In a move that signals continuity in Texas politics, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has announced his bid for a fourth term in office, with backing from former President Donald Trump. Patrick, who at 75 has already become a familiar conservative figure in the state, made his intentions clear preceding the formal campaign period set to kick off after the ongoing Legislative session.
"The campaign will begin soon enough, but with seven weeks still to go in the Legislative Session, my focus remains on the work to be done at the Capitol for the people of Texas," Patrick stated, according to a report by CBS Austin. With a policy track record that champions stricter border enforcement, the entanglement of religion within educational institutions, and reductions in property tax, his platform remains steadfastly to the right.
The endorsement from Trump, a notable influence among conservatives, suggests that Patrick's base in the Republican Party remains solidly behind him. Trump expressed his support on the Truth Social platform, pledging that Patrick would "fight tirelessly alongside of us to Secure the Border, Stop Migrant Crime, Grow the Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Champion School Choice, Support our Great Military/Vets, Restore American Energy DOMINANCE, and Strongly Protect our always under siege Second Amendment." This encouragement can be seen as pivotal for Patrick's campaign as it taps into the established Republican electorate.
Patrick's position in Texas politics is significantly bolstered by his past, serving initially as a state senator, followed by his successful bid to unseat Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst in 2014. Patrick's current and potentially future influence can change not just the composition of the state Senate but the broader political trajectory of Texas. According to a Texas Tribune report, Tyler Norris, a Republican political consultant, lauded Patrick's ability to shape a Senate that "works extremely efficiently."
Despite the partisan divide, a February poll conducted by the University of Texas at Austin's Texas Polling Project indicates a solid approval rating from conservative voters, with 33% approving strongly of Patrick's performance and another 34% somewhat approving. Researchers from the same project, like Joshua Blank, have suggested that Patrick is unlikely to face significant opposition in his bid for another term. This forecasted lack of credible challengers signals that Patrick's tenure is likely to continue, solidifying his ranking as one of the longest-serving lieutenant governors in Texas history.
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