Dan Patrick, GOP, nominated Lieutenant Governor for Texas
HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Tea-party backed Dan Patrick has beaten three-term Texas Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst for GOP nomination in the Texas Primary run-off race for lieutenant governor, the Associated Press is reporting.
Dan Patrick, the Republicans' newly chosen nominee for lieutenant governor, says he'll campaign for votes in Democratic strongholds as he battles Democrat Leticia Van de Putte in November's election.
Patrick said his campaign will venture into Hispanic and African American neighborhoods in search of conservative support and contest Democrats for votes. His comments to supporters in Houston came shortly after David Dewhurst, the incumbent whom Patrick had just defeated, called to concede the race Tuesday night and pledge his active support in the general election campaign.
Patrick gave thanks to Dewhurst, with whom he had just concluded a bitter campaign, and gave thanks to tea party activists for their grassroots support. He said that if Democrats had hoped for his nomination, they got their wish and, in Patrick's words, "I'm coming."
Dewhurst has felt the familiar sting of losing a tough race just 2 years ago, as Ted Cruz, another Tea Party candidate, beat him for the nomination for US Senate.
The Associated Press contributed to this report
