Patrick used these powers to shape Texas politics during his three terms. He has been a leading advocate for property tax cuts, vouchers for private schools, and restrictions on abortion and THC products, among other conservative priorities.
Goodwin, first elected to the Texas House in 2018, campaigned on a very different platform. She called for increasing public school funding and teacher pay, expanding access to health care and repealing the state’s abortion ban. She also opposed Patrick’s push to ban THC products, favoring regulation instead.
KUT’s Andrew Weber contributed to this story.
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