AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick warned fellow Republicans this week that internal party divisions could cost the GOP a key U.S. Senate seat in the upcoming election. Speaking at the Texas Public Policy Foundation’s annual conference, Patrick cautioned that a fractured party base - and a chunk of the loser's supporters staying home in protest - might hand an unexpected victory to a Democratic challenger.
The warning comes as high-profile Republicans Ken Paxton and John Cornyn head toward a May primary runoff. Patrick suggested that the aggressive nature of the race could weaken the eventual nominee, leaving them vulnerable during the general election cycle.
"A contentious primary battle could open the door for a Democratic challenger," Patrick told the room of conservative leaders and activists.
Patrick specifically identified Austin-area Democrat James Talarico as a candidate Republicans should not underestimate. Talarico has seen a surge in his statewide profile and messaging effectiveness in recent weeks. Patrick noted that if the GOP remains divided, Democrats may find a rare opportunity to compete seriously in a statewide landscape that typically favors Republicans.
The lieutenant governor then challenged the Republican heavyweights to unite the party immediately after the election. "John Cornyn, if you lose, you need to endorse Ken Paxton and get your voters to support Ken Paxton," he said. "And Ken Paxton, if you lose, you need to endorse John Cornyn and get your voters to support John Cornyn. Because if 10 to 15 percent of either of their sides don't turn out and vote, James Talarico is going to win."
With the runoff set for May, both parties are expected to significantly increase fundraising and grassroots mobilization. The outcome will determine whether the Texas GOP can consolidate its power or if the internal rift will provide the opening Democrats have sought for years.
