Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick apparently isn’t quite ready to accept that losing an election means giving up the power that comes with the office. After Democrat Vikki Goodwin defeated him by nearly 600,000 votes, Patrick is now encouraging Republican state senators to strip his successor of much of her authority before she even takes office, The Washington Post reports.
Speaking to conservative radio host Mark Davis, Patrick acknowledged that Goodwin won the election fair and square. But apparently, respecting the voters’ decision somehow doesn’t necessarily mean respecting what that decision entitles the winner to do.
Patrick wants the Republican-controlled Texas Senate to modify its rules and transfer much of the lieutenant governor’s authority to a Republican majority leader. That would leave Goodwin with the title of lieutenant governor while conceivably depriving her of some of the most important responsibilities attached to the position.
And those aren’t minor responsibilities. Texas’ lieutenant governor wields considerable influence over the legislative process, including appointing committee chairs, determining which bills advance, and helping shape the state budget.
Republicans currently hold a 19-12 majority in the Senate, giving them enough votes to change the chamber’s rules without Democratic support.
Patrick’s argument? Republicans shouldn’t surrender their power simply because voters elected Democrats to statewide offices. He says the Senate should protect its conservative majority.
Of course, Patrick’s position has an interesting contradiction. He repeatedly acknowledged that the election was legitimate and that Goodwin won fairly. Yet he’s now advocating changing the rules to limit the authority voters just elected her to exercise.
Goodwin, meanwhile, has warned Republicans that stripping her powers could come back to haunt them when voters head to the polls again in 2028.
Patrick may be leaving the lieutenant governor’s office, but he apparently intends to keep influencing Texas politics. He’s already announced a new venture, Patrick Strategies, which he says will promote conservative and pro-business legislation.
So much for gracefully passing over the keys. Patrick seems more interested in making sure his successor inherits an office with considerably less power than the one he enjoyed for nearly 12 years.
