Vikki Goodwin

Vikki Ann Goodwin (born May 18, 1967) is an American politician who is a member of the Texas House of Representatives for House District 47, which is located in Travis County, Texas. In May 2026, Goodwin secured the Democratic Party's nomination for Lieutenant Governor in the 2026 election following a runoff election.

Early life and education Goodwin was born in Arlington Illinois. She grew up in Dallas, but moved to Austin to attend the University of Texas in 1985.

Texas House of Representatives On November 6, 2018, Goodwin won the general election with 52%, defeating incumbent Republican Paul Workman who got 48% of the vote. Her service as a State Representative has been focused on issues concerning public education, child welfare, and comprehensive healthcare.

Goodwin is known for her work helping pass 'Cati's Act', a drowning prevention act meant to expand safety regulations for children under twelve. In addition she filed the 'Natalia Cox Act', meant to aid victims of domestic violence by requiring police officers and medical professionals to provide victims with resources.

In 2025, Goodwin was one of the Democratic members of the Texas House who participated in a quorum-bust to delay the passage of controversial new congressional maps. While she was absent from the state, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit to have her seat, along with those of 12 other representatives, declared vacant and remove them from office. In May 2026, the Texas Supreme Court ruled that it did not have jurisdiction in the legislative dispute and dismissed the case against the absent members.

During the 89th legislative session she was a member of the House Appropriations Committee and the House Insurance Committee. In prior legislative sessions, she served on the House Committees of Agriculture and Livestock, Environmental Regulation, Homeland Security and Public Safety, Urban Affairs, and the House Select Committee on Community Safety.

In May 2025, Goodwin announced her candidacy for Lieutenant Governor in the 2026 election. In the Democratic primary she faced union leader Marcos Velez and software manager Courtney Head. On March 3, Goodwin secured 48% of the vote to Velez's 31.5% and Head's 20.5%. With no candidate receiving the majority, Goodwin and Velez advanced to a runoff election that was held on May 26, 2026. Goodwin won the runoff, and is now the Democratic nominee and she will face off against incumbent lieutenant governor Dan Patrick.

Political postitions Goodwin has often been ranked as one of the most progressive members of the Texas House.

Public education Goodwin has described herself as "a passionate supporter of Texas public schools" and has been a vocal opponent against the use of private school vouchers. If elected as lieutenant governor, she has stated that she "will not pass a budget that has any money going to a private school voucher scam". Goodwin has also supported providing additional funds to retired teachers.

Gun laws In 2023, Goodwin filed legislation that would require universal background checks for purchasing firearms and rould require a three day waiting period before the weapon could be delivered. The bills died in committee. During the same legislative session, Goodwin attempted to amend a bill criminalize the possession and sale of "Glock switches" to increase the minimum age of possession certain weapons to 21, but the amendment failed on a point of order. Goodwin opposed a law passed that would require an armed police or school employee at every school in Texas as a means to combat school shootings.

Data Centers Goodwin has called on a moratrium on the construction of new A.I. data centers within the state and has called for Governor Greg Abbott to call a special session to discuss potential reforms to the industry regarding the consumption of resources and economic incentives.

Electoral history