Dan Patrick proposes shifting Texas Senate control away from Lt. Gov.
The lieutenant governor asked Republican lawmakers to move agenda-setting authority to a majority leader before Vikki Goodwin takes office.
By John Ferrari ·
Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is urging Republican state senators to reduce the power of the lieutenant governor's office before his successor assumes the role.
Patrick made the request during an interview with talk radio host Mark Davis, where he called on his party colleagues to retain control over the legislative agenda. He stated that he supports Republicans standing up for their voters. Under the current rules, the lieutenant governor decides which bills reach the Senate floor, appoints committee members and chairs, and plays a central role in the budgeting process. These responsibilities are typically exercised in coordination with the governor to set legislative priorities.
The proposed change would transfer those specific authorities from the lieutenant governor to a majority leader chosen by the Senate majority. Implementing this shift would require only a simple majority vote. Patrick has held this office for more than 10 years, a period during which he utilized these powers to block cannabis reform measures and advance culture war legislation.
State Senate Republicans discussed reining in the powers of Lt. Gov.-elect Vikki Goodwin in a closed-door meeting held shortly after the recent election. That election resulted in Democrats winning control of the Texas House and all statewide elected offices. Goodwin defeated Patrick by six percentage points. While details regarding the outcome of the Republican meeting remain sparse, the discussion reflects an effort to manage the transition of power within the chamber.
Goodwin's transition team has reached out to Republican senators to propose a collaborative approach to governance. A statement from her team noted that the state is best served by a deliberative and collaborative body. However, political experts have raised questions about the strategic timing of such a power shift following an election that signaled widespread voter fatigue with the party that has governed the state for three decades.
Cal Jillson, a political scientist at Southern Methodist University, suggested that Republican incumbents should consider the political implications of their actions. He argued that if the move proceeds, Gov.-elect Gina Hinojosa and the incoming lieutenant governor could contend that the election results are being obstructed by the current Republican leadership.
