Outgoing Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is urging Republican state senators to change chamber rules to limit the authority of his successor, Democrat Vikki Goodwin, after she defeated him by more than six percentage points in the November 3 election.

Speaking Monday on conservative talk radio's The Mark Davis Show, Patrick acknowledged that Goodwin won a fair election but argued that Republicans should retain control of the Senate's legislative operations because they hold a 19-12 majority.

“If you lose the statewide offices and you still have the majority in the Senate, which we do, you shouldn't give up your majority because the governor lost or the lieutenant governor lost,” Patrick said. “Vikki Goodwin won, but she doesn't have the majority of votes on the floor.”

Goodwin received 51.7% of the vote, or approximately 5.09 million votes, compared with Patrick's 45.6%, or roughly 4.49 million. Patrick said he had discussed changing Senate rules with Republican state Sen. Paul Bettencourt before the election, anticipating that Republicans could face more difficult statewide contests.

Bettencourt confirmed the conversation took place on Election Day. He said Patrick envisioned a leadership structure resembling the U.S. Senate, with separate majority and minority leaders. Bettencourt opposed removing powers granted to the lieutenant governor by the Texas Constitution or state law but said he did not know what rule changes Republicans might pursue.

The Texas lieutenant governor traditionally wields substantial influence over the Senate, including appointing committee chairs, directing legislation to committees and determining which bills reach the floor. Much of that authority comes from rules adopted by senators rather than directly from the state constitution. Patrick argued that 16 of the chamber's 31 members could change those rules, giving Republicans the votes to restrict Goodwin's role.

Goodwin warned last week that Republicans could face political consequences if they curtail her authority, pointing to the next election cycle in 2028. Speaking to reporters Tuesday, she emphasized her intention to work with senators from both parties and said the legislative agenda should reflect the entire chamber rather than one person's priorities.

Patrick attributed Republicans' statewide losses to economic frustration, weaker rural support and Democrats' success among independent voters. He said voters could agree with Republicans culturally but still support Democrats if they felt financially strained.

Patrick also confirmed that he would not seek elected office again after leaving the position in January. He plans to remain politically active through a new consulting venture, Patrick Strategies, and said he would continue opposing Democratic legislative proposals.