Democrat Candidate for Texas Lt. Gov. Focuses on Economy and Wallet Issues

The Lieutenant Governor Race in Texas

In the state of Texas, the role of lieutenant governor is one that holds significant power, even though it often goes unnoticed by the general public. This position is not just a ceremonial title; it plays a crucial role in shaping the legislative agenda of the Texas State Senate. Currently, two Democrats are competing for their party’s nomination in this critical race, which will determine who will challenge the incumbent Republican, Dan Patrick, in the upcoming general election.

Candidates and the Runoff Election

Marcos Velez is running against state Representative Vikki Goodwin, D-Austin, in a Democratic runoff for the lieutenant governor position. Neither candidate managed to secure a majority of the votes during the March primary, which necessitated a runoff election set for May 26. This date falls just a day after Memorial Day, making it an important time for voters to make their voices heard.

Velez, a 40-year-old political newcomer, brings a message centered around generational change and economic issues that directly affect everyday Texans. He emphasizes the importance of addressing pocketbook concerns, such as raising wages, lowering costs, and expanding access to healthcare and education. His background as a union negotiator and assistant director for the United Steelworkers District 13 gives him a unique perspective on the challenges faced by working-class individuals.

The Role of the Lieutenant Governor

The lieutenant governor in Texas has a significant influence over the legislative process. As Velez explained, “You are basically the president for the Texas Senate.” This means that the individual in this position has the power to prioritize which legislation moves forward in the Senate. For many Texans, this role is often overlooked, yet it has a direct impact on their daily lives.

Velez highlighted that issues like the low minimum wage, unreliable power grids, and underfunded schools are all connected to the decisions made by the lieutenant governor. “Normal people lose sight of that it starts with the lieutenant governor setting the agenda,” he said.

A Voice for the Middle Class

Velez, who hails from Houston, has never run for political office before. He worked as an oil industry maintenance and production worker and also helped out at his grandfather’s diesel shop. His experiences have shaped his views on what it means to be a normal, everyday person.

“I’m not a billionaire,” Velez said. “I am a normal, everyday guy. I cut my own grass. I repair my own vehicles. I feel the pain when I go buy groceries every week for my family, like normal Texans do.”

He believes that the current government is dysfunctional because its leaders are disconnected from the struggles of ordinary citizens. “Government was always intended to be run by normal people,” he added. “The reason it is so dysfunctional is because the leaders we have right now do not feel the impact of their own decisions because they are so wealthy.”

A Message of Change

Velez is not afraid to criticize both parties for the frustration felt by everyday Texans. During an interview, a journalist pointed out that he hadn’t mentioned his opponent or the Republican incumbent, but Velez responded by saying, “That’s because I hold all politicians that hurt working Texans culpable.”

He sees the Democratic primary as a choice between an “establishment Democrat who is very status quo” and an outsider with a proven track record of fighting for working-class people. Velez also emphasizes the need for generational change within the Democratic Party. “People are always asking young people to step up,” he said. “But we see it on our union job sites. We see it everywhere. People can only step up if people already in place move out of the way.”

The Runoff and Beyond

During the March primary, Goodwin won about 48 percent of the vote, while Velez took 31.5 percent statewide. However, Velez performed well in El Paso County, where he received about 47 percent of the vote. The runoff will be a critical moment for both candidates as they try to capture the excitement of voters.

“I don’t know if anger or frustration does that,” Velez said. “It is really going to be a matter of which candidate people are more excited about.”

As the race continues, the focus remains on the issues that matter most to Texans: economic fairness, access to healthcare, and quality education. The outcome of this election could shape the future of Texas for years to come.