AUSTIN — U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick warned Texas Republicans Wednesday that complacency could cost them control of the state in the November 2026 elections, urging conservatives to mobilize against Democratic candidates.
Cruz and Patrick issued the warning during a joint podcast as they discussed the political stakes of the upcoming election.
“We could lose Texas,” Cruz said, warning that Democrats could make gains if Republicans fail to turn out voters.
Patrick described the political environment as a “five-alarm fire” and said Republicans must work to keep control of Texas.
“Every Republican, every conservative, every non-nuts common-sense Texan needs to understand the crazies are coming out in force,” Cruz said.
The two Republicans criticized Democratic candidates over issues including taxes, school choice and transgender athletes in women’s sports. They also warned that a Democratic takeover of Texas could have consequences beyond state politics.
“If Democrats take Texas, you never elect a Republican to the White House ever again because of the electoral votes,” Patrick said.
Patrick, who is seeking another term as lieutenant governor, will face Democratic state Rep. Vikki Goodwin of Austin in November. Republican Gov. Greg Abbott will face Democratic nominee Gina Hinojosa.
Cruz is not up for reelection until 2030. Texas’ other U.S. Senate seat will be contested between Democratic U.S. Rep. James Talarico and Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton.
Cruz compared the current political environment in Texas with California before Democrats established lasting control of that state.
“I said, ‘I’m not talking about California. I’m describing my state of Texas in the 1970s,’” Cruz said.
The warnings come as Democrats seek to compete in Texas races that Republicans have traditionally dominated. Recent polling has shown Talarico holding a narrow lead over Paxton in the Senate race.
