Goodwin, a Democrat who will lead a chamber controlled by Republicans, said she has already begun meeting one-on-one with senators to learn their priorities and wants her legislative agenda to reflect the whole body rather than her own preferences.

“It’s not going to be one person’s agenda,” Goodwin said. “It is an agenda formed by all of the senators.”

She said she hopes to have the transition team’s priorities and a working agenda in place by Jan. 1, though she cautioned that the timeline is not final as she focuses on assembling the team and building relationships in the Senate.

Goodwin also reflected on the historic nature of her win, becoming the first woman elected to the office of lieutenant governor in Texas.

“I imagine Governor Ann Richards and Congresswoman Barbara Jordan watching and smiling,” Goodwin said. “They have inspired so many of us. And I’m proud to walk in their footsteps.”

With eight years of experience in the Texas Legislature, Goodwin pointed to her work across party lines as evidence she can govern in a divided Capitol. She cited a mental health bill she worked on with Republican Sen. Bob Hall as an example and said she will seek common ground with Republican senators.

The transition team will be chaired by state Rep. Chris Turner, with Angela Hale serving as executive director. Goodwin said the team includes current and former Republican and Democratic state officials, a structure meant to signal her commitment to bipartisan leadership.

On policy, Goodwin said she supports regulating THC products but does not favor an outright ban, a position that could put her at odds with some members of her own party and in alignment with others in the Capitol.

Her emphasis on education, affordability, and health care comes as Texas lawmakers prepare for a legislative session in which cost-of-living concerns and public school funding are expected to dominate debate. As lieutenant governor, Goodwin will have significant influence over the Senate’s agenda and the flow of legislation.

For North Texas residents, the priorities she outlined — particularly affordability and health care — are likely to shape debates over property taxes, housing costs, and access to medical services in the coming session.

Goodwin’s transition team is expected to continue meeting through the fall and winter, with the goal of presenting a unified agenda before lawmakers return to Austin.