Beth Swanson

Beth Swanson is the incumbent governor of Texas, following the 2026 election. She previously served as lieutenant governor under Catherine Schuck, who was elected president. Beth is a Democrat. She defeated Julia De Vera, a conservative activist who affiliates with the Republican Party in the race for the governorship when Cathy vacated the seat. Beth is one of the notable party-switchers in the United States, having turned to the Democratic Party in 2012.

Political career
Her running mate in the 2026 election was Donald Plains, a politician representing Texas's 29th District. The two eventually won the election.

Beth was formerly a Republican. She switched to the Democratic Party in 2012, ten years before starting her term as lieutenant governor.

As a Republican, Beth ran for a seat in Texas's House of Representatives in 2010 where she lost to a (incumbent) Democrat.