Vikki discusses Lt Gov run with KVUE and Morgan McGrath
TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas — A Texas lawmaker who represents part of Travis County is putting her name in the running to become the state's next lieutenant governor.
On Tuesday, State Rep. Vikki Goodwin (D-Austin) announced her decision to enter the race ahead of the 2026 election.
"This campaign is about putting Texans first – our kids, our health, our homes, and our future," Goodwin said in a press release. "Unlike the current incumbents, I believe in the power of public service to uplift communities and create real opportunity. As lieutenant governor, I'll work with every Texan to make that vision a reality."
The lieutenant governor role is currently held by Dan Patrick, who was first elected in 2014 and began his time in office the following year. The 75-year-old Republican announced his run for re-election in April, quickly receiving an endorsement from President Donald Trump.
Goodwin's announcement makes her the first challenger against Patrick, who, if re-elected, would become the longest-serving lieutenant governor in the state's history.
On Tuesday, Goodwin's current chief of staff, Pooja Sethi, shared her plan to run for Goodwin's seat representing Texas House District 47, which makes up part of Austin and Lake Travis, as well as Bee Cave.
The lieutenant governor's race will appear on the Nov. 3, 2026, ballot.
Goodwin's priorities
A six-year member of the Texas House of Representatives, Goodwin plans to focus on four priorities in her campaign: public schools, affordable housing, inclusive health care access, and clean power and water.
Specifically, she wants to increase educators' salaries, fund public schools "in accordance with our State Constitution" and stop "the hand-out to private schools with zero accountability."
She also wants to limit the number of individuals experiencing homelessness across Texas while focusing on providing more housing options, according to the release.
When it comes to health care, Goodwin said she wants medical professionals to assist their patients "without fear of over-zealous prosecution." She also hopes to ensure more Texans can receive Medicaid, as well as reproductive and mental health services.
Goodwin also wants to prioritize bettering the state's infrastructure and environmental policies to provide water to people statewide.