Democratic state Rep. Vikki Goodwin held an early lead Tuesday night over Republican Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who is seeking a fourth term. With about 28% of the estimated vote counted as of 7:54 p.m., Goodwin had just over 58%, compared with about 39% for Patrick, according to The Associated Press. Libertarian Anthony Cristo had 1.4% and Green Party candidate Kevin McCormick had 0.8%. The Associated Press said the race was too early to call.
Goodwin, who has represented a Travis County-based House district since 2019, would be the first Democrat elected lieutenant governor since 1994. Patrick was first elected in 2014. The lieutenant governor presides over the Texas Senate, appoints committee members and chairs, and co-chairs the Legislative Budget Board.
Patrick has advocated for property tax cuts, private school vouchers and restrictions on abortion and THC products. Goodwin has called for more public school funding and teacher pay, expanded health care access and repeal of the state's abortion ban, and she opposes a ban on THC products in favor of regulation. Polling in the closing weeks showed a closer race than usual, the report said.