With the 89th Legislative Session past its halfway mark and a majority of his priority bills already through the Senate, Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has made it official: he’s running for re-election in 2026.
Patrick, who has presided over the Texas Senate since 2015, announced his re-election bid Thursday, marking the beginning of what would be his fourth term as lieutenant governor.
“With the Legislative Session past the halfway point and many of our priority bills passed, I am announcing my 2026 re-election campaign,” Patrick said in a public statement. “A more formal kickoff will come following the Session, but I wanted to make my intentions known and official.”
The timing of his announcement was no coincidence. It came just one day after former President Donald Trump offered his endorsement of Patrick’s re-election bid, calling him a reliable ally.
“He will never let you down!” Trump declared.
Patrick’s candidacy had been widely expected. Since first winning the post in 2014, he has maintained a dominant presence in Texas politics, winning re-election comfortably in 2018 and again in 2022. Speculation occasionally surfaced about whether Patrick might accept a position in a potential second Trump administration, but he has repeatedly dismissed those rumors.
“Absolutely,” he told High Plains Pundit in January 2023 when asked if he’d run again. Then, in November 2024, he reaffirmed that his “best opportunity to serve the people is right here. I love what I do.”
Patrick’s deep war chest suggests he’s preparing for a serious campaign. Earlier this year, he reported more than $33.5 million cash-on-hand—an impressive sum that signals confidence and likely discourages serious challengers.
In the Legislature, Patrick’s leadership has remained focused and assertive. The Senate, under his direction, has already passed 32 of its 40 priority bills this session, reflecting his continued influence over the state’s conservative policy agenda.
Public opinion, while sharply divided along party lines, shows a relatively steady perception of Patrick. According to February 2025 polling by The Texas Politics Project, 37% of Texans approve of the job he’s doing as lieutenant governor, while 32% disapprove. Among Republicans, support is strong—65% say they approve—whereas 67% of Democrats view him unfavorably.
Whether or not any serious opposition emerges remains to be seen, but Patrick’s message is clear: he’s not slowing down, and he believes his work in the Texas Senate is far from finished.
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