Houston leaders hit back at Texas lt. governor over voter bills
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Two weeks have passed since Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick took shots at city and county leadership in the Houston area during a fiery defense of state voting integrity bills.
On Wednesday, Mayor Sylvester Turner was among Houston political and community leaders who offered a retort to GOP lawmakers in Austin, reiterating what they've argued as "suppressive" changes to voting that are included in Senate Bill 7.
An event took place that included former Harris County Clerk Chris Hollins, the man who put into place the county's pandemic-driven methods.
Earlier this month, on April 6, the often-outspoken Patrick defended SB7 as a way to more securely hold elections in the wake of reported but unverified voter fraud claims during last fall's presidential elections.
WATCH: Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick hits at critics who call SB7 "suppressive"
Patrick stood his ground in the face of various corporate leaders denouncing the bills, and, in the same breath, put down Houston-area leaders, who just the day before offered sharp criticism over the bills.
SEE MORE: Houston mayor denounces voting restrictions likely to pass in Texas
"I have news for Harris County: You are not the capital of Texas," Patrick said then.
SB7 is a top priority for the state's No. 2 legislative executive. According to an analysis by the Texas Tribune, the 38-page bill has transformed from the original, but changes to how voting is done in the state are at its foundation.
SEE MORE: How Texas elections would change and become more restrictive under bill Republicans are pushing
