Outgoing Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is backing a proposal to change the Texas Senate’s rules to limit the authority of his Democratic successor, Vikki Goodwin, before she takes office in January.
Patrick voiced his support Monday, Nov. 9, during an interview with conservative radio host Mark Davis, arguing that Republican senators should retain control over the chamber’s legislative operations even though voters elected a Democrat to lead it.
“I think so, and I think the Senate should do that,” Patrick said when Davis asked whether the Senate was preparing to change how it operates under Goodwin.
Patrick said the lieutenant governor’s authority comes from the Senate, and a simple majority of its members can change the chamber’s rules.
“The lieutenant governor derives her power from the Senate. Sixteen out of 31 senators, a simple majority, can change the rules,” Patrick said.
Republicans will hold a 19-12 majority in the Texas Senate when the Legislature convenes in January, giving them enough votes to approve changes to the chamber’s rules.
Patrick argued that Republicans should not surrender their legislative majority simply because Democrats won statewide offices.
“If you lose the statewide offices and you still have the majority in the Senate, which we do, you shouldn’t give up your majority because the governor lost or the lieutenant governor lost, or the attorney general lost,” Patrick said.
He also pointed to the lieutenant governor’s considerable influence over the legislative process, including appointing committee chairs and members, helping shape the state budget and determining which bills reach the Senate floor.
Patrick said he had discussed the possibility of changing the rules with his team and state Sen. Paul Bettencourt before the election, when he still expected to win another term.
He acknowledged that he did not know exactly what changes Republican senators would pursue but said he supports their efforts to protect the Republican majority.
“I believe they will do that at some point. And it’s the right thing to do,” Patrick said.
Goodwin defeated Patrick in the Nov. 3 election, becoming the first Democrat elected Texas lieutenant governor since 1999.
Under the Senate’s current rules, the lieutenant governor presides over the chamber and has significant authority over its legislative operations.
Republican senators could vote to transfer some of those responsibilities to a Republican majority leader, potentially leaving Goodwin with the title of Senate president but less control over the legislative process.
Patrick’s comments come as Republican senators consider how to approach the upcoming legislative session with a Democratic lieutenant governor and a Republican-controlled Senate.
Goodwin has previously acknowledged the possibility that Republicans could change the rules but said she would find ways to work with lawmakers.
Her transition team has also said she believes Texas is best served by a deliberative, collaborative Senate.
Patrick said he respects the election results and acknowledged that Goodwin won fairly.
“The election was fair and square. I have no issues with that whatsoever,” Patrick said during Monday’s interview.
Patrick is set to leave office in January after serving as lieutenant governor since 2015.
