Rep. Goodwin’s Call for Legislature to Investigate Texas Involvement in ICE Overreach
Austin, Texas - State Representative Vikki Goodwin is calling on the Texas Legislature to establish an emergency, bipartisan committee to examine the state’s mandated cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the safety, legality, and cost of that cooperation.
Rep. Vikki Goodwin Calls on State Legislature to Launch Emergency Review of Texas’ Cooperation With ICE
Austin, Texas - State Representative Vikki Goodwin is calling on the Texas Legislature to establish an emergency, bipartisan committee to examine the state’s mandated cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the safety, legality, and cost of that cooperation.
Goodwin raised several immediate concerns:
1) Widespread reports of ICE and Border Patrol agent activities such as home invasions, warrantless searches and detentions of US citizens, including the questionable deportation of a constituent in Rep. Goodwin's district, and the shooting deaths of citizens in other states;
2) Troubling detention practices, including the treatment of children and the wrongful death of detainees, one of which was ruled a homicide;
3) Mandatory 287(g) agreements that require local law enforcement to work alongside a federal agency raising serious questions about training, accountability, and conduct;
4) The potential of ballooning State dollars spent on Texas National Guard personnel assisting federal immigration operations.
“Texas requires our law enforcement agencies to cooperate with ICE. But that agreement assumes ICE operates within the law,” Goodwin said. “When concerns arise about deaths, detentions, and lack of transparency, state leaders have a responsibility to step back and evaluate whether this partnership is in the best interest of Texans.”
Goodwin is calling on Speaker Dustin Burrows and Lt. Governor Dan Patrick to form a bipartisan, joint House/Senate emergency committee to review key questions like those noted above.
“This is not about partisanship,” Goodwin said. “It’s about public safety, legality, and accountability. Texans deserve to know whether our state is supporting practices that violate our values, as well as our laws, or jeopardize our law enforcement officers, and put the public in harm's way. I urge the Speaker and Lt. Governor to act immediately”
San Antonio Express News Recommendation:
For those voters who are tired of state leadership that has failed to invest in people — be it in flood mitigation, public education, access to health care, broadband infrastructure, the list goes on — Goodwin offers a compelling vision for what Texas could be under new leadership.
In Democratic primary for lieutenant governor, Vikki Goodwin has vision, experience
Bigger in Texas Podcast: Andrew White Endorses Vikki!
Former Texas gubernatorial candidate Andrew White sits down with Vikki Goodwin, the presumptive Democratic nominee for Texas Lieutenant Governor, for a candid conversation about Texas politics, governance, affordability, and the people and power shaping the state today.
Vikki Goodwin is a Texas state representative from Travis County, a former small business owner and realtor, and a longtime advocate for public education, responsible budgeting, and strong local communities. In this conversation, Andrew and Vikki move beyond campaign talking points and into a deeper discussion about how Texas government actually functions and why the office of Lieutenant Governor, currently held by Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, plays such a decisive role in shaping policy outcomes across the state.
Spectrum News: Funding public schools, Focusing on affordability
State Rep. Vikki Goodwin, D-Austin, says there’s a “huge difference” between how she would run the state as lieutenant governor and how the current incumbent, Republican Dan Patrick, does it.
One major contrast is that Goodwin, an Austin Democrat, says she’d stop funding the recently passed school voucher law that would give parents up to $10,000 in public funds to send their kids to private schools.
“My plan would be no public dollars to private schools,” she said.
KVUE: Texas Rep. Vikki Goodwin weighs in on redistricting efforts
Rep. Goodwin weighs in on the latest in the Texas House Democrats quorum break.
Progress Texas Podcast - Quorum Break Update: Austin State Rep. Vikki Goodwin
As the special session has been halted by a Democratic quorum break, we continue our series of updates from the elected officials involved, now shifting to those who have uprooted their personal lives to leave the state in order to stop the Trump-commanded and Abbott-facilitated congressional power grab in Texas - first from the road is Austin State Rep. Vikki Goodwin, who recently joined Progress Texas to announce her run for Lieutenant Governor in 2026.
Learn more about Rep. Vikki Goodwin and her campaign at https://vikkigoodwin.com/.
WTTW News: Texas Democrats Continue to Hold Out in Illinois Amid Redistricting Fight: ‘We Are Standing Up for the People’
It’s a Texas-sized showdown that’s capturing the attention of the nation.
More than 50 Democratic lawmakers from Texas fled the state for Illinois, New York and Massachusetts to block an effort by Republicans to redraw congressional districts. The plan, backed by President Donald Trump, would increase the number of Republican-leaning congressional seats by five.
Brown grass Bill Supports Texas Homeowners
Legislation put forward by Lake Travis-area representatives aiming to prevent homeowners associations from charging fees for brown or unwatered lawns was passed this session, local officials shared.
Legislation put forward by Lake Travis-area representatives aiming to prevent homeowners associations from charging fees for brown or unwatered lawns was passed this session, local officials shared.
Brown grass bill supported by Bee Cave, Lakeway passes | Community Impact
CBS11: Vikki Goodwin enters race for Lt. Governor , says “It’s time for a change.”
CBS11’s Eye on Politics host Jack Fink sits down with Vikki Goodwin to discuss why it’s “time for a change” in Texas’ leadership.
Vikki discusses Lt Gov run with KVUE and Morgan McGrath
TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas — A Texas lawmaker who represents part of Travis County is putting her name in the running to become the state's next lieutenant governor.
On Tuesday, State Rep. Vikki Goodwin (D-Austin) announced her decision to enter the race ahead of the 2026 election.
"This campaign is about putting Texans first – our kids, our health, our homes, and our future," Goodwin said in a press release. "Unlike the current incumbents, I believe in the power of public service to uplift communities and create real opportunity. As lieutenant governor, I'll work with every Texan to make that vision a reality."
The lieutenant governor role is currently held by Dan Patrick, who was first elected in 2014 and began his time in office the following year. The 75-year-old Republican announced his run for re-election in April, quickly receiving an endorsement from President Donald Trump.
Goodwin's announcement makes her the first challenger against Patrick, who, if re-elected, would become the longest-serving lieutenant governor in the state's history.
On Tuesday, Goodwin's current chief of staff, Pooja Sethi, shared her plan to run for Goodwin's seat representing Texas House District 47, which makes up part of Austin and Lake Travis, as well as Bee Cave.
The lieutenant governor's race will appear on the Nov. 3, 2026, ballot.
Goodwin's priorities
A six-year member of the Texas House of Representatives, Goodwin plans to focus on four priorities in her campaign: public schools, affordable housing, inclusive health care access, and clean power and water.
Specifically, she wants to increase educators' salaries, fund public schools "in accordance with our State Constitution" and stop "the hand-out to private schools with zero accountability."
She also wants to limit the number of individuals experiencing homelessness across Texas while focusing on providing more housing options, according to the release.
When it comes to health care, Goodwin said she wants medical professionals to assist their patients "without fear of over-zealous prosecution." She also hopes to ensure more Texans can receive Medicaid, as well as reproductive and mental health services.
Goodwin also wants to prioritize bettering the state's infrastructure and environmental policies to provide water to people statewide.
Vikki Goodwin announces run for Texas Lt. Governor
After weeks of discussion with my family and closest advisors, I’ve decided to file the paperwork to enter the race for Lt. Governor of the State of Texas!
As a lifelong Texan, a mom, a business owner, and a public servant, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges families across our state face. Sadly, our current leadership is busy tearing down our agencies and institutions, instead of building trust within our communities – both physical and demographic. I’m running for Lieutenant Governor because I believe in building a Texas that works for all of us—not just the well-connected few.
It’s time for a change, Texas.
It’s time for a Good Win!
We’ll have kickoff events across Texas later in the Summer. Meanwhile, I sat down this morning with Chris Mosser of Progress Texas to discuss the campaign. Click Here to view that podcast.
Also, our press release can be found here. If you have any questions, drop me a note at AskMe@VikkiGoodwin.com.
Rewriting Higher Education: How lawmakers want to take university oversight further
More than 300 employees across the state of Texas have been let go from their jobs in the wake of Senate Bill 17, the state’s effective ban on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, commonly referred to as DEI. In this CBS Austin special, Texas state officials and university faculty discuss Senate Bill 17 and its effects on higher education.
More than 300 employees across the state of Texas have been let go from their jobs in the wake of Senate Bill 17, the state’s effective ban on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, commonly referred to as DEI. The law, which went into effect in January 2024, drew widespread attention and coverage, though some of its effects were felt later than that, after the law’s author, State Senator Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, sent a letter to public universities across the state in late March.
“While I am encouraged by the progress I have seen from many institutions of higher education in implementing SB 17, I am deeply concerned with the possibility that many institutions may choose to merely rename their offices or employee titles,” Creighton wrote in the letter.
Seven days after that letter’s publication, the University of Texas at Austin announced it would close its Division of Campus and Community Engagement and eliminate several positions across the university. University officials said many of those faculty and staff were offered the opportunity to interview for other positions at the university.
In this CBS Austin special, Texas state officials and university faculty discuss Senate Bill 17 and its effects on higher education.
Lakeway-area representatives put forward water conservation bills
Lakeway City Council has voiced support for water conservation bills put forward by state Reps. Vikki Goodwin, D-Austin, and Ellen Troxclair, R-Lakeway, during the 89th Texas Legislative Session. Goodwin, who represents a number of Lakeway residents living in Texas House District 47, said that many of her constituents have voiced concerns regarding water levels in Lake Travis and increasing development in the region. To address some of these concerns, Goodwin has put forward a number of bills aimed at conserving water and ensuring that existing water infrastructure is maintained.
Texas Lawmakers Want to Make ‘Spring Forward’ a Thing of The Past
Daylight saving time rings in the summer months for 48 states, but some Texas lawmakers are working to end the historic practice of changing clocks twice a year. Democratic State Rep. Vikki Goodwin introduced a joint resolution for a state constitutional amendment that would end time changes via popular vote. If passed, Texans would get to choose daylight or standard time year-round.
Texas Water Day 2025 Sees Progress on Water Issues at the Capitol
Texas Water Day is an educational event that highlights critical issues like how to make sure there's enough water for everyone as the state's population continues to grow. KVUE sat down with State Rep. Vikki Goodwin – a member of the Texas Water Caucus, which the Texas Water Foundation is also behind – to see what's changed since the group formed in 2023. The House Democrat said a lot has changed in that time, and water is now a priority for her, especially with Lake Travis in her district.
52 Laps, 13 Hours, and 6 Knee Pads: She Crawled a Half Marathon Around a Track
Summer Wilson completed a half-marathon to raise awareness about sexual assault. State representatives Vikki Goodwin, Donna Howard, and Ann Johnson joined Willis for the final 0.3 miles of her race. Together, they ran arm-in-arm into the finish line on Congress Avenue. They were later joined by Congressman Lloyd Doggett outside the gates of the Texas state capitol for a press conference to share their plans for policy changes and appreciation for Willis’s advocacy.
Texas lawmaker wants ‘clean water’ right added to state constitution
AUSTIN (KXAN) —Texas lawmakers are joining the push to add a new “green amendment” to the state constitution. The movement aims to protect people’s rights to “clean air, clean water, healthy soil, fauna, etc…” said State Representative Vikki Goodwin (D).
On October 17, Rep. Goodwin is hosting a town hall that will discuss the Green Amendment and why it should be added to the Texas Constitution.
“It’s actually a very short amendment,” Rep. Goodwin said. She introduced the amendment during the last legislative session in 2023. The joint resolution did not receive a hearing. Rep. Goodwin said she’s planning to bring the amendment up again in the next legislative session that starts in January.
“I’ve had a little bit more time to let people know what it is we’re trying to accomplish with it, and we’ve gotten some groups that are getting behind it,” Rep. Goodwin said.
Texas active shooter alert system has yet to be activated, DPS says
AUSTIN (KXAN) —by: Avery Travis, Jun 17, 2024 / 09:43 PM CDT
An alert system meant to notify people of active shooter situations was not activated in the wake of a deadly shooting at a Juneteenth event in Round Rock, law enforcement confirmed to KXAN investigators.
Two people died and 14 others were injured in the incident, sparked by a fight between two groups at the event at Old Settlers Park on Saturday night, Round Rock police said. Police are still searching for the shooting suspect.
Texas Representative Vikki Goodwin told KXAN she believes it is “tragic” that the system is not being utilized.
“We pass laws to make people safer. This one in particular to let people know if there is an active shooting event going on so they can take precaution,” Goodwin told KXAN. “Nobody was aware that this shooting was going on. Some people said they thought it was fireworks, at first, but then they saw people running. So, I think it would have been helpful for an alert to go out.”
Rep. Goodwin said she believes there is an increased need for public awareness in cases where the suspect has not been apprehended. She first spoke out about the use of this system in December 2023, after a suspect allegedly shot and killed several people in different locations across Travis and Bexar Counties.
State leaders provide details on bill to minimize children from drowning ahead of spring break
AUSTIN (KXAN), by: Erica Pauda, Roo Moody, 3/6/24 — On Wednesday, State Rep. Vikki Goodwin provided more details on new water safety measures in place under Cati’s Act as a way to minimize drownings of children under 12 through stricter water safety measures.
Goodwin and State Sen. Judith Zaffirini hosted a press conference Wednesday morning ahead of spring break to spark a discussion on the importance of Cati’s Act between community leaders, water safety advocates as well as legislators, a news release from Goodwin’s office said.
Could Austin police have communicated more in string of shootings?
by Michael Adkison, Wed, December 6th 2023, AUSTIN, Texas — It was late Tuesday night, stretching into Wednesday morning when law enforcement began to confirm a series of shootings across Central Texas were committed by a single suspect...
Taking into consideration that that confirmation did not come into the evening, some Austin-area residents told CBS Austin they were concerned about a lack of communication from law enforcement officials after each of the incidents, particularly as it pertains to the suspect, at the time, being at large.
Texas House Democrat Vikki Goodwin, who represents part of Austin, publicly expressed concerns with the communication throughout the string of violence on Tuesday.
"That's our job, is to make sure our communities are safe," Rep. Goodwin told CBS Austin in an interview. "Again, they didn't know it was the same shooter, but they also didn't know that it wasn't the same shooter and they could have put out an alert about the South Austin neighborhood, which they neglected to do."
Goodwin specifically cited a statute from the 87th legislature, signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott in 2021, that would permit the Department of Public Safety to send a text warning of an active shooter in a general vicinity, including if requested by local law enforcement like the Austin Police Department.