Goodwin announces plans to meet with state senators as Patrick backs rule changes

AUSTIN, Texas — Lt. Governor-elect Vikki Goodwin announced plans to meet with state senators today as she launches her transition team, made up of both Democrats and Republicans.

Goodwin, a Democrat currently serving as an Austin-area state representative, is set to preside over a Republican-controlled Texas Senate. Outgoing Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said this week during an appearance on the Mark Davis Show that he would support senators changing the rules to strip Goodwin of some power ahead of the upcoming legislative session.

"Yes, Vikki Goodwin, and we respect that election; she won fair and square, but she doesn't have the majority of votes on the floor. So, I believe, and I support the Republicans standing up for their voters," Patrick said.

The Texas State Constitution gives limited powers to the Lt. Governor, but the role has become increasingly powerful under changes to the Senate rules. As the president of the Senate, the lieutenant governor currently appoints members to committees, selects chairs, and influences what makes it to the floor for a vote. Those rules, however, are subject to change.

Political analysts, like Mark P. Jones of Rice University, believe Republicans may shift some power away from the Lt. Gov. and give it to a Republican majority leader.

"My focus right now is sitting down with each senator, many of whom I worked with while in the House, to talk about their individual priorities and how we can work together so they can represent their districts," Goodwin told reporters on Tuesday.

Goodwin announced that Democratic State Rep. Chris Turner will chair her transition team, alongside retired Democratic State Sen. Leticia Van de Putte; retired Republican State Senators Kel Seliger and Tommy Williams; Austin Mayor Kirk Watson; and retired Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Tom Phillips.

Goodwin said her experience getting legislation across the finish line in the House has prepared her for working with a Republican majority.

"I have worked collaboratively with the Republicans in the House and the Senate. So when you get a bill passed in the House, you still have to work to get it passed through the Senate, so I have that experience already of finding common ground with even the Republican senators," she said.

Goodwin will become the first woman to serve as Lt. Governor of Texas.

The 90th Legislative Session will begin on Jan. 12.

Goodwin announces plans to meet with state senators as Patrick backs rule changes

Comments / 1