Democrat Lt. Gov.-elect Vikki Goodwin is preparing to take the reins of the Texas Senate, but Republicans are considering rule changes that could significantly curtail her authority before she takes office.
Goodwin held her first press conference since last week’s election on Tuesday, announcing a bipartisan transition team and discussing her plans for leading the Republican-controlled Senate.
Asked about the lieutenant governor’s leadership role amid discussions of potential rules changes, Goodwin said she looks forward to exercising the office’s responsibilities.
“The lieutenant governor has a lot of responsibilities, and I look forward to carrying out those responsibilities,” Goodwin said.
“It’s not going to be one person’s agenda. It is an agenda formed by all of the senators.”
Her comments come one day after outgoing Republican Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick endorsed changing Senate rules to preserve the authority of the chamber’s 19–12 Republican majority.
“Well, I think so, and I think the Senate should do that,” Patrick told radio host Mark Davis on Monday when asked whether Republicans should change the rules.
Republican senators could strip Goodwin of key powers traditionally held by the lieutenant governor, including appointing committee chairs and members, referring legislation to committees, and even presiding over the chamber day to day.
Patrick said he supports Senate Republicans taking steps to protect their majority, though specific changes have not been announced.
“I don’t know exactly what they will do, but I’m supportive of what they will do to protect the conservative majority,” Patrick said.
Meanwhile, Goodwin announced that outgoing Democrat State Rep. Chris Turner, who lost his own primary election earlier this year, will chair her transition team, with Angela Hale serving as executive director.
The team also includes former Democrat senators Leticia Van de Putte and Kirk Watson, former Republican senators Kel Seliger and Tommy Williams, and retired Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Tom Phillips.
Goodwin said she has begun meeting individually with senators to discuss their legislative priorities.
“My office stands ready to work with all senators to accomplish the business of the state,” she said.
The Senate will convene on January 12. Goodwin will take office on January 19.
