Texas Democrats would relish beating Dan Patrick. It’s a longshot, but here’s their best bet
Texas Democrats still face an uphill climb to win statewide offices. Their best shot will come if a Republican incumbent somehow stumbles and the party is ready with a credible candidate.
For lieutenant governor, that candidate is Mike Collier. The Houston accountant, making his third run for statewide office, presents an alternative to Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and shows he’d be ready to govern.
Collier, 61, who specializes in evaluating business mergers, isn’t exactly a moderate, but he’s focused on bread-and-butter issues rather than loud displays on cultural issues. In our interview, he stressed the need to rely on the free market as much as possible while still offering solid proposals on reducing property taxes, making healthcare more affordable and improving the Texas electric grid.
He also understands that, if he somehow pulls the upset, he’ll need to govern a state Senate dominated by Republicans. Collier shows promise as someone who could strike useful compromises in that tricky environment.
Collier is a relentless critic of Patrick, who narrowly beat him in 2018. Some might question whether a two-time loser is the best option for Democrats or if the party should nominate a woman or minority candidate or strong progressive instead.
Collier’s opponent, state Rep. Michelle Beckley, a 52-year-old Carrollton business owner, was ranked one of the most liberal House members last year by a prominent political analyst. Nothing in her two terms in the lower chamber indicates she’s ready for statewide office.
In the initial primary, we recommended Carla Brailey, a professor and former state party leader. She finished third, with Collier at nearly 42% and Beckley at 30%. Now, Collier is the party’s best bet.
Early voting is May 16-20, with Election Day on May 24. The winner will face Patrick, who’s seeking a third four-year term, in the November general election.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREHey, who is behind these endorsements?
Members of the Editorial Board, which serves as the Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s institutional voice, decide candidates and positions to recommend to voters. The members of the board are: Cynthia M. Allen, columnist; Steve Coffman, editor and president; Bud Kennedy, columnist; Ryan J. Rusak, opinion editor; and Nicole Russell, opinion writer.
Members of our Community Advisory Board may also participate in candidate interviews and offer their views, but they do not vote on which candidate to recommend.
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How does the process work?
The Editorial Board interviews candidates, asking about positions on issues, experience and qualifications, and how they would approach holding the office for which they are running. Board members do additional research on candidates’ backgrounds and the issues at hand. After that, members discuss the candidates and generally aim to arrive at a consensus, though not necessarily unanimity. All members contribute observations and ideas, so the resulting editorials represent the board’s view, not a particular writer.
How do partisanship and ideology factor in?
We’re not tied to one party or the other, and our positions on issues range across the ideological spectrum. We tend to prefer candidates who align with our previously stated positions, but qualifications, temperament and experience are important, too.
