A Battle for Texas’ Second-Highest Office: Patrick vs. Goodwin
The Texas lieutenant governor race between incumbent Dan Patrick and Democratic challenger Vikki Goodwin includes competing proposals on data center regulation. Patrick wants data centers to pay for their electricity and address impacts on power rates and water infrastructure, while Goodwin opposes data centers and supports a moratorium on new development.
Incumbent Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is campaigning on continued conservative legislative priorities while emphasizing protections for Texas’ water supply and power grid. His proposed agenda includes studying data center impacts, requiring facilities to pay for their own power, evaluating effects on electricity rates and water infrastructure, and possibly repealing data center sales tax exemptions.
Democratic challenger Vikki Goodwin, a state representative from South Austin and Travis County, says she would prioritize drinking water, conservation and reuse. She opposes data centers and wants the Legislature to enact a moratorium on their development. The article frames the race as competitive, with Patrick benefiting from greater name recognition and campaign resources while Goodwin is reportedly performing well in polls.