Vikki Goodwin Enters Race for Texas Lieutenant Governor

State Rep. Vikki Goodwin (D) has officially entered the race for Texas Lieutenant Governor, pledging a “pragmatic, family-first approach” focused on public education, infrastructure, housing affordability, and comprehensive healthcare.

The Austin Democrat, first elected to the Texas House in 2018, announced her candidacy this week, which pits her against current Lt. Governor Dan Patrick (R).

“As a lifelong Texan, a mom, a business owner, and a public servant, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges families across our state face,” state Rep. Goodwin said in a statement. “Our current leadership is busy tearing down our agencies and institutions, instead of building trust within our communities—both physical and demographic.”

“I’m running for Lieutenant Governor because I believe in building a Texas that works for all of us—not just the well-connected few,” she added.

State Rep. Goodwin’s campaign platform outlines four key priorities:

• Strong Public Schools: She pledges to raise teacher pay, increase funding in line with the state constitution, and halt what she calls “hand-outs to private schools with zero accountability.”
• Water and Power Security: Promising planning and environmental safeguards, she wants to ensure reliable, clean infrastructure without inflating costs or favoring political allies.
• Affordable Housing: She intends to collaborate with local governments to expand housing access, reduce homelessness, and support working families.
• Comprehensive Health Care: She supports Medicaid expansion and reproductive and mental health access, advocating for provider freedom from “over-zealous prosecution.”

“This campaign is about putting Texans first—our kids, our health, our homes, and our future,” state Rep. Goodwin said. “Unlike the current incumbents, I believe in the power of public service to uplift communities and create real opportunity.”

State Rep. Goodwin is the first person to challenge Lt. Governor Patrick for the office.

Pooja Sethi, state Rep. Goodwin’s current chief of staff, has also announced that she plans to run for state Rep. Goodwin’s Texas House District 47 seat.