On Tuesday, Democrat State Rep. Michelle Beckley (Carrollton) announced yet another new campaign, this time for lieutenant governor of Texas.
In July, while absent from her duties in the Texas Legislature and aiding in the quorum break that held the Texas Legislature hostage for more than 37 days, Beckley announced a bid for U.S. Congress, challenging Republican Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne.
As the third special legislative session got underway and the delayed decennial redistricting process began taking form, the congressional district Beckley was running for, Texas Congressional District 24, no longer included Beckley’s residence within its new boundaries and was drawn to be much more favorable to Republicans. Beckley’s Texas House seat was drawn in similar fashion.
As such, she suspended her short-lived congressional campaign in October.
In her announcement, Beckley said her top priorities “include fixing the electrical grid, expanding Medicaid, fully funding public education and legalizing marijuana – all things that will lead to economic prosperity and health for all Texans.”
Beckley was first elected in 2018, ousting incumbent Republican State Rep. Ron Simmons.
Other Candidates in the Race
Now running for lieutenant governor, she is challenging incumbent Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. Before she can square off against him, however, she will have to defeat two other candidates vying for the Democrat nomination.
Mike Collier announced his bid for the position in early October. He is a financial auditor and former advisor to President Joe Biden. Collier had previously secured the nomination in 2018, where he went on to lose to Patrick by slightly less than five points (slightly more than 400,000 votes).
Another announced challenger is Matthew Dowd, an author, media analyst, and someone who previously served as a chief strategist to the Bush administration in 2004.
Patrick also has four Republican challengers of his own. Conservative activist Trayce Bradford announced her challenge in early October, and Texas Nationalist Movement leader Daniel Miller announced a short time thereafter. Aaron Sorrells and Zach Vance have also announced their candidacies.
What Does it All Mean?
The candidate filing period ends on December 13, so it is still possible for additional candidates to add their names for consideration. As of now, the primary election date is scheduled for March 1, 2022.
