At the time of publication, Patrick was leading his opponent with 54.9 percent of the vote while Collier trailed him with 42.6 percent. In 2018, Patrick defeated Collier with 51 percent of the vote compared to Collier’s 46 percent.
Collier made public education, the Texas energy grid, and abortion rights the focuses of his campaign.
Patrick was the chairman of former President Trump’s campaign in Texas and could have a role in Trump’s possible 2024 presidential bid. He has campaigned with Trump and made appearances at his rallies in Texas.
In a media appearance last week, Patrick toned down his support for school choice legislation, committing to “bracket out” rural school districts from school vouchers.
The lieutenant governor has emphasized his pro-life views and helped usher in the Human Life Protection Act of 2021. Patrick has also been responsive to issues that are important to staunch conservatives, such as when he prioritized a law enacted last year requiring professional sports teams to play the national anthem prior to games if they contract with the state government.
A former Republican, Collier received endorsements from a set of former and outgoing GOP elected officials, including Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley. Sen. Eddie Lucio (D-Brownsville) also crossed party lines to endorse Patrick.
During the final weeks of the race, Collier’s campaign even sent a cease and desist letter to Texas broadcasters asking them to stop airing an advertisement by Patrick.
Patrick succeeded former Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst in January 2015. He swept the 2022 primary with the support of over three out of four of Republican voters.
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Hayden Sparks
Hayden Sparks is a senior reporter for The Texan and a lifelong resident of the Lone Star State. He has coached competitive speech and debate and has been involved in politics since a young age. One of Hayden's favorite quotes is by Sam Houston: "Texas has yet to learn submission to any oppression, come from what source it may."
