Vikki Goodwin defeated Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick in his bid to serve his fourth term in the office, according to Associated Press projections. As of 2 a.m. Wednesday, no party has won a majority in the Texas House or Senate.
“We’ve done it,” Goodwin said. “For our teachers, our students, our families. I am so amazed at this outcome, and I am so excited to get started.”
Goodwin’s upset against Patrick means that she will preside over the Republican-controlled Texas Senate. While lieutenant governors have certain powers under the Texas Constitution, most of their power comes from Senate rules, which senators vote on each session. These rules gave Patrick the power to determine what legislation made it through the Texas Senate.
If Democrats win the state Senate, they could grant Goodwin similar powers. If Republicans take the state Senate, they could change the upper chamber’s rules.
The Texas Legislature passes legislation on state issues and sets the state budget, which contributes about 10% of the University’s budget. They also passed legislation in 2025 increasing the authority of university boards of regents and designating certain university areas to allow limited public demonstrations.
