Vikki Goodwin's campaign day

Vikki Goodwin sat through a five-hour Texas House insurance committee hearing, thanked campaign donors, and interviewed a cannabis podcast criticising Dan Patrick’s THC ban push.

“The first time I ran, people were skeptical up until I won. And then they’re like, ‘We knew you could do it,’””

Texas lieutenant governor race

Texas Democratic nominee Vikki Goodwin faces Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, a Republican kingmaker with 12 years in statewide office, on a shoestring campaign budget.

Patrick's political power

Dan Patrick has 38 times more cash on hand than Vikki Goodwin: $24 million versus $643,000, with $14.5 million spent on ads.

Goodwin's campaign strategy

Goodwin focuses on public school funding, universal healthcare, and opposing Patrick’s hemp ban and school voucher policies.

Patrick's conservative agenda

Patrick has pushed laws on book bans, bathroom access for trans people, and school vouchers, with a focus on thinning church-state lines.

“It’s the law and we expect you to follow the law. So we’re coming for the books”

Goodwin's personal motivation

Goodwin ran for office after Trump’s 2016 election win, motivated by concerns over Texas’ restrictive abortion laws and lack of family-friendly environment.

Goodwin's family impact

Goodwin’s daughter has no interest in returning to Texas due to restrictive abortion laws, while her son landed a fellowship in Pennsylvania.

Goodwin's healthcare plan

Goodwin proposes a state-administered health insurance system funded by a cannabis tax, generating $267 million annually.

Patrick's political legacy

Patrick has been a Republican leader since 2018, with endorsements in GOP Senate primaries and a focus on conservative policies.

Patrick's 2025 session impact

Patrick’s agenda faced less resistance than ever during the 2025 legislative session, including conservative policies.

Goodwin's polling lead

Goodwin narrowly led in a recent poll, a first in recent political history for a Democratic lieutenant governor candidate in October.

Patrick's campaign warnings

Patrick warns that if only 50 percent of Republicans turn out, the GOP will lose the lieutenant governor race.

“We know we’ll do well in West Texas. But if only 50 percent of Republicans turn out, that’s how we lose.”

Goodwin's library policy

Goodwin promises to end the chilling effect on libraries and support diverse educational materials.

“Let’s bring in the books that are going to teach kids about people like themselves. Let’s go back to that process that we had pre all these book ban bills.”

Goodwin's stance on Patrick

Goodwin says Patrick tries to paint her as ultra-liberal, despite her voting record being among the most liberal in the Texas House.

“I have stuck with my core issues the entire time. The lieutenant governor, again, is trying to paint me as ultra-liberal.”

Patrick's political influence

Patrick has been a key political figure since 2018, with strong ties to Trump and the Texas House.

Goodwin's election impact

Goodwin aims to flip the lieutenant governor race by focusing on economic issues and voter frustration with the cost of living.