Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s competition at the polls next year won’t just be coming from Democrats.
At a meeting of Grassroots America – We the People in Tyler on Tuesday evening, Tracye Bradford, conservative activist and former president of the Texas Eagle Forum, announced she would be mounting a campaign against Patrick in the Republican primary in 2022.
“After much prayer and discussion with my family, I have made the decision to run for the office of Lt. Governor for the great state of Texas. As a native Texan and strong conservative, I will stand up for the liberty principles that are foundational to Texas’ long-term success,” said Bradford. After leaving Texas Eagle Forum, she became the vice president of Christians Engaged.
In a campaign announcement, Bradford said she was running because of constant challenges on the southern border and Texas’ sovereignty, as well as “the ever-growing government encroachment into our lives and liberties as citizens.”
“Whether it be protecting our children, our individual medical rights, or small businesses, there are critical decisions that must be made and not continually kicked down the road. The time is now for decisive action and unwavering courage to stand up for Texan’s inalienable rights given by our Creator, protected in our constitutions, both state and federal and under the rule of law. We must respect the role of self-governance and value the heritage of this great state and her citizens,” she added.
Patrick, a former state senator, has served as lieutenant governor since 2015. Before the legislative session ended in May, Patrick touted the endorsement of former President Donald Trump in an attempt to dissuade intra-party challengers.
On the Democrat side, Patrick has already garnered opponents in his 2018 foe Mike Collier and former George Bush advisor Matt Dowd.
While the primary election is currently scheduled for March 1, 2022, delays due to legislative redistricting could force the election to be moved back.
