AUSTIN, Texas — Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick warned Wednesday that Texas Republicans could struggle to maintain their majority in the state House this fall, citing ongoing intra-party divisions.
Speaking at the Texas Public Policy Foundation annual conference, Patrick urged the loser of the Republican U.S. Senate primary runoff — either Sen. John Cornyn or Attorney General Ken Paxton — to support the winner against Democratic nominee James Talarico, who secured his party’s nomination in March.
Patrick said a divided GOP could jeopardize the Senate race and harm down-ballot Republican candidates, citing past elections, including the 2018 midterms and a recent special Senate election in a traditionally Republican district.
“Get over it and come together as one,” Patrick said, urging unity to help House members retain their seats. He added that he expects the state Senate to remain “in good shape.”
Republicans currently hold 88 of 150 seats in the Texas House and have controlled the chamber since 2003. Democrats would need to flip at least 14 seats to win a majority. The GOP holds a 20-11 advantage in the state Senate.
House Speaker Dustin Burrows responded on social media, asserting, “We will not lose the Texas House. We will fight to retain every Republican seat” and highlighting Texas’ “prosperity under Republican leadership.”
Patrick is seeking a fourth four-year term as lieutenant governor after winning his March primary and will face the Democratic runoff winner between Vikki Goodwin and Marcos Vélez in November.