Politics
Texas lieutenant governor’s race turns on early-vote surge as Patrick and Goodwin rally supporters
Dan Patrick says he expects Republicans to overtake Democrats in Texas early-voting turnout, pointing to roughly 600,000 Republican voters he considers likely voters who have not yet cast ballots. Democratic challenger Vikki Goodwin says new voters are showing up in large numbers as the candidates make their final appeals before Election Day on Nov. 3.
Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick predicted Republicans would catch and surpass Democrats in early-voting turnout by the middle of next week, while his Democratic challenger, state Rep. Vikki Goodwin, said she sees an encouraging increase in new voters.
In a Friday interview, Patrick said about 600,000 Republican voters with a history of voting in multiple recent primaries had not yet voted. He urged them to participate and said he expected the party to have a “pretty healthy lead” by the end of early voting. The figure and forecast were Patrick’s estimates; no statewide turnout totals were provided.
Patrick said a large Democratic turnout on Monday could motivate Republicans. He acknowledged that Democrats had turned out in greater numbers that day, though he said Republicans also had a strong showing.
Goodwin said the early voting was bringing in people without a record of voting in primaries. She described the turnout as inspiring and said voters appeared to believe their ballots could affect the outcome.
The race remains close in recent polls, though surveys have differed. A University of Houston poll conducted Oct. 10-14 showed Patrick ahead 47% to 42%. A University of Texas/Texas Politics Project poll, conducted Sept. 25-Oct. 5, put Goodwin ahead 49% to 46%.
The candidates have also sparred over endorsements and national politics. Patrick criticized Goodwin after she received an endorsement from Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, portraying the senator’s positions on health care, energy and taxes as out of step with Texas. Goodwin said Sanders endorsed her because of her health care plan and argued that Texans need access to affordable coverage; she said five million Texans lack health insurance.
Goodwin has criticized Patrick’s ties to President Donald Trump, citing the president’s policies and conduct. Patrick has portrayed Goodwin as too liberal for the state.
Early voting is scheduled to continue through Friday, Oct. 30, with polling places open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. starting Monday. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. The competing turnout claims and poll results offer a snapshot of a closely watched contest, but the final outcome will depend on who casts a ballot before voting ends.