Republicans Backing a Democrat: Canary in the Coal Mine for Texas GOP?

Y’all-itics: September 11, 2022

That escalated quickly. In the week since our last podcast, during which we broke the news that Republican Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley would be voting for Democrat Mike Collier in the race for Lieutenant Governor, another prominent Republican has done the same. State Senator Kel Seliger calls Republican incumbent Dan Patrick an “extremist,” and says state leadership must adapt to the growing diversity in Texas. These cross-over endorsements certainly send a message, but is it a warning for the Texas GOP? In this episode of Y’all-itics, the Jasons are joined by native Texan and political expert Jessica Huseman, Editorial Director of Votebeat. Jessica says the endorsements are significant politically in a state like Texas. And even if it doesn’t change the outcome on November 8, 2022, it could have a major impact by the time the Presidential election rolls around in 2024. You’ll also hear directly from Senator Kel Seliger about why he made his decision and from Mike Collier, who will tell you why he thinks these Republicans are coming to his side.

We invited Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick to join us on Y’all-itics. A spokesman for his campaign said he is unavailable.

Guests

Jessica Huseman, Votebeat Editorial Director

www.votebeat.org

Sen. Kel Seliger, (R) Amarillo

Mike Collier, (D) Candidate for Lt. Governor