Vikki Goodwin declared victory over Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick on Tuesday to become the first Democratic lieutenant governor of Texas in 27 years, handily dismissing an architect of the modern Texas Republican Party who pushed the state further right during his nearly two decades in public office.

Patrick conceded after midnight.

"This was a wave election in Texas and across the country. Whether it was about affordability, gas prices, data centers, 765-kV lines, or any other issue important to them, I respect how the people voted. It was a fair election, and I accept the majority will of the voters," Patrick said in a statement.