Texas lieutenant governor supports stripping Democratic successor of powers

Texas lieutenant governor supports stripping Democratic successor of powers HOUSTON — Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (R) told a conservative radio host Monday that Republican lawmakers should strip the Democrat who defeated him of power as the state Senate president before she takes office. The lieutenant governor of Texas is powerful, unlike those in other states. The officeholder can write the budget, appoint committees and chairs, and set legislative priorities with the governor. Texas GOP state senators can use their simple majority once they reconvene in January to transfer powers from Democrat Lt. Gov.-elect Vikki Goodwin to a Republican majority leader. Goodwin warned on MS NOW last week that Republicans would strip her authority “at their peril because we will have elections again in 2028.” But Patrick told radio host Mark Davis that Republicans state senators should take such steps to “protect the conservative majority.” “I support the Republicans standing up for their voters,” Patrick said. Goodwin defeated Patrick by six percentage points as part of a Democratic sweep of every statewide race on the Texas ballot. Goodwin has contacted Republican state senators in hopes of working together. Her transition team said in a statement that she “believes that Texas is best served by a deliberative, collaborative body.” Since taking the helm of the Senate in 2015, Patrick consolidated power to become arguably the most influential lieutenant governor in the country. Patrick led the acquittal of Attorney General Ken Paxton after Paxton was impeached by the Texas House in 2023. Patrick defended GOP legislative priorities, including a school voucher program.