Austin state Rep. Vikki Goodwin declared victory over Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick on Tuesday. If the result holds, she would be the first Democrat to serve as Texas lieutenant governor in 27 years.
In a statement, Patrick said the election was a wave for Democrats in Texas and across the country. He cited affordability, gas prices, data centers and 765-kV power lines as issues voters cared about. "It was a fair election, and I accept the majority will of the voters," he said.
Goodwin's campaign focused on public schools, access to health care and affordability. She was vastly outspent, according to the story, and she criticized Patrick's record in office and his push to ban hemp-derived THC products. The Texas Senate, which the lieutenant governor presides over, will keep a Republican majority.