AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- Vikki Goodwin, the Democratic state representative from Austin, has announced a bid to become Texas' lieutenant governor.
Goodwin, who has served four terms in the Texas House, would potentially face Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. The Republican incumbent has already announced his re-election campaign, seeking a fourth term - which would make him the longest-serving lieutenant governor in Texas history.
"As a lifelong Texan, a mom, a business owner, and a public servant, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges families across our state face,” Goodwin said in a statement announcing her bid. "And sadly, 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."
Goodwin says she'll focus on strong public schools, clean water and power, housing affordability, and comprehensive health care.
No Democratic candidate has won election to a statewide office in Texas since 1994. Assuming Goodwin takes on Patrick in the general election, she'll have a significant disadvantage with just over $150,000 in campaign funds as of December 31. Patrick, meanwhile, has more than $33 million at his disposal.
With Goodwin making her intentions public, her chief of staff - outgoing Travis County Democratic Party Chair Pooja Sethi - has announced she will run to fill Goodwin's seat in the House. The District 47 seat covers portions of Austin, Bee Cave, Lakeway, and western Travis County.
The official filing period for the March 3, 2026 primaries begins on November 8 and runs through December 8.