Democrat Vikki Goodwin has defeated Dan Patrick to become Texas lieutenant governor. She will be the first Democrat to hold the office since Bob Bullock left it in 1999. Republicans had held the office for nearly 27 years. Patrick has been lieutenant governor since 2015.
The lieutenant governor presides over the Texas Senate and appoints senators to committees, which helps determine which issues get attention. Goodwin has served four terms in the Texas House, representing parts of Austin and the Lake Travis area.
Her campaign said her priorities include public education, clean water and energy, affordable housing and health care. Goodwin has also opposed private school vouchers. She takes office in January. The next legislative session will be the first test of how she uses the position and whether she can turn her priorities into action.