Texas Democratic Leaders Appoint Bipartisan Transition Teams
Lieutenant Governor-elect Vikki Goodwin and other incoming Democratic leaders appointed Republicans to their transition teams to ensure cooperation in a divided Texas government.
Incoming Democratic leaders in Texas have appointed Republicans to their transition teams following a midterm sweep that placed the governor, lieutenant governor, and House speaker in Democratic hands for the first time since 1995. Vikki Goodwin, the first woman and first Democrat elected as lieutenant governor since 1994, announced a transition team chaired by State Rep. Chris Turner. Her team includes former Republican state senators Kel Seliger and Tommy Williams, retired GOP Supreme Court Chief Justice Tom Phillips, and Austin Mayor Kirk Watson.
Goodwin faces a Texas Senate where Republicans maintain a 19-12 majority. To navigate this, she has prioritized public education, healthcare, and affordability, while advocating for the regulation of THC products rather than a full ban. Her strategy follows a statement from outgoing Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, who suggested changing Senate rules to reduce the legislative power of his successor. Patrick also announced the formation of a consulting firm, Patrick Strategies, though he stated he will not serve as a lobbyist.
Similar bipartisan efforts were led by Governor-elect Gina Hinojosa and presumptive House Speaker Senfronia Thompson. Hinojosa named former Republican Representative Ernest Bailes as a transition co-chair, while Thompson appointed a team of six former House speakers split evenly between parties, including former Speaker Dade Phelan. While some progressive activists criticized these moves, the new leaders argue that bipartisan cooperation is essential for state stability ahead of the legislative session beginning January 12, 2027.
