Dan Patrick

The race for Texas’ powerful second-in-command role pits a third-term GOP kingmaker against a state lawmaker who is riding the political tailwind felt by Democrats up and down the ballot.

Republican incumbent Dan Patrick faces Democrat Vikki Goodwin in the race for Texas lieutenant governor, a powerful office that leads the state Senate and helps shape Texas’ legislative agenda. Also running are Libertarian Anthony Cristo and Green Party candidate Kevin McCormick.

This week on Texas Matters: Will it be harder to vote in Texas in the coming midterm elections? We hear from Democratic candidate for Lt. Governor, Vikki Goodwin. And the Texas Gulf Coast is home to the nation’s petrochemical industry. Is this the economic boon that was promised?

Democratic state Sen. José Menéndez of San Antonio blasted Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s new religious-liberty initiative. He said it could deepen divisions among Texans while distracting public schools from their educational mission.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has directed state senators to explore expanding religious expression in Texas public life, continuing a broader push by Republican leaders to increase religion’s presence in schools and government.

Kate Rogers, the former president and CEO of Alamo Trust Inc., says Davy Crockett and the historic defenders of the Alamo would support her after she was forced out from leading the restoration of the San Antonio battlefield and old Spanish mission.

The lieutenant governor also doubled down on his stance that property taxes can't be totally eliminated, putting him at odds with Gov. Greg Abbott.

The lieutenant governor has insisted that the Alamo’s story remain focused on the 1836 battle over broader narratives addressing Indigenous people and slavery.

A clash between politics and history prompts an unfolding debate.

The lieutenant governor has insisted that the Alamo’s story remain focused on the 1836 battle over broader narratives addressing Indigenous people and slavery.